Introduction. Rosehips are traditionally used in folk medicine, exerting a complex effect on the human body due to their high content of biologically active substances, such as ascorbic acid, tannins, and flavonoids. Rosa rubiginosa L., also known as rusty rose, is of interest to pharmacognosy due to the limited data available on its phytochemical composition.

Aim. Pharmacognostic study of Rosa rubiginosa L. fruits harvested in the Saratov region.

Materials and methods. The study involved air-dried Rosa rubiginosa L. fruits collected in 2024 in the Saratov Region. Macroscopic and microscopic analysis of Rosa rubiginosa L. fruits was performed in accordance with General Pharmacopoeial Article 1.5.3.0003 «Technique of microscopic and microchemical examination of medicinal plant materials and medicinal herbal preparations», General Pharmacopoeial Article 1.5.1.0007 «Fruits» and Pharmacopoeial Article 2.5.0106 «Rosehips» of the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation, 15th edition. Ascorbic acid and tannins were determined using titrimetry, and flavonoids were determined spectrophotometrically at an analytical wavelength of 415 nm.

Results and discussion. The conducted studies revealed that the macro- and microscopic characteristics of Rosa rubiginosa L. correspond to the description given in Pharmacopoeial Article 2.5.0106 «Rosehips». Phytochemical analysis revealed ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds including hydrolyzable tannins and flavonoids. Titration revealed the tannin content (3.48 ± 0.30 % calculated as tannin) and ascorbic acid (0.28 ± 0.01 %). The flavonoid content was 0.56 ± 0.02 % calculated as rutin.

Conclusion. An analysis of the external and microdiagnostic characteristics of Rosa rubiginosa L. fruits was conducted. Tannins predominate in the fruits (3.48 ± 0.30 %). In terms of flavonoid content, Rosa rubiginosa L. fruits meet the requirements for high-vitamin rosehip raw materials (Pharmacopoeial Article 2.5.0106 «Rosehips» of the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation, 15th edition). Further studies of Rosa rubiginosa L. fruits, including their pharmacological activity, are promising, with the aim of expanding the list of pharmacopoeial high-vitamin species.

Introduction. Plants of the genus Echium L., particularly Echium vulgare L., the most widespread species in Russia, are known to contain phenolic compounds including flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids responsible for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities. Optimization of extraction parameters is an essential stage in the development of phytopharmaceutical preparations based on plant raw materials.

Aim. To determine optimal technological parameters for the extraction of flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids from Echium vulgare L. herb.

Materials and methods. The study was carried out using Echium vulgare L. herb collected during the flowering stage in the Novosibirsk region. The influence of particle size, ethanol concentration in the extractant, raw material-to-solvent ratio, extraction temperature and time, as well as the number of extraction cycles was investigated. Quantitative determination of flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids was performed by spectrophotometry. Optimization of the temperature-time extraction regime was carried out using a second-order D-optimal experimental design.

Results and discussion. The optimal particle size of plant material was determined to be 0.2–1.0 mm. The highest extraction efficiency of phenolic compounds was achieved when using aqueous ethanol solutions containing 40–70 % ethanol. The optimal raw material-to-extractant ratio was 1 : 30 – 1 : 50. The maximum flavonoid yield was observed at an extraction temperature of 80–100 °C and extraction time of 20–40 min. Two extraction cycles ensured extraction of more than 92 % of target compounds.

Conclusion. The obtained results allowed determination of rational extraction parameters for bioactive compounds from Echium vulgare L. herb, providing a high yield of phenolic compounds with technological and economic efficiency of the process.

Introduction. The release of micro- and nanoplastic particles (microplastics) from filter bags during the preparation of infusions and decoctions from plant materials is a relevant medical and social problem. One promising solution is to replace filter bags with dosed briquettes obtained by direct compression of plant materials.

Aim. To establish the optimal pressure range for compressing ground Cichorium intybus L. roots, ensuring the production of a technological product suitable for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Materials and methods. Three fractions of ground Cichorium intybus L. roots (with particle sizes of 500–1000, 180–250, and 50–100 µm) were studied. A comprehensive pharmaceutical-technological assessment of the raw material was carried out (bulk density, flowability, moisture content, etc.). Briquettes weighing 100 mg were obtained at compression pressures ranging from 31 to 311 MPa. The SeDeM method, Heckel and Kawakita equations were used to analyze compressibility. Briquette strength and disintegration time in freshly boiled purified water were evaluated.

