Introduction: Inula helenium L. is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional Mongolian and Tibetan medicine. Its roots and rhizomes contain active compounds, including sesquiterpene lactones (alantolactone and isoalantolactone), inulin, flavonoids, and essential oils, with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties. This study evaluates the quality of Inula helenium L. roots and quantifies their key active compounds in accordance with pharmacopoeial standards. Methods: The roots of Inula helenium L. cultivated in the Medicinal Plant Botanical Garden of Monos Group were used as raw material. Physicochemical parameters, including moisture, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, and extractive values, were determined according to pharmacopoeial methods. Qualitative analysis was carried out using color reactions for polysaccharides and thin-layer chromatography for the identification of sesquiterpene lactones. Quantitative analysis was performed using spectrophotometry for total polysaccharides and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for the determination of alantolactone and isoalantolactone. Conclusion The physicochemical parameters of Inula helenium L. root were standardized, with total inulin content determined as 47.13±0.45%, alantolactone as 1.41±0.02%, and isoalantolactone as 1.33±0.02%. Analytical methods for inulin, alantolactone, and isoalantolactone were validated according to ICH Q2(R2) guidelines, confirming the possibility of updating the MNS standard or developing a manufacturer’s pharmacopoeial monograph based on these validated methods.

Background: One of the major mechanisms underlying myocardial injury during ischemia and hypoxia is oxidative stress. Under hypoxic conditions, excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) disrupts the cellular antioxidant defense system, enhances lipid peroxidation, and ultimately leads to apoptosis and cellular damage. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a key intracellular antioxidant enzyme that neutralizes oxidative stress, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA), an end product of lipid peroxidation, reflects the extent of membrane damage. Therefore, investigating antioxidant compounds in hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte injury is of significant importance. Pinocembrin, a bioactive compound derived from Dalbergia odorifera T.Chen, exhibits multiple pharmacological activities, including antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects. Aim: To evaluate the effects of pinocembrin on oxidative stress in hypoxia-induced H9C2 cardiomyocytes. Materials and Methods: H9C2 cardiomyocytes were divided into five groups: a control group, a model group, and three pinocembrin-treated groups (low, medium, and high doses). Except for the control group, cells were cultured under hypoxic conditions (5% CO2, 1% O2, 37 °C) in glucose- and serum-free DMEM to establish a hypoxia-induced injury model. Cells were then treated with pinocembrin for 4 hours. Oxidative stress levels were assessed by measuring ROS accumulation, SOD activity, and MDA content. Result: Compared with the control group, the model group showed a significant increase in ROS production, a decrease in SOD activity, and a marked elevation in MDA levels, indicating severe oxidative stress under hypoxic conditions. In contrast, the pinocembrin-treated groups exhibited attenuation of hypoxia-induced oxidative stress. Specifically, ROS accumulation decreased, SOD activity was restored, and MDA levels were significantly reduced. These findings suggest that pinocembrin exerts protective effects by enhancing the cellular antioxidant defense system and inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Conclusion Pinocembrin reduces oxidative stress and protects against cellular injury in hypoxia-induced H9C2 cardiomyocytes. These results indicate that pinocembrin may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for ischemiaand hypoxia-related cardiac disorders and provide a valuable foundation for further research.

Background: Sarcopenia is a multifactorial geriatric syndrome characterized by age-related loss of muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance. In recent years, neurotrophic and neuromuscular biomarkers have been investigated as potential diagnostic indicators of sarcopenia; however, evidence regarding their sex-specific differences remains limited. Aim: To evaluate the sex-specific associations of serum BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 levels with sarcopenia and muscle-related parameters among older adults. Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included adults aged 60 years and older. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS 2019) criteria. Serum BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 levels were measured using ELISA. Group differences were analyzed using independent t-tests, correlations were assessed using Pearson correlation analysis, and diagnostic performance for sarcopenia was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was also performed. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed in serum BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 levels between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic participants in either the male or female groups (all p>0.05). ROC analysis demonstrated AUC values ranging from 0.540 to 0.542 in males and from 0.508 to 0.530 in females for BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that age (OR=1.12, 95% CI: 1.04–1.21, p=0.003) and lower fat-free mass index (OR=0.78, 95% CI: 0.66–0.91, p=0.001) were significantly associated with sarcopenia, whereas BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 showed no independent association with sarcopenia. Conclusions 1. No statistically significant sex-specific differences were observed in serum BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 levels between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older adults (all p>0.05). 2. CAF22 levels were weakly negatively correlated with muscle mass and fat-free mass index in males (p<0.05), whereas BDNF levels showed weak positive correlations with handgrip strength and fat-free mass index in females (p<0.05). CAF22 levels also demonstrated a weak positive correlation with age (p<0.05). 3. ROC and multivariable logistic regression analyses indicated limited diagnostic utility of BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 for sarcopenia (AUC=0.508–0.542), and none of these biomarkers showed an independent association with sarcopenia (all p>0.05). In contrast, older age (OR=1.12, p=0.003) and lower fat-free mass index (OR=0.78, p=0.001) were significantly associated with sarcopenia.

