The two-day XIX Congress "Drug development and registration" was held on February 17 and 18, 2026, at the Sechenov University Congress Center in Moscow.

Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Institute of Pharmacy named after A. P. Nelyubin invites you to take part in the IV International Scientific and Practical Conference "Integration of pharmacopoeial requirements in international research of medicinal herbal preparations", which will be held on June 3–5, 2026 at the address: 96/1, Vernadsky prospect, Moscow.

Introduction. Astragalus cicer L. is a perennial herbaceous plant from the Fabaceae family, used in folk medicine as a hypotensive, diuretic, and sedative, for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and digestive disorders. Earlier studies isolated compounds related to flavonoids from the herb. Phytochemical studies of Astragalus cicer are relevant due to its pharmacological properties.

Aim. To study flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids and antioxidant activity of Astragalus cicer L. herb harvested in the Saratov Region.

Materials and methods. The study involved Astragalus cicer L., a herb harvested in 2023 in the Saratov Region (Kazachka village, Kalininsky district) and air-dried. Extraction of the raw material was performed with 70 % ethyl alcohol at a raw material-to-extractant ratio of 1 : 10 for qualitative phytochemical analysis of phenolic compounds (including flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids). Quantitative flavonoid content was determined by differential spectrophotometry in terms of rutin, and hydroxycinnamic acids were determined by direct and differential spectrophotometry in terms of caffeic acid. Antioxidant activity was assessed by permanganometric titration using a patented method (Maksimova, 2000), expressing the results as rutin and quercetin equivalents.

Results and discussion. Phytochemical analysis revealed flavonoids and other phenolic compounds in the aqueous-alcoholic extract of Astragalus cicer. Direct spectrophotometry for hydroxycinnamic acid content in Astragalus cicer yielded overestimated results (1.75 ± 0.01 %) due to low wavelength selectivity. Selective differential spectrophotometry with Arnov's reagent revealed hydroxycinnamic acid content of 0.99 ± 0.01 % as caffeic acid. Flavonoid content as rutin was 1.42 ± 0.02 %. Pronounced antioxidant activity was found: 22.83 ± 0.68 mg/g as rutin and 15.56 ± 0.38 mg/g as quercetin.

Conclusion. A phytochemical study of Astragalus cicer herb harvested in the Saratov Region revealed a high content of hydroxycinnamic acids and flavonoids, as well as pronounced antioxidant activity in a 70 % ethanol extract.

Introduction. One of the important directions in the development of modern pharmacognosy is the study of representatives of domestic flora in the search for additional plant species that are promising for use in medical practice. Such a plant is Persicaria lapathifolia (L.) Delarbre, from the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae Juss.). The wide range of activities of Persicaria lapathifolia (L.) Delarbre is explained by the diversity of the plant's chemical composition, which demonstrates the potential of Persicaria lapathifolia (L.) Delarbre herba as a plant substance for the further development of medicinal herbal preparations based on it.

Aim. To develop criteria for assessing the quality of Persicaria lapathifolia (L.) Delarbre herba to create a draft regulatory document for the new type of plant raw material «Persicaria lapathifolia (L.) Delarbre herba».

Materials and methods. The study involved samples of Persicaria lapathifolia (L.) Delarbre herb collected from 2020 to 2024 in the territory of the Boris M. Kozo-Polyansky Botanical Garden of VSU. Tests aimed at developing quality indicators for thestudied plant raw material were carried out according to the methods presented in the XIV and XV editions of the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation.

Results and discussion. As a result of the conducted study, diagnostic features were identified that allow for a high degree of reliability in establishing the authenticity of Persicaria lapathifolia (L.) Delarbre herba. Criteria for assessing the quality of the plant raw material «Persicaria lapathifolia (L.) Delarbre herba» were proposed: the content of total flavonoids calculated as rutin – not less than 1.5 %; extractive substances extracted with 50 % ethanol – not less than 15 %; extractive substances extracted with water – not less than 15 %. The recommended shelf life of the plant raw material is 2 years.

Conclusion. Criteria for assessing the quality of a new type of plant raw material «Persicaria lapathifolia (L.) Delarbre herba» were proposed. The experimental data obtained in the course of the study were used in the development of instructions for collecting and drying Persicaria lapathifolia (L.) Delarbre, which have been implemented in the scientific and production activities of the Botanical Garden named after Professor Boris M. Kozo-Polyansky of Voronezh State University.

Introduction. Plants of the genus Lamium possess antioxidant, hemostatic, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, and other properties. Their properties are due to the content of various biologically active substances (BAS), namely flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids. Therefore, it is advisable to obtain extracts with increased levels of these groups of BAS.

Aim. To optimize the extraction of flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids from the genus Lamium plants.

Materials and methods. During the study Lamii albi herba and Lamii purpurei herba, collected in the vicinity of Minsk in May 2024, Lamii maculati herba and Lamii galeobdoli herba, collected by the V. F. Kuprevich Institute of Experimental Botany of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus in the Volkovysk region in May 2024, were used. Quantitative determination was carried out by spectrophotometric method by reaction with aluminum chloride for flavonoids and by reaction with Arnov reagent for hydroxycinnamic acids.

Results and discussion. The study optimized extraction of flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids from the genus Lamium plants. It was determined that ethanol 100 % was the most effective extractant for flavonoid extraction, while 2-propanol 40 % was the most effective for hydroxycinnamic acids extraction.

Conclusion. The most effective solvents and their concentrations for extraction of flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids were established. The results of this study will enable the optimal extraction of beneficial components from the genus Lamium plants, which will further support the development of medicinal products using these herbal raw materials.

Introduction. The growing prevalence of lifestyle disorders has increased interest in cognitive health and mental well-being. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach through Medhya Rasayana – a class of herbal interventions aimed at enhancing intellect (Dhi), retention (Dhrti), and memory (Smriti).

Aim. This article explores the classical Ayurvedic concept of nootropic agents, detailing their physiological basis in relation to Dosha balance and mind-body functions.

Materials and methods. A range of herbs such as Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica), Sarpagandha (Rauvolfia serpentina), Hareetaki (Terminalia chebula), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Vacha (Acorus calamus), and Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus) added with importance of ghrita (medicated ghee) as suitable dosage are discussed with classical references and modern pharmacological evidence highlighting their neuroprotective, adaptogenic, and memory-enhancing effects.

Results and discussion. These nootropic agents work by helping to restore balance among the three Doshas, especially by calming Vata, Pitta and Kapha which play an important role in mental functions. They also support brain health by improving communication between neurons and aiding in the repair and nourishment of nerve tissues. These herbs act as natural antioxidants, protecting brain cells from damage caused by oxidative stress and helping to maintain overall cognitive function. The ghrita dosage form being lipid soluble molecules, have the capacity to cross the Blood Brain Barrier thus increasing the availability of active principles in the brain of the above mentioned nootropic agents.

Conclusion. By integrating traditional wisdom with contemporary research, Medhya Rasayana emerges as a viable, multifaceted strategy for cognitive enhancement and lifestyle disorder management in the modern era.

Herbarium. 2026;3(1):10–22. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.33380/3034-3925-2026-3-1-56. Published: 12.01.2026.

Herbarium. 2026;3(1):23–32. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.33380/3034-3925-2026-3-1-52. Published: 16.01.2026.

Herbarium. 2026;3(1):33–40. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.33380/3034-3925-2026-3-1-63. Published: 16.01.2026.

Herbarium.  2026;3(1):41–48. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.33380/3034-3925-2026-3-1-61. Published: 19.01.2026.