Background: Skin wounds can occur for many reasons, including UV radiation, mechanical burns, trauma, and chronic inflammation caused by metabolic factors. In Mongolia, as of 2022, household burns were the top 5 causes of injuries, the leading cause of injuries in children aged 0-5, and accounted for 18.4% of all illnesses in children aged 0-5. Skin burns and wounds take a long time to heal, which causes emotional, aesthetic, and economic stress for doctors. Developing in novative, effective, and low-side effects therapeutic products to improve wound healing is of great clinical and economic importance. The lack of research on the effects of bacterial metabolites and aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) on burn wounds was the basis for our research. Aim: To determine the effects of a mixture of bacterial metabolites and aloe vera on burn wounds in experimental animals. Materials and Methods: Eight-week-old BALB/c mice were divided into three groups: control group, bacterial metabo lite group, and aloe vera group. The mice were anesthetized, and the dorsal hair was shaved over a 2×2 cm area using an electric clipper. A second-degree burn wound model was created by exposing the shaved dorsal skin to hot air at 200°C for 10 seconds. A total of 100 μL of a bacterial metabolite suspension mixed with aloe vera at a 1:1 ratio was applied evenly to the center of the wound. Wound images were captured daily, and wound areas were measured using ImageJ software. Healing was evaluated on days 7, 14, and 21 of treatment and compared with the control group. The initial wound size was defined as 100%, and wound closure percentages were calculated accordingly. Burn skin tissues from both experimen tal and control groups were subjected to immunofluorescence staining for the vascular marker α-SMA (Thermo Fisher Scientific). Statistical analysis: The differences between the control and experimental groups were analyzed using an independent t-test using GraphPad Prism 10 software, and the mean, standard deviation, and statistical correlation were calculated. Results: The effect of the mixture of bacterial metabolites and aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller) on the healing of burn wounds in experimental mice was compared with the control group. The wound size at 7 days was 82.1% in the control group and 83.7% in the experimental group (p<0.197), at 14 days was 62.6% in the control group and 58.1% in the exper imental group (p<0.0001), at 21 days was 50.7% in the control group and 32.7% in the experimental group (p<0.0001). No statistically significant difference in wound healing was observed between the groups at day 7; however, significant differences were observed at days 14 and 21. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed uniform expression of α-SMA-pos itive cells in the experimental group at 7, 14, and 21 days of treatment, whereas α-SMA expression was not detected in the control group. Conclusion The combination of bacterial metabolites and aloe vera promotes wound healing in experimental mouse burn wounds.

Background: Plants rich in essential oils belong to more than 50 families, including Asteraceae, Rutaceae, and Lamiaceae. These plants are widely used in food, traditional and modern medicine, perfumery, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Approximately 3,000 types of essential oils have been identified, of which more than 300 are utilized for industrial and commercial purposes. Essential oils exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, cytotoxic, and antioxidant activities and are therefore widely applied in medical research. In Mongolia, the extreme climate, distinct ecological regions, and the prevalence of pastoral livestock husbandry provide a scientific basis for investigating essential oil–containing plants, their chemical composition, and biological activities. Among them, Juniperus Sabina L. is of particular theoretical and practical interest. Aim: To determine the non-toxic dose of essential oil extracted from Juniper Sabina L. on neural cells. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at the Institute of Bio-Medicine, MNUMS. Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of MNUMS (Meeting date: November 21, 2025; Protocol No. 2025-26/0301). BV2 microglial and N2a neuronal cell lines were cultured under standard conditions at 37°C in a 5% CO₂ incubator. Cells were maintained in appropriate culture media, and their growth and morphology were monitored microscopically before experimentation. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. BV2 microglial cells were seeded into 96-well plates at a density of 2×10⁴ cells/well and incubated for 24 hours. Essential oil was added at concentrations ranging from 50–500 µg/mL and incubated for an additional 24 hours. After treatment, MTT reagent was added and incubated for 3 hours. The resulting formazan crystals were dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and absorbance was measured at 630 nm. Cell viability was calculated based on absorbance values to determine the non-toxic concentration of the essential oil. Result: The cytotoxic effects of the essential oil were evaluated in BV2 microglial and N2a neuronal cells using the MTT assay. In N2a neuronal cells, concentrations of 50, 100, 200, and 300 µg/mL did not significantly affect cell viability, whereas 400 and 500 µg/mL reduced cell viability, indicating cytotoxic effects. Conclusion According to MTT assay results, the essential oil of Juniperus sabina showed no cytotoxic effect on N2a neuronal cells at concentrations of 50, 100, 200, and 300 µg/mL, while cytotoxic effects were observed at 400 and 500 µg/mL. In BV2 microglial cells, concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL were non-toxic, whereas concentrations above 300 µg/mL exhibited cytotoxic effects.

