Fomes fomentarius (L.) Fr. has been valued since the 15th century across Europe, including the Balkan region, for its medicinal and traditional uses such as tinder production, spiritual practices, wound healing, and hemostasis. This study analyzes three Balkan strains, focusing on micro- and macroelements, polyamines (PAs), and phenolic compounds in hot water (H₂O), chloroform (CHCl₃), hydroethanolic (EtOH), and hydromethanolic (MeOH) extracts. Micro- and macroelements were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), while PAs were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FD). Phenolic profiles were determined using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), with total phenolic content (TPC) assessed using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Antioxidant activity was evaluated via DPPH, ABTS, NO scavenging, lipid peroxidation inhibition, and FRAP assays, alongside anti-acetylcholinesterase and antiproliferative activity assessments. This study represents the first investigation of PA profiles in F. fomentarius, with total PA levels ranging from 32.67 to 2910.09 nmol/g dry weight (d.w.). The Bosnian strain exhibited the highest PA levels, with spermidine (SPD) concentrations ranging from 899.96 to 2910.09 nmol/g d.w. LC-MS/MS analysis identified several bioactive phenolics, including amentoflavone, baicalein, chrysoeriol, esculetin, and scopoletin—reported here for the first time in this fungus. The H₂O and EtOH extracts from the Croatian and Serbian strains showed higher TPC levels, correlating with notable antioxidant activity. The EtOH and MeOH extracts demonstrated significant anti-acetylcholinesterase and antiproliferative activities, emphasizing their medicinal potential. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of polar extracts from Balkan F. fomentarius.

Fomes fomentarius (L.) Fr., known for its medicinal properties since the 15^th century, has been traditionally used across Europe, including the Balkan region, for tinder, spiritual practices, wound healing, and hemostasis. This study investigates the mycochemical profile of three Balkan strains, focusing on micro- and macroelements, polyamines (PAs), and phenolic compounds, alongside the bioactivity of hot water (H₂O), chloroform (CHCl₃), hydroethanolic (EtOH), and hydromethanolic (MeOH) extracts. Micro- and macroelements were analyzed via atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), while PAs were quantified using HPLC-FD. Phenolic profiles were determined by LC-MS/MS, with total phenolic content (TPC) assessed using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Antioxidant potential was evaluated through DPPH, ABTS, NO scavenging, lipid peroxidation inhibition, and FRAP assays, in addition to anti-acetylcholinesterase and antiproliferative activity assessments. This study represents the first investigation of polyamine profiles in F. fomentarius, with total PA levels ranging from 32.67 to 2910.09 nmol/g d.w. The Bosnian strain exhibited the highest PA levels, with spermidine (SPD) concentrations between 899.96 to 2910.09 nmol/g d.w. LC-MS/MS analysis identified several bioactive phenolics, including amentoflavone, baicalein, chrysoeriol, esculetin, and scopoletin, which are reported here for the first time in this fungus. H₂O and EtOH extracts from Croatia and Serbia showed higher TPC content, correlating with notable antioxidant activity. EtOH and MeOH extracts demonstrated significant anti-acetylcholinesterase and antiproliferative activities, emphasizing their medicinal potential. Our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of polar extracts from Balkan F. fomentarius as natural antioxidants with applications in oxidative stress-related chronic diseases.

Iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) affects 25% of the global population, with detrimental effects on the health of women and children. Treatments with iron supplements offer temporary relief but often yield adverse effects, hindering patient adherence. Additionally, IDA is associated with oxidative stress, which becomes significantly exacerbated during iron supplementation. Our study aimed to address this challenge by developing a plant-based nutritional formula rich in bioavailable iron and antioxidants devoid of adverse effects. Chemical analysis of edible plants, focused on the content of iron and iron absorption inhibitors, guided formula development. In vivo studies on rats with IDA evaluated iron bioavailability from the formulated plant-based nutraceuticals. Results of animal studies showed significant improvements in IDA-associated blood parameters after 28 days of oral administration of the nutraceuticals. Additionally, the nutraceuticals did not impede the benefits of iron supplementation. These findings strongly indicate that plant-based nutraceuticals can serve as an effective source of bioavailable iron, potentially improving treatment adherence and at the same time aligning with ongoing WHO and UNICEF initiatives to enhance IDA management.