Riparian forests are usually situated between terrestrial and aquatic systems. They play an essential role in the health of the environment and in providing complex ecosystem services. This is especially essential in arid and semi-arid regions. However, despite these facts, riparian ecosystems are underexplored in the specialty literature. As such, the purpose of this study is to address this gap by synthesizing the current knowledge about riparian forests, using both a bibliometric analysis and a qualitative literature approach. This analysis allowed us to identify six main ecosystem services provided by riparian forests: biodiversity support, carbon sequestration, water quality regulation, slope stability, pollution mitigation, and sociocultural benefits. Furthermore, we have emphasized local challenges (deforestation, agricultural expansion, a lack of policies). Connecting ecological knowledge with a socio-cultural context is the first step in creating a strong foundation for the adequate management of these essential ecosystems, while also supporting their conservation, development and climate resilience.

Considering the growing interest in functional foods, the identification of the individual species of elements is of great importance in understanding specific nutraceutical properties. The present study aims to compare the dynamic of the elemental content (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni, and Se), total polyphenols, and antioxidant activity of Trifolium pratense L. and Medicago sativa L. sprouts in different germination stages. The elemental profile was established by atomic absorption spectroscopy after the microwave acid digestion of the samples, while total polyphenols and anti-radical activity were evaluated by UV-Vis spectroscopic methods. Phenolic compounds and anti-radical activity of both alfalfa and red clover sprouts varied with germination stages. Germination can significantly increase the anti-radical activity in the first 3 days of germination, followed by a decline in the following days. An increase in total polyphenols was noticed, starting from the second day of germination in both plant species. There were significant (p < 0.05) differences for Ca, Na, Fe, K, Zn, and Mg contents among the sprouts, depending on the germination stage and plant species. The calcium contents of alfalfa ranged between 200.74 µg/g DW (raw seeds) and 2765.31 µg/g DW (sprouted), while in red clover between 250.83 µg/g DW and 601.59 µg/g DW. Maximum selenium content in alfalfa sprouts, reached in the 3rd day of germination (11.42 µg/g DW), exceeded the maximum value measured in red clover (9.42 µg/g DW). The data were subject to statistical processing using analysis of variance (ANOVA), multivariate analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA).

Background/Objectives: Oral health is a complex concept involving physical, psychological, emotional, and social components. A key factor in maintaining oral tissue integrity is redox balance, which is disrupted by oxidative stress (OS) through an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defenses. This study examines the contribution of endogenous and exogenous sources to OS and explores the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants from the Asteraceae and Lamiaceae families in restoring redox homeostasis and improving oral health. Methods: A literature review was conducted, analyzing the role of OS in oral diseases and the antioxidant mechanisms of selected Asteraceae species. Special attention was given to their phytochemical contents—polyphenols, flavonoids, and essential oils—and their biological relevance to oral health. Results: OS plays a critical role in the onset and progression of oral conditions such as caries, periodontitis, gingivitis, aphthous ulcers, abscesses, precancerous lesions, and oral cancers. ROS and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) cause inflammation, tissue breakdown, and salivary gland dysfunction. Asteraceae plants like Matricaria chamomilla, Calendula officinalis, Cichorium intybus, Taraxacum officinale, Arctium lappa, Achillea millefolium, and Solidago virgaurea demonstrate notable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties that help counteract OS and support oral homeostasis. Conclusions: Asteraceae and Lamiaceae species show high therapeutic potential in addressing OS-related oral disorders. Their bioactive compounds aid in restoring redox balance and protecting oral tissues. These findings support the integration of phytotherapeutic agents into oral healthcare and call for further clinical validation of plant-based strategies for disease prevention and management.

Pines are edifying woody species for forest habitats, having crucial importance for ecosystems in both cold (boreal or mountainous) and warm (Mediterranean and tropical) areas. Pine trees include about 120 species, many of which have had an important ornamental role. Despite their ecological importance, many pine forests are threatened by increasing deforestation and habitat degradation, leading to progressive declines in species distribution and genetic diversity worldwide. Humans have used pine wood since the Stone Age, gradually discovering their outstanding medical properties. This review synthesizes global knowledge on the medicinal potential of pines. Using a comprehensive literature survey of major international scientific databases, we evaluated documented traditional and modern medical applications across all regions where pines naturally occur. The vast majority (86) of pine species were described as having medicinal properties, and the uses of the main pine species in representative regions of all continents supporting forest vegetation were examined. Various organs or secretions (needles, branches, bark, buds, cones, seeds, pollen, roots, wood, sap, resin, pitch, etc.) have been used to prevent or treat numerous diseases or to strengthen the organism. Their reported therapeutic activities include antioxidant, antimutagenic, antitumor, antimicrobial, skin-protective, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antiallergenic, laxative, circulatory-enhancing, antihypertensive, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-aging, and antithrombotic effects. Given the remarkable phytochemical diversity and broad pharmacological value of these species, the conservation of pine genetic resources and natural habitats is urgent. Protecting these species is essential not only for maintaining ecosystem resilience but also for preserving their substantial pharmaceutical and industrial potential.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has increasingly contributed to advancements in pharmaceutical practice, particularly by enhancing the pharmacist–patient relationship and improving medication adherence. This quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study investigated Eastern Romanian pharmacists’ perception of AI-based applications as effective optimization tools, correlating it with disruptive communication factors. An anonymous and online questionnaire was distributed to community pharmacists, examining sociodemographic characteristics, awareness of disruptive factors, and the perceived usefulness of AI. The sample included 437 respondents: pharmacists (55.6%), mostly female (83.8%), and aged between 25 and 44 (52.6%). Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and independent t-tests. The statistical analysis revealed a significantly positive perception (p < 0.001) of AI on pharmacist–patient communication. Respondents viewed AI as a valuable tool for reducing medication errors and optimizing counseling time, though they maintain a strong emphasis on genuine human interaction. Significant correlations were found between disruptive factors—such as noise and high patient volume—and the quality of communication. Participants also expressed an increased interest in applications like automatic prescription scheduling and the use of chatbots. The study concludes that a balanced implementation of AI technologies is necessary, one that runs parallel with the continuous development of pharmacists’ communication skills. Future research should focus on validating AI’s impact on clinical outcomes and establishing clear ethical guidelines regarding the use of patient data.

Fermented plant-based beverages represent promising functional foods due to their content of bioactive compounds (polyphenols, prebiotics) and viable probiotic microorganisms. Sprouted buckwheat is a rich source of bioactives and nutrients, which makes it a promising ingredient for the development of synbiotic formulations. This study aimed to optimize the fermentation process of a plant-based beverage composed of germinated buckwheat, honey, inulin, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (Lpb. plantarum), using Box–Behnken experimental design (BBD) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM) tools. The influence of three independent variables (inulin, honey, and inoculum concentration) was evaluated on five key response variables: total polyphenol content, flavonoid content, antioxidant activity (RSA%), pH, and starter culture viability. The optimal formulation—comprising 3% inulin, 10% honey, and 6.97 mg/100 mL inoculum—demonstrated functional stability over 21 days of refrigerated storage (4 °C), maintaining high levels of antioxidants and probiotic viability in the fermented beverage. Kinetic analysis of the fermentation process confirmed the intense metabolic activity of Lpb. plantarum, as evidenced by a decrease in pH, active consumption of reducing sugars, and organic acids accumulation.