Background: The first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Mongolia was reported on November 11, 2020. In response, the government imposed a nationwide lockdown, which significantly impacted the population’s mental health. Heightened levels of stress, anxiety, loneliness, and depression during the pandemic altered individuals’ psychological stability and behavior. Personality traits—defined as relatively stable patterns of emotion, cognition, and behavior—play a key role in stress responses and emotional regulation under pressure. Emerging evidence suggests that these psychological factors may influence the immune system’s responsiveness, including vaccine-induced antibody production. Aim: To evaluate the association between post-vaccination antibody responses and personality types following two doses of COVID-19 vaccines. Materials and Methods: A total of 738 participants who received two doses of COVID-19 vaccines (AstraZeneca ChAdOx1, n=29; Pfizer-BioNTech, n=119; Sinopharm BBIBP, n=590) and had no prior SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled. Serum samples were collected 21–28 days after the second dose, and SARS-CoV-2 RBD (S) IgG antibodies were measured using ELISA (Proteintech Inc., USA). Personality types were assessed using a 56-item temperament questionnaire developed by A. Belov, categorizing individuals into classical temperament types (choleric, phlegmatic, sanguine, melancholic). Logistic regression and ROC analysis were used to examine associations between personality types and antibody response. Results: The presence of an antibody response was significantly higher among individuals with a melancholic temperament, and significantly lower among those with a phlegmatic temperament. Furthermore, antibody titers were higher in participants with melancholic and sanguine temperaments and lower in those with a phlegmatic type. Conclusions 1. During the early period following the second dose of COVID-19 vaccination, the antibody response was higher in individuals with a pure melancholic temperament, while it was lower in those with a phlegmatic temperament. 2. After the second dose of the Sinopharm BBIBP COVID-19 vaccine, antibody titers were higher in individuals with pure melancholic and sanguine temperaments, and lower in those with a phlegmatic temperament.

Background: Insomnia is one of the most prevalent neurological disorders in the United States, affecting up to half of primary care patients and often necessitating psycho-behavioral interventions. Acupuncture, a key component of traditional Chinese and Mongolian medicine, has been increasingly studied as a treatment for insomnia in recent years. Aim: Evaluating the effectiveness of acupuncture for insomnia Materials and Methods: The study was conducted using a randomized controlled clinical trial design. 148 participants, aged 18-65 years, with a diagnosis of Nonorganic Insomnia (F51.0) according to the ICD-10, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) >7, were divided into the transverse acupuncture, conventional acupuncture, and the control group. The results were analyzed using a Cardiopulmonary Coupling - CPC machine before and after treatment in the 3 groups to assess 1. Total sleep (hours), 2. Deep sleep (hours), 3. Light sleep (hours), 4. REM (hours), 5. Wake time (minutes), 6. Time to first fall asleep (minutes), 7. Sleep rate (%), 8. Number of apneas, and sleep quality was assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaires. The research approval was reviewed and granted by the Research Ethics Review Committee of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences on January 19, 2024 (Approval No. 24/19/01). Results: The mean age of participants was 51.5±10.8 years, with 79.7% (n=118) being female and 20.3% (n=30) male. In the transverse acupuncture group, post-treatment results demonstrated a 53.8% increase in total sleep time, a 102.8% increase in deep sleep time, a 19.8% increase in light sleep time, a 36.1% increase in REM sleep time, and a 22.1% improvement in sleep normalization rate. The mean differences between pre- and post-treatment scores were statistically significant based on a one-sample t-test. In contrast, no statistically significant improvements were observed in the control group, except for sleep quality. Conclusion Both transverse acupuncture and conventional acupuncture significantly improved sleep quality indicators following treatment.