Background: Evaluation of genotoxic potential is essential for reducing carcinogenic risk and for assessing the safety of newly developed pharmaceutical products, traditional herbal medicines, and health supplements. Such evaluation plays an important role in protecting human health. Therefore, in Mongolia, it is necessary to investigate the safety of domestically produced pharmaceutical preparations, natural products, and traditional medicines on a scientific basis in accordance with international standards; to develop and implement national policies and standards; to introduce and localize appropriate methodologies; to protect human health; to prevent cancer, hereditary diseases, and longterm adverse effects; and to promote the rational use of medicines. Aim: To investigate the mutagenic properties of an herbal combination preparation in vitro and its genotoxic effects in vivo. Materials and Methods: Extracts were prepared from Dasiphora fruticosa, Cynara scolymus, and Rosa acicularis, and a herbal combination preparation was formulated in specific proportions. Mutagenicity was evaluated according to OECD Guideline 471 (Bacterial Reverse Mutation Test) using the Salmonella typhimurium TA100 strain under both S9 (-) and S9 (+) conditions with the Muta-Chromoplate™ assay. The combination preparation was tested at concentrations of 5, 2.5, 1.25, 0.625, 0.3125, and 0.1562 mg/mL in 96 wells, and reverse-mutated bacterial colonies were assessed by counting the number of wells that changed color from purple to yellow. In addition, using the IPHASE Biosciences kit, the preparation was tested at doses of 5, 2.5, 1.25, 0.625, 0.3125, and 0.1562 mg/plate on Salmonella typhimurium TA100 and TA98 strains under both S9 (-) and S9 (+) conditions. After incubation, the number of bacterial colonies formed was counted and compared with that of the positive control group. Genotoxicity was assessed according to OECD Guideline 474 (Mammalian Erythrocyte Micronucleus Test) by evaluating the numbers of polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs), normochromatic erythrocytes (NCEs), and micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes in the bone marrow of BALB/c mice. Result: In the study using the Muta-Chromoplate™ assay, bacterial colonies were observed at doses ranging from 5.0 to 0.1562 mg/mL of the herbal combination preparation. However, compared with the positive control group (aminoanthracene), the number of bacterial colonies was significantly lower (p<0.05). In the study using the IPHASE Biosciences kit, 30–154 bacterial colonies were observed in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains under S9 (-/+) conditions at doses ranging from 5.0 to 0.156 mg/plate, which was approximately threefold lower than that observed in the positive control groups. In the positive control group treated with cyclophosphamide, the number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes was increased. Conclusion The herbal combination preparation showed no mutagenic activity in either of the two mutation detection assays using Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 strains under S9 (-/+) conditions. In addition, it showed no genotoxic effect in the micronucleus assay.

