1.Determination of non-cytotoxic dose ranges of selected plant extracts in RBL-2H3 cells
Baasandash Ts ; ; Khaliun G ; Nurbyek S ; ; Uranbileg B ; ; Anujin Ts ; ; Khongorzul B ; ; Enkhmaa D ; ; Battogtokh Ch ; ; Enkhsaikhan L ; ; Tsevelmaa N ;
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;96(6):211-216
Background:
Globally, research on identifying bioactive compounds from medicinal plants and characterizing their in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activities is progressing rapidly. Plants native to Mongolia have adapted to unique, extreme continental climatic conditions, accumulating distinct phytochemicals, and have historically been utilized in traditional medicine and dietary practices. Establishing the non-cytotoxic safety threshold of these wild and cultivated plant extracts in RBL-2H3 mast cells a universally accepted model for type I hypersensitivity and inflammation is a vital prerequisite. Determining these baseline non-toxic dose ranges provides the essential scientific foundation for subsequent cellular allergy models, animal studies, and the elucidation of molecular mechanisms underlying their therapeutic efficacy.
Aim:
To determine the cytotoxicity profile and establish the non-cytotoxic dose ranges of extracts from four selected Mongolian plant species (wild and cultivated) in RBL-2H3 cells.
Materials and Methods:
Plant samples including lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), strawberry (Fragaria orientalis), black radish (Raphanus sativus), and blue-berried honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L.) were standardly collected, authenticated, and cataloged as herbarium specimens at the Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Mongolian Academy of Sciences. A total of 12 distinct extracts were prepared from plant leaves, stems, and fruits using water and ethanol extraction, followed by concentration via rotary evaporation and freeze-drying. Rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells were maintained in EMEM growth medium and utilized during the exponential growth phase. Cell viability and non-cytotoxic concentration thresholds were evaluated using the MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide] assay.
Result:
Ethanolic extracts of strawberry leaves, black radish, and honeysuckle leaves (≥6.25 µg/mL), as well as aqueous extracts of honeysuckle fruits (≥6.25 µg/mL) and stems (≥25 µg/mL), exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity. Conversely, aqueous extracts of lingonberry leaves (≤200 µg/mL), strawberry leaves (≥100 µg/mL), and black radish (≤200 µg/mL), alongside ethanolic extracts of lingonberry leaves (≥50 µg/mL), demonstrated non-cytotoxic profiles. Furthermore, ethanolic extracts of honeysuckle stems (≤300 µg/mL) and fruits (≥12.5 µg/mL), as well as the aqueous extract of honeysuckle leaves (≤50 µg/mL), significantly enhanced RBL-2H3 cell viability.
Conclusion
The tested plant extracts influenced RBL-2H3 cell viability in a solvent polarity and plant organ dependent manner. Ethanolic extracts of strawberry leaves, black radish, and honeysuckle leaves, along with aqueous extracts of honeysuckle fruits and stems, demonstrated relatively high cytotoxicity, reducing cell viability by >40% starting at concentrations of 12.5, 25, and 50 µg/mL. In contrast, aqueous extracts of strawberry leaves and black radish, as well as both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of lingonberry leaves, maintained low cytotoxicity at concentrations below 200 µg/mL. Notably, ethanolic extracts of honeysuckle stems and fruits (>12.5 µg/mL) and its aqueous leaf extract (<100 µg/mL) enhanced cell viability, exhibiting significant cell proliferation promoting activity.
2.The Effect of Colsaurin Syrup on Quality of Life in Patients Diagnosed with Acute Bronchitis
Anu A ; Chimedragchaa Ch ; Tsevelmaa G ; Olonbayar Ts ; Altantungalag A ; Lkhamsuren B ; Otgonsuvd B ; Batdelger S ; Tegshjargal U ; Dejidmaa B ; Myadagbadam U ; Nyamdemberel Ts
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;93(3):171-177
Background:
Respiratory diseases remain among the top five leading causes of morbidity, with an incidence rate of 788.4 cases per 10,000 population in 2021. Among these, acute bronchitis accounts for 9.3%. According to international clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of adult acute bronchitis, symptoms usually resolve spontaneously within 1–3 weeks, but they considerably reduce the patient’s quality of life. Therefore, Colsaurin syrup, a new natural formulation with analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, was clinically investigated to assess its efficacy and safety. The introduction of this domestically produced herbal medicine into clinical practice is expected to have both medical and socioeconomic significance by expanding the range of national pharmaceutical products.
Aim:
To evaluate the effect of Colsaurin syrup on the quality of life in adults diagnosed with acute bronchitis.
Materials and Methods:
This study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