Background: Vaginal candidiasis is a highly prevalent infectious disease among women caused by a wide range of pathogenic organisms. Although it can be treated with standard pharmacological methods, it has detrimental effects on women’s reproductive health. The absence of research to date on the anti-vaginal inflammatory effects of Jirug-6 suppositories - a traditional formulation derived from ancient medicinal recipes and long-used in traditional mongolian medicine has provided the rationale for conducting this study. Aim: Study of the effects of Jirug-6 suppositories on the vaginal inflammatory lesion model induced by Candida albicans. Materials and Methods: To establish the vaginal inflammatory lesion model in experimental animals, the inoculum was prepared according to the McFarland standard method, and 10 µL of the inoculum was intravaginally administered daily for 4 consecutive days. Fifty-six mice with induced vaginal candidiasis were divided into 7 groups. On treatment days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10, the vaginal cavity of the mice was washed with 100 µL of phosphate buffer. From the lavage fluid, 20 µL was collected, mixed with 480 µL of phosphate buffer, and thoroughly homogenized. Using a 20 µL micropipette, three aliquots were inoculated onto Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) medium and incubated at 37°C for 48 hours. Colonies were counted, and at the end of the experiment, serum was isolated from blood samples, and IFN-γ and IL-10 levels in the samples were quantified using ELISA. Histopathological analysis was performed on vaginal tissues from the experimental animals. Results: In the experimental animals, Jirug-6 suppositories 0.4 mg/kg dose exhibited the mildest clinical signs of hyperemia, swelling, hemorrhage, infiltration, or fluid loss into soft tissues in the vaginal and cervical regions (p<0.01). For cervical inflammation, Jirug-6 suppositories 0.4 mg/kg demonstrated a strong anti-inflammatory effect with a score of 1.99±0.78, which was comparable to the positive control group (p<0.01). In serum, the concentrations of IFN-γ and IL-10 in Jirug-6 suppositories 0.4 mg/kg were determined to be 8.18±0.61 and 7.91±1.30, respectively, showing reduced levels similar to those of the positive control group (p<0.01). Conclusions 1. Jirug-6 suppositories reduce inflammatory symptoms and suppresses fungal dissemination during the vaginal lesion model induced by C. albicans. 2. At a Jirug-6 suppositories 0.4 mg/kg demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects by increasing IFN-γ concentration and decreasing IL-10 concentration in the C. albicans-induced vaginal lesion model. Furthermore, it enhances immunity and reduces swelling during inflammation, exhibiting positive therapeutic effects against clinical symptoms.

Background: A drug related problem is defined by the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe Association as an an event or circumstance involving drug therapy that actually or potentially interferes with desired health outcomes. One critical aspect of preventing such errors is proper dose adjustment, which plays a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. For instance, adjusting the dose of warfarin based on the patient’s INR level is essential. In a 1995 study conducted in England, clinical pharmacists recommended target doses of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors for patients with chronic heart failure. As a result, patients experienced a significant reduction in pulmonary and peripheral edema, along with improved exercise test outcomes. At the Mongolian-Japanese Hospital of the Mongolian Medical University of Science and Technology, it is important to analyze dosage-related issues identified by clinical pharmacists and inform healthcare professionals about common dosage selection errors and associated risks. Aim: We analyzed issues related to medication dosage. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to examine problem related to dosage detected through prescription monitoring at the Mongolian Japanese Hospital of the Mongolian National University of Health Sciences from 2023 to 2024. Results: Out of a total of 2340 drug-related problem identified across five inpatient wards during this period, 581 (100%) were related to dosage. Clinical pharmacists performed prescription review on approximately 67% of all inpatients, which was consistent between years. However, medication-related problems tended to decrease from 41.1% (n=1499) in 2023 to 22.3% (n=841) in 2024 (p=0.05). The majority of dose-related problems, 75.6% (n=440), were overdoses. Medication-related problems were most common in the surgical department, with 59.5% (n=346) (p=0.001). The most frequent dosage-related errors involved exceeding the daily dose of diclofenac, administering higher- than-recommended doses of ceftriaxone, failing to adjust cefotaxime for renal function, and using inappropriate doses of metronidazole in patients with impaired liver function. The leading cause of these errors was failure to adhere to guideline-recommended dosing, which accounted for 71.3% (n=415) of cases (p=0.001). When dosage-related recommendations were provided to physicians before of treatment, acceptance rates increased by 14% (p=0.001). These interventions resulted in an estimated cost saving of 1.267.219₮ and a reduction of 363 injections. Conclusion Therefore, clinical pharmacist-led prescription review can help reduce the risk of dosage errors, lower associated healthcare costs, and alleviate the burden on medical staff.