Background: Cynomorium songaricum Rupr., known in Mongolia as Ulaan goyo, is a rare parasitic plant of the Central Asian arid regions that grows on the roots of Nitraria. In Mongolian Traditional Medicine, it has long been used as a tonic to preserve vital essence (semen), tonify the kidneys, enhance sexual vitality, and treat paralysis and limb weakness. Aim: This study aims to clarify the historical use and medicinal significance of Cynomorium songaricum through source evidence and provide a scientific explanation by integrating these findings with modern phytochemical and pharmacological research. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using a Historical Research Design (HRD). Methods included comparative-historical analysis and philological study of traditional sources. Key materials examined were V.I. Grubov’s botanical keys, the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (1981), and classical medical texts such as Bencao Gangmu and Bencao Yanyi Bu. Results: Historical records from the 13th-century Yuan dynasty describe the plant’s distribution in the Mongolian Gobi. Traditional texts highlight its ability to tonify “Yin” and increase blood and essence. Modern studies have identified over 90 bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and triterpenoids, which possess antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. Specific formulations like Goyo-11 have been shown to assist in gastric ulcer healing, while Goyo-4 helps reduce liver cell damage in chronic alcoholic liver disease. Toxicological evaluations have confirmed its safety profile. Conclusions 1. The traditional therapeutic applications of Cynomorium songaricum Rupr., as recorded in 13th-century historical sources, closely align with modern scientific evidence. 2. Traditional medicinal claims are validated by contemporary phytochemistry, which identifies bioactive compounds-such as flavonoids, polysaccharides, triterpenoids, and steroids-responsible for its proven pharmacological benefits. 3. Recent studies confirm the plant’s favorable toxicological safety profile and highlight its essential ecological role as a vital component of the desert ecosystem. 4. These findings demonstrate the high therapeutic value of C. songaricum, emphasizing the critical need for future clinical trials, cultivation development, and strategic conservation efforts.

Background: Of the 7,678 plant species growing in Mongolia, more than 1,230 are considered medicinal plants; however, around 900 of these remain unstudied, and only about 200 species are currently used in medical practice. In recent years, the use of natural products in therapy has increased, and research in this field has been rapidly developing. Schizonepeta multifida (L.) Briq., a plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, is widely distributed in Mongolia, Siberia, and East Asia, and is traditionally used to treat colds, fever, and inflammatory diseases. Phytochemical studies have shown that its essential oil contains terpenoid compounds such as pulegone and limonene, as well as flavonoids. These compounds are known to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects; however, comprehensive studies on these activities of Schizonepeta multifida growing in Mongolia are limited. Aim: To determine the antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory effects of Schizonepeta multifita Briq. essential oil and to evaluate its anti-stress effects in an experimental chronic stress animal model. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the Institute of Bio-Medicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences. The aerial parts of Schizonepeta multifida were subjected to hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus to obtain essential oil, and the yield was calculated. Antioxidant activity was measured at 517 nm using a spectrophotometer (Agilent BioTek Epoch 2). Cytotoxicity was assessed in BV2 and N2a cell lines using the MTT assay, after which inflammatory markers (IL-6 and TNF-α) were determined in cell cultures using ELISA. For the induction of chronic stress, C57/BL6 mice were divided into healthy control, negative control, and experimental groups. A total of 10 different chronic stress models were randomly applied twice daily for 28 days. Anti-stress effects were evaluated using the forced swim test. Data analysis was performed using Prism 10 software. Results: The yield of essential oil from Schizonepeta multifida was 0.3±0.03%. The antioxidant activity, assessed by the DPPH radical scavenging method, showed an IC₅₀ value of 262.7±2.95 µg/mL, indicating antioxidant potential. Cytotoxicity assays in BV2 and N2a cell lines showed toxic effects starting from a concentration of 200 µg/mL. The essential oil significantly reduced inflammatory markers IL-6 and TNF-α at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL (p<0.05). In the forced swim test, there was a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the disease control group and the experimental group. Conclusion The essential oil of Schizonepeta multifida exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-chronic stress effects.

Background: In recent years, natural compounds have been shown to play an important role in cancer prevention and early-stage therapy. Flavanones, a class of polyphenolic compounds present in plants, vegetables, seeds, fruit peels, and flowers, have been identified to possess anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial bioactivities. Cancer has become a major global economic and public health challenge. According to international statistics, one in four individuals (22.8%) die from non-communicable diseases, while one in six (16.8%) die from cancer. Aim: To investigate the effect of a flavanone (5,2’,3’-trihydroxy-6,7-methylenedioxyflavanone) isolated from Iris tenuifolia on the migration of liver cancer cells. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the Institute of Biomedicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences. The effect of the flavanone (5,2’,3’-trihydroxy-6,7-methylenedioxyflavanone) on cancer cell migration was evaluated in vitro using the scratch assay. Human liver cancer cells (HepG2) were revived and stabilized before experiments were performed. Results: HepG2 cells were treated with a 2.5 μg/mL concentration of the flavanone for 24 hours. In the control group, an initial scratch width of 0.9 mm was reduced to 0.65 mm after 24 hours due to cell proliferation and migration into the denuded area. However, treatment with the 2.5 μg/mL flavanone concentration resulted in the complete inhibition of cell migration. Conclusion The flavanone isolated from Iris tenuifolia effectively suppresses the migration of liver cancer cells.

