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.

The article presents a comparative analysis of the anatomical characteristics of the leaf, stem and root of Cichorium intybus L., found in the Aksai and Kaskelen gorges, as well as the Tausamaly rural district in the Trans-Ili Alatau region of Kazakhstan. From the examination of the anatomical features of the leaf, stem and root of Cichorium intybus L., which exhibits a broad distribution, ecotypic traits reflective of their respective growth environments have been identified. Notably, an increase in the number of anomocytic stomata was observed in the epidermis of plants from the first and second populations under study. Additionally, glandular trichomes, comprising a two-celled limb and a single-celled trichome with a head, were found in significantly higher quantities. Within the leaf mesophyll, clusters of milk-accumulating cells were noted. In the stem's primary bark of the first population, idioblast cells were detected, known for accumulating biologically active substances, and there was an observed increase in the level of inulin crystal formation within the vascular structure. However, in the rural district of Tausamaly, where the third population of Cichorium intybus L. was located, a decrease in stomata, trichomes, and milk-accumulating cells was observed due to man-made pollution and anthropogenic factors. Furthermore, a reduction in the diameter of the stem's central cylinder and a narrowing of the xylem and phloem tube diameters within the conductive bundle were determined. Additionally, a diminished formation of insulin crystals within the vein was noted.