Results and discussion. The Good Compression Index (GCI) according to the SeDeM method was below the threshold value (5.0) for all fractions; however, the coarse fraction (500–1000 µm) showed the best result (4.55). Using Heckel and Kawakita models, optimal compression pressure ranges for each fraction were established. For the most technologically optimal fraction of 500–1000 µm, this range was 0.687–222.2 MPa. It was experimentally determined that a pressure of 30 MPa is optimal, ensuring the production of strong briquettes with a disintegration time in freshly boiled purified water of less than 60 seconds, which is acceptable for the consumer.

Conclusion. It was established that the optimal fraction for briquetting is ground Cichorium intybus L. roots with a particle size of 500–1000 µm. The optimal compression pressure for obtaining rapidly disintegrating briquettes in freshly boiled purified water is 30 MPa. Ground Cichorium intybus L. roots can serve as a technological component to improve flowability in combined herbal mixtures intended for briquetting.

Introduction. The genus Lagotis (Plantaginaceae) comprises species traditionally used for treating liver disorders. Lagotis korolkowii (Regel & Schmalh.) Maxim., despite its potential, remains phytochemically and pharmacologically underexplored, particularly regarding its safety and hepatoprotective properties.

Aim. This study aimed to evaluate the acute oral toxicity and hepatoprotective efficacy of an extract from Lagotis korolkowii (Regel & Schmalh.) Maxim. in experimental models.

Materials and methods. Acute toxicity was assessed in albino mice following GOST 32644-2014 and Stefanov's guidelines, administering single oral doses up to 10,000 mg/kg. Hepatoprotective activity was investigated in male albino rats with paracetamol-induced acute hepatitis (1000 mg/kg for 2 days). Treatment groups received the plant extract orally at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg for 7 consecutive days post-intoxication. Evaluations included observation of general condition, mortality, hematological analysis (complete blood count), and blood biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, bilirubin, total protein, etc.).

Results and discussion. The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of Lagotis korolkowii (Regel & Schmalh.) Maxim. extract exceeded 10,000 mg/kg, classifying it as practically non-toxic (Class V). In the hepatotoxicity model, the extract dose-dependently ameliorated paracetamol-induced alterations. The 50 mg/kg dose demonstrated the highest activity, significantly reducing plasma ALT (by 4 %), AST (by 27 %), and direct bilirubin (by 39 %) levels while increasing total protein (by 17 %) compared to the intoxicated control group. Positive normalization of erythrocyte, hemoglobin, and leukocyte counts was also observed.

Conclusion. Lagotis korolkowii (Regel & Schmalh.) Maxim. extract possesses a high safety profile and exhibits significant, dose-dependent hepatoprotective effects against paracetamol-induced liver damage, with the 50 mg/kg dose showing optimal efficacy. These findings support its potential as a source for developing safe and effective hepatoprotective phytomedicines.

Introduction. Chronic liver diseases, including viral hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver disease, and drug-induced liver injury, remain a significant global health concern. Oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and activation of fibrogenesis play key roles in their pathogenesis. Plant-derived bioactive compounds, particularly silymarin from milk thistle, are considered promising agents for adjunctive therapy of liver diseases of various origins.

Aim. To analyze current data on the hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of silymarin in toxic and metabolic liver injury.

Materials and methods. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed database for the period 2020–2025 using the keywords: "silymarin", "silybin", "NAFLD", "liver fibrosis", "oxidative stress", "clinical trial". A quantitative assessment of publication activity and descriptive statistical analysis of the data (frequency of effect detection, proportion of clinical studies) were performed. A targeted selection of the fifteen most relevant and recent original publications was carried out, followed by a detailed analysis of the data presented in these articles.

Results and discussion. The initial search identified 210 publications; after removing duplicates and excluding irrelevant sources, 48 studies were included in the analysis, comprising 17 randomized clinical trials. In 71 % of the analyzed studies, a statistically significant reduction in ALT and AST levels was observed. Experimental studies confirm the inhibition of NF-κB, modulation of MAPK signaling pathways, reduction in TNF-α and IL-6 production, as well as a decrease in the severity of fibrosis in models of CCl 4 -induced liver injury.

Conclusion. Silymarin exerts multifactorial hepatoprotective effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and anticancer activities. Modern pharmaceutical formulations (phospholipid complexes, water-soluble derivatives, nanoparticles) aim to enhance its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Further well-designed clinical studies are required to determine optimal dosing regimens and long-term outcomes.

Herbarium. 2025;2(4):17–23. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.33380/3034-3925-2025-2-4-53 Published: 10.10.2025.