Background: In recent years, scientists have found that certain natural compounds have significant potential in cancer prevention and early-stage cancer treatment. Flavanones, a class of polyphenolic compounds found in plants, vegetables, seeds, fruit peels, and flowers, have been identified to possess anticancer, antioxidant, anti- inflammatory, and antibacterial bioactivities. Cancer has become a major global challenge in terms of both economic and public health concerns. Global statistics indicate that 22.8% of deaths are attributed to non-communicable diseases, and 16.8% are caused by cancer, accounting for one in four and one in six deaths, respectively. Aim : To investigate anticancer effects of Iris Tenuifolia-derived flavanone on cancer cell lines. Materials and Methods : The study was conducted at the Bio-Medical Research Institute of the Mongolian National Uni versity of Medical Sciences, investigating the effect of flavanones on cancer cell viability under in vitro conditions using the MTT assay. In the study, colon, liver, and lung cancer cells were cultured, stabilized, and used for the experiments. Colorectal cancer cells (MC38), liver cancer cells (HepG2), and lung cancer cells (A549) were revived, cultured, and stabilized for use in the experimental procedures. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using Microsoft Excel 2010, and graphs were generated using GraphPad Prism 8. Differences between groups were analyzed using Student’s t-test, and a p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results : We treated MC38, HepG2, and A549 cancer cells with different concentrations of flavanone (2.5 µM, 5 µM, and 10 µM) for 24 to 48 hours to evaluate cell viability. Flavanone inhibited A549 cell viability by 2.5 μM-10%, 5 μM-25%, and 10 μM-38%, respectively. For HepG2 cells, flavanone treatment at concentrations of 5-10 µM reduced cell viability by 28–58%. No statistically significant effect on the viability of MC38 cells was observed following treatment with flavanone at concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 10 µM. Additionally, although MC38 inhibited cell viability in a dose-de pendent manner in cell cultures, it had a statistically significant effect at higher concentrations of 30-200 μM (p<0.01). Conclusion Flavanone inhibits the cancer cell viability in a dose and time dependent manner

Background: The study of small-molecule compounds with antitumor activity involves several crucial steps. These include determining their selective effects on cancer cells, understanding the type of cell death they induce, identifying the activated signaling pathways, pinpointing the target molecules, and elucidating the mechanisms of action. Among the plant-derived compounds with anticancer properties, flavonoids are notable for their ease of isolation and their abundance in food. Apigetrin, a representative flavonoid, is a secondary metabolite found in plants, and our previous study indicated that its anticancer selectivity index was 13.1. However, the specific mechanism by which apigetrin inhibits leukemia cell growth remains unclear. Aim: To study of the inhibitory action of apigenin on leukemia cell culture Materials and Methods: In this study, we evaluated the apoptosis of cells using flow cytometry and investigated the in volvement of the caspase pathway through the use of pancaspase inhibitors to explore the effects of apigetrin on leukemia cell growth. Results: After incubating leukemia RAW264.7 cells with 30 μM apigetrin for 24 and 48 hours, we did not detect any apoptosis through Annexin V and PI staining by flow cytometry. We compared the number of viable cells using the MTT assay after 24-hour treatment of apigetrin with or without pretreatment of Z-VAD, a pancaspase inhibitor, for 30 minutes. The results indicated that the pancaspase inhibitor did not reduce the inhibitory effect of apigetrin on the growth of RAW264.7 cells. In contrast, the positive control group, treated with doxorubicin—which induces apoptosis—showed not only significant apoptosis but also a reduction of the pancaspase inhibitor on the cell growth inhibition. Therefore, these data suggested that apigetrin likely has a cytostatic effect or inhibits the cell cycle rather than being cytotoxic. Future research should focus on determining which stage of the cell cycle RAW264.7 cells treated with apigetrin are in, as well as studying the signaling pathways involved in the cell cycle. Conclusions Apigetrin inhibits the proliferation of RAW264.7 leukemia cells in a caspase-independent and non-apoptotic manner.

