The genus Cirsium (family Asteraceae, subfamily Carduoideae) comprises more than 200 species distributed throughout the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. In recent years, particular scientific interest has focused on Cirsium arvense (L.) Scop. (creeping thistle) and Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Ten. (spear thistle). These species are notable for their high content of secondary metabolites and broad biological activity. However, the available data on their phytochemical composition and biological potential remain fragmented. This information is methodologically diverse and scattered across different scientific disciplines, underscoring the need for systematic analysis. In this study, a comprehensive literature review was conducted. Sources included PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and other online databases. The focus was on phytochemical composition and pharmacological activity. Both species contain a wide range of secondary metabolites. These include phenolic acids (chlorogenic, caffeic, and ferulic acids), flavonoids (luteolin, apigenin, kaempferol, quercetin), triterpenoids (lupeol, taraxerol), and phytosterols. C. vulgare generally has higher levels of chlorogenic acid and flavonoid glycosides. In contrast, C. arvense has a greater abundance of triterpenes and steroidal compounds. Pharmacological studies show antioxidant, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic activities for both species. Overall, the available data indicate that C. arvense and C. vulgare are promising sources of biologically active compounds with diverse pharmacological potential. Although there are some limitations regarding standardization and the depth of preclinical and clinical validation, the obtained results confirm their relevance for further pharmacological and phytochemical research.

Medicinal plants remain instrumental in healthcare due to their abundance of bioactive compounds. Endemic species, in particular, require targeted research, as many remain understudied despite evidence of their biological potential. Numerous anticancer drugs are derived from plants, highlighting the importance of studying underrepresented flora. The unique botanical diversity of Kazakhstan includes Eminium regelii, a rare endemic species of the Araceae family. Although experimental data are limited, early in vitro studies indicate potential anticancer properties. Phytochemical analysis identified luteolin and quercetin as active components. Unlike other species in this genus, E. regelii remains understudied, highlighting the need for further phytochemical and pharmacological research. Furthermore, nanodelivery systems offer a promising strategy for enhancing the solubility, absorption, and efficacy of these flavonoids in future studies. The aim of this review is to comprehensively analyze the therapeutic potential of Eminium regelii as a promising anticancer agent based on existing data.