Background: From the perspective of traditional medicine, researchers believe that the individual’s innate quality has a reciprocal effect on the physiological level. The study of body-specific quality differences is important for improving disease risk prediction, diagnosis, and treatment approaches. Therefore, explaining the features of traditional medicine with some physiological parameters and establishing the relationship between them is clinically significant and important for predicting disease risk and developing individualized treatment methods, which is the basis of this research. Aim: To establish the correlation between an individual’s innate unique constitution and specific biochemical indicators. Materials and Methods: The innate unique constitution of individuals was determined using electronic data, and the relationships between their characteristics and levels of uric acid, creatinine, urea, and glucose in the blood were analyzed. Results: A total of 102 participants were included in the study. Among them, the Shar-Khi constitution was the most prevalent, with 28 cases (27.45%), while the Khi-Badgan constitution was the least common, with 13 cases (12.75%). Individuals with the Khi-Shar constitution exhibited the highest urea level at 4.47 ммоль/л, whereas those with the Badgan-Shar constitution had the lowest at 4.15 ммоль/л. The uric acid level was highest in individuals with the Shar-Khi constitution at 316.15 µmol/L and lowest in those with the Badgan-Shar constitution at 261.36 µmol/L (p<0.001). Furthermore, individuals with the Badgan-Khi constitution had the highest creatinine level at 73.51 µmol/L, while those with the Badgan-Shar constitution had the lowest at 63.97 µmol/L (p<0.001). The blood glucose level was highest in individuals with the Khi-Badgan constitution at 4.59 ммоль/л and lowest in those with the Khi-Shar constitution at 4.21 ммоль/л. Kidney function indicators, particularly creatinine, significantly correlated with blood glucose levels (r=0.67, p<0.01). Higher uric acid and creatinine levels were associated with elevated blood glucose levels. These findings suggest that variations in urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels among different unique constitutions could be utilized to predict the risk of kidney disease or diabetes. Conclusion Depending on the individual characteristics of traditional medicine, kidney and blood sugar parameters are different and related to each other, and can assess the state of diabetes and kidney disease. Determining the inherent characteristics of an individual is considered important for improving the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diabetes and kidney disease.

Background: Numerous studies have shown that with the advancement of technology such as computers and cell phones, neck and back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome have become common in daily life. Aim: Estimating the effectiveness of acupoint catgut embedding treatment for chronic neck pain. Materials and Methods: The study used a randomized clinical trial, double-blind, placebo-controlled design with treatment (n=40) and control (n=40) groups. The study included 80 patients with chronic neck pain, and the results were evaluated in the two groups before and after treatment using the “Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), “Neck Disability Index”, and “Quality of Life Questionnaire” (EQ-5D). Results: Acupoint catgut embedding and acupuncture treatment for chronic neck pain increased the neck’s range of motion by 2-5 degrees. Standard acupuncture treatment and acupoint catgut embedding treatment reduce neck pain and improve the neck disability index. Acupoint catgut embedding treatment improves the quality of life of patients with chronic neck pain, especially reducing anxiety and fear scores with statistical significance. Conclusion 1. Standard acupuncture and acupoint catgut embedding treatment are equally effective in relieving chronic neck pain. 2. Acupoint catgut embedding treatment increased the range of motion in the same way as standard acupuncture. 3. Acupoint catgut embedding treatment also reduced the patient’s Neck Disability Index and improved Quality of life.

Background: In traditional medicine, the Shimshin-6 formulation, which consists of Rheum undulatum L., Hippophae rhamnoides L., Zingiber officinalie Roscoe, Saussurea Lappa C.B.Clark, Sal ammoniacum, Tronae veneni, is recommended for women experiencing menstrual retention disorders. In recent years, Shimshin-6 has been widely used to promote postpartum uterine involution for women and our study aimed to evaluate and determine the acute and chronic toxicity effects of Shimshin-6. Aim: To evaluate and substantiate the acute and chronic toxicity effects of Shimshin-6. Materials and Methods: The acute toxicity of Shimshin-6 was evaluated using the rapid method described by V.B. Prozorovsky (1978) by administering intraperitoneal injections of the medicinal extract in white mice to determine the lethal dose. The active dose was determined following the methodology of I.P. Zapadnyuk (1983). Chronic toxicity was evaluated in Wistar rats according to the OECD 407 (2008) guidelines. The test animals were administered Shimshin-6 in tablet form (90 mg/kg and 180 mg/kg) and decoction form (tang) (162 mg/kg) daily for 60 days. At the end of the experiment, biochemical and complete blood analyses were conducted, along with histopathological examination of major organs. The study was conducted with ethical approval granted by the Ethics Committee of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (MNUMS) on October 25, 2024. Results: The LD50 for Shimshin-6 tablets was 4.47 (3.39–5.1) g/kg, indicating low acute toxicity based on the K.K. Sidorov classification. The LD50 for the decoction form was 8.1 (7.1–9.4) g/kg, suggesting it is non-toxic. Regarding chronic toxicity, platelet count was significantly reduced compared to the healthy control group: Shimshin-6 tablet group: 46% reduction at 90 mg/kg and 29.7% reduction at 180 mg/kg. Shimshin-6 decoction group: 60.5% reduction at 162 mg/ kg. Additionally, hemoglobin levels in the decoction group (162 mg/kg) decreased by 15.7% (p<0.05). Biochemical analysis showed a 36.3% reduction in total cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in the tablet group (180 mg/kg) and decoction group (162 mg/kg) compared to the control (p<0.05). Conclusion Shimshin-6 tablets showed low acute toxicity in experimental mice. However, long-term administration may lead to a reduction in platelet count.