Background: Cancer incidence and mortality are steadily increasing both globally and in Mongolia. As these rates rise, traditional Mongolian medicine has long utilized herbal formulas for the treatment of gastric and esophageal cancers and precancerous conditions. One such formulation—Hot Natured 3 Herbs (HN3H)—comprises three species from the Ranunculaceae family: Atragene sibirica L., Ranunculus repens L., and Pulsatilla bungeana L.. However, scientific validation of its anti-tumor effects is essential. This study aimed to investigate the effect of HN3H in a tumor-induced animal model. Aim: To identify the biologically active compounds of HN3H and evaluate their effect in an experimentally induced tumor model in animals. Materials and Methods: The three herbs comprising HN3H—Atragene sibirica L., Ranunculus repens L., and Pulsatilla bungeana L.—were collected during their flowering stage (May–June) in Khishig-Undur, Bulgan province, and dried according to official procedures. Extraction was carried out by maceration in 96% ethanol at a 1:10 ratio. The concentrated extract was suspended in water (1:1) and successively fractionated with dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, butanol, chloroform, and n-hexane. The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (Protocol №2020/03-04). A colorectal cancer model was established by subcutaneous injection of MC-38 cells (Kerafast, USA) into C57BL/6 mice. Immunohistochemistry was performed using CK20, CDX2, Ki67, and p53 antibodies at 1:100 and 1:200 dilutions. Results: The ethanol extract of HN3H contained 2.98±0.04% total phenolics and 2.16±0.05% total flavonoids. Body weight and tumor volume were measured daily with three repetitions. All groups showed a time-dependent increase in body weight. Mice in groups 1A and 1B received ethanol extract at 50 and 100 mg/kg doses; groups 2A and 2B received dichloromethane extract at the same doses. The negative control group was administered 0.5 mg/kg PBS orally, while the positive control group received intraperitoneal injections of 5-fluorouracil (5FU) at 10 mg/kg twice a week. Tumor growth increased in a time-dependent manner across groups. Compared to the negative control, tumor volumes in four treatment groups showed statistically significant reduction (p˂0.05), while no significant difference was observed when compared to the positive control (p=0.08). Histological analysis revealed necrosis in all groups, with variation in extent. Conclusion The ethanol extract of HN3H exhibited moderate levels of phenolic compounds and a high concentration of flavonoids. HN3H extract inhibited tumor progression and activated lymphocyte-predominant inflammation in tumor tissues, indicating potential anti-tumor activity (p˂0.05).

Background: In recent years, natural compounds have been shown to play an important role in cancer prevention and early-stage therapy. Flavanones, a class of polyphenolic compounds present in plants, vegetables, seeds, fruit peels, and flowers, have been identified to possess anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial bioactivities. Cancer has become a major global economic and public health challenge. According to international statistics, one in four individuals (22.8%) die from non-communicable diseases, while one in six (16.8%) die from cancer. Aim: To investigate the effect of flavanone (5,2’,3’-trihydroxy-6,7-methylenedioxyflavanone) isolated from Iris tenuifolia on the migration of lung cancer cells. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at the Institute of Biomedicine, MNUMS. The effect of flavanone (5,2’,3’-trihydroxy-6,7-methylenedioxyflavanone) on cancer cell migration was evaluated in vitro using the scratch assay. Human lung cancer cells (A549) were revived and stabilized before experiments were performed. Results: We treated A549 cancer cells with different concentrations of flavanone (1.25 μg/ml, 2.5 μg/ml) for 24 hours and analyzed them using the scratch assay. A cell-free gap of 0.9 mm in width was created, and after 24 hours, A549 cells migrated and proliferated into the gap, reducing its width to 0.25 mm. Treatment with 2.5 μg/ml flavanone completely inhibited cell migration. Conclusion Flavanone isolated from Iris tenuifolia inhibits lung cancer cell migration in a doseand time-dependent manner.