In this study, the antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of isolated compounds from the roots of Onosma visianii were investigated. By using different chromatographic techniques and appropriate spectroscopic methods, the seven naphthoquinones were described: deoxyshikonin (1), isobutyrylshikonin (2), α-methylbutyrylshikonin (3), acetylshikonin (4), β-hydroxyisovalerylshikonin (5), 5,8-O-dimethyl isobutyrylshikonin (6) and 5,8-O-dimethyl deoxyshikonin (7). Among the tested compounds, 3 and 4 exhibited the highest antibacterial activities toward all tested bacterial species (MIC50 and MIC90 for gram positive bacteria: 6.40 μg/mL-12.79 μg/mL and 6.82 μg/mL-13.60 μg/mL, respectively; for gram negative bacteria: 4.27 μg/mL-8.53 μg/mL and 4.77 μg/mL-9.54 μg/mL, respectively). Also, naphthoquinones 3 and 4 exhibited strong cytotoxic activity against MDA-MB-231 cells (IC50 values 86.0 μg/mL and 80.2 μg/mL, respectively), while compounds 1, 3, 4 and 5 significantly decreased viability of HCT116 cells (IC50 values of 97.8 μg/mL, 15.2 μg/mL, 24.6 μg/mL and 30.9 μg/mL, respectively). Our results indicated that all tested naphthoquinone pigments are potential candidates for clinical uses as antibacterial and cytotoxic agents.

The antioxidant activity, total phenolic and flavonoid content of ethanolic, acetone and ethyl acetate extracts of Ruscus hypoglossum L. and Ruscus aculeatus L. (aerial parts) from Serbia were investigated in this paper. The best total antioxidant capacity (23.329 ?g AA g-1) and the highest DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 = 182.54 ?g mL-1) were found in acetone and ethyl acetate extract of R. aculeatus L. Ethanolic extract of R. hypoglossum L. showed the highest ABTS radical cation scavenging activity (IC50 = 3.04 ?g mL-1) as well as reducing power (IC50 = 0.143 ?g mL-1). The best inhibitory activity against lipid peroxidation (IC50 =651 ?g mL-1) and the best ferrous ion chelating ability (IC50 = 110 ?g mL-1) were found in acetone and ethyl acetate extract of R. hypoglossum L. The highest total phenolic (8.569 mg GAE g-1) and flavonoid content (0.136 mg RU g-1) were found in ethanolic and acetone extract of R. hypoglossum L. and R. aculeatus L, respectively.

The paper presents the results of research of negative effects of zinc (Zn) on seed germination of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Besides the impact on the percentage of germination, the toxic effect on some morphometric characteristics was followed, too. Ripe seeds of wheat were exposed in standard laboratory conditions to the influence of zinc, in form of zinc chloride (ZnCl₂), at different values of concentration. For each value of concentration it was determined the percentage of germinationed seeds, as well as the length of root and shoot. It as found the value of the concentration of ZnCl₂, which inhibited completely germination of wheat. The mean values of the length of root and shoot for each concentration were compared with values obtained for the control group of seeds, which were not treated with ZnCl₂. In addition to causing of inhibition of seed germination, the presence of zinc in the medium affects disorder of the physiological—biochemical processes during the growth and development of vegetative organs that it indicates the difference in the length of the root and shoot of treated seeds in relation to the control group of untreated seeds.

The genotoxic and antigenotoxic effects of Cotinus coggygria Scop. methanol extract was investigated using the Drosophilasex-linked recessive lethal (or SLRL) test. The results presented here show...

Plants as a source of active phytochemistry are the basis of nutrition. However, man uses them in traditional medicine and veterinary medicine, but also as raw materials in many branches of industry (textile, construction…). The need and role of traditional medicines in the health care system havе been growing in recent decades. The aim of the research is to determine the list of plants that are traditionally used by the local population on the territory of the municipality of Kuršumlija, and the way of their application in folk medicine, veterinary medicine, customs. Data on knowledge of plants and their use were collected through interviews in the period from May to September 2020. A total of 49 people were interviewed (37.5% men and 62.5% women), aged between 21 and 81, mostly from urban areas (79.2% of respondents are from the city and 20.8% from rural areas). Respondents have different education: 6.3% have a primary school, 58.3% have a secondary school and 35.4% have higher education. During the research, it was stated that the largest number of plant species used for therapeutic purposes belongs to families: Lamiaceae (20.5%), Asteraceae (12.8%), Rosaceae (5.1%) and the most commonly used species are: Mentha piperita (47.9% of respondents), Matricaria chamomilla (37.5% of respondents); Urtica dioica (31.2% of respondents); Hypericum perforatum (27% of respondents), Salvia officinalis (22.9% of respondents); Achillea millefolium (14.5% of respondents); Ocimum basilicum (12.5% ​​of respondents). For therapeutic purposes, teas (infusion, decoction), tinctures, and oils are prepared for oral use, and for external use, compresses and ointments. The largest number of respondents reported the use of herbal medicines for the treatment of gastrointestinal and respiratory organs. In the customs related to religious holidays, the largest number of respondents use oak.

Woody plants are increasingly used in the remediation of contaminated land. The content of metals (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ca, Mg) was analyzed in the plant species Populus nigra L. and Populus tremula L. and in the soil on which they grow. The aim of the research was to determine differences between these two species based on the content of metals in plant organs (sprouts and leaves) and bioaccumulation potential and point out the potential application of these species in phytoremediation. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to measure these heavy metals in soil and plant material. The results showed that P. tremula was a better metal accumulator because it absorbed larger quantities of Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn from P. nigra. P. nigra absorbed more chromium than P. tremula. Both species proved to be good zinc accumulators, and better bioaccumulation potential was found in P. tremula of P. nigra, although aspen had a strong negative correlation with Zn.