Bergapten (BP) or 5‐methoxypsoralen (5‐MOP) is a furocoumarin compound mainly found in bergamot essential oil but also in other citrus essential oils and grapefruit juice. This compound presents antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory, hypolipemic, and anticancer effects and is successfully used as a photosensitizing agent. The present review focuses on the research evidence related to the therapeutic properties of bergapten collected in recent years. Many preclinical and in vitro studies have been evidenced the therapeutic action of BP; however, few clinical trials have been carried out to evaluate its efficacy. These clinical trials with BP are mainly focused on patients suffering from skin disorders such as psoriasis or vitiligo. In these trials, the administration of BP (oral or topical) combined with UV irradiation induces relevant lesion clearance rates. In addition, beneficial effects of bergamot extract were also observed in patients with altered serum lipid profiles and in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver. On the contrary, there are no clinical trials that investigate the possible effects on cancer. Although the bioavailability of BP is lower than that of its 8‐methoxypsoralen (8‐MOP) isomer, it has fewer side effects allowing higher concentrations to be administered. In conclusion, although the use of BP has therapeutic applications on skin disorders as a sensitizing agent and as components of bergamot extract as hypolipemic therapy, more trials are necessary to define the doses and treatment guidelines and its usefulness against other pathologies such as cancer or bacterial infections.

Cancers are complex diseases orchestrated by a plethora of extrinsic and intrinsic factors. Research spanning over several decades has provided better understanding of complex molecular interactions responsible for the multifaceted nature of cancer. Recent advances in the field of next generation sequencing and functional genomics have brought us closer towards unravelling the complexities of tumor microenvironment (tumor heterogeneity) and deregulated signaling cascades responsible for proliferation and survival of tumor cells. Phytochemicals have begun to emerge as potent beneficial substances aimed to target deregulated signaling pathways. Isoflavonoid genistein is an essential phytochemical involved in regulation of key biological processes including those in different types of cancer. Emerging preclinical evidence have shown its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Testing of this substance is in various phases of clinical trials. Comprehensive preclinical and clinical trials data is providing insight on genistein as a modulator of various signaling pathways both at transcription and translation levels. In this review we have explained the mechanistic regulation of several key cellular pathways by genistein. We have also addressed in detail various microRNAs regulated by genistein in different types of cancer. Moreover, application of nano-formulations to increase the efficiency of genistein is also discussed. Understanding the pleiotropic potential of genistein to regulate key cellular pathways and development of efficient drug delivery system will bring us a step towards designing better chemotherapeutics.

Cichorium intybus L. (Asteraceae family) is a world-wide grown plant known as chicory. In traditional medicine, this plant is used as diuretic, anti-inflammatory, digestive, cardiotonic and liver tonic. Chromatographic purification of the supercritical fluid extract of aerial parts of C. intybus on silica gel column led to isolation of three compounds: new compound, 28β-hydroxytaraxasterol (I), and two known compounds usnic acid (II) and β-sitosterol (III). Purification of the ethanolic extract of aerial parts of this plant on silica gel column chromatography yielded four compounds: 1,3-dioleylglycerate (IV), sitoindoside II (V), 11β-13-dihydrolactucin (VI) and β-sitosterol-3-O-glucoside (VII). The structures of the isolated compounds were determined by their 1D, 2D NMR and MS spectral data. All the fractions and isolated compounds were tested for cannabinoid and opioid receptor binding, as well as antibacterial, antifungal and antimalarial activities. Compound I showed moderate activity (60.5% displacement) towards CB1 receptor.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has established research programs to fight the phytopathogen Colletotrichum fragariae and the invasive red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. C. fragariae is known to cause anthracnose disease in fruits and vegetables, while S. invicta is known for its aggressive behavior and painful stings and for being the cause of significant damage to crops, as well as harm to humans and animals. Many plants have been studied for potential activity against C. fragariae and S. invicta. Among the studied plants, Houttuynia cordata Thunb has been shown to contain 2-undecanone, which h is known for its antifungal activity against Colletotrichum gloesporioides. Based on the mean amount of sand removed, 2-undecanone showed significant repellency at 62.5 µg/g, similar to DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), against S. invicta. The 2-Undecanone with an LC₅₀ of 44.59 µg/g showed toxicity against S. invicta workers. However, neither H. cordata extract nor 2-undecanone had shown activity against C. fragariae despite their known activity against C. gloesporioides, which in turn motivates us in repositioning 2-undecanone as a selected candidate for a Claisen–Schmidt condensation that enables access to several analogs (2a–f). Among the prepared analogs, (E)-1-(3-methylbenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)dodec-1-en-3-one (2b) and (E)-1-(5-bromothiophen-2-yl)dodec-1-en-3-one (2f) showed promising activity against C. fragariae, revealing a distinctive structural activity relationship (SAR). The generated analogs revealed a clear regioselectivity pattern through forming the C=C alkene bond at position C-1. These data open the window for further lead optimization and product development in the context of managing C. fragariae and S. invicta.

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.

In recent years, research on developing biodegradable dental coatings has gained particular relevance. In this context, the extract of Asian mint (Mentha asiatica Boriss.), known for its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, is considered a key effective component of dental materials. The purpose of this study. To develop novel biodegradable dental coatings based on Asian mint (Mentha asiatica Boriss.) extract and to determine their technological characteristics. Methods and materials. The composition of the coating was selected, and its preparation technology was developed. The main stages of the technological process included casting into molds, drying, and sterilization of the final product. The degradation properties of the coatings in the oral cavity were studied. The research was conducted at the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, and at the Medical University of Gdańsk (Gdańsk, Poland). Results. New biodegradable dental coatings were obtained. It was established that they completely dissolve in oral tissues, suppress microbial flora, reduce inflammation, and accelerate wound healing. Conclusions. The findings enable the development of safe and effective biodegradable dental coatings for practical use, confirming the scientific novelty of utilizing a plant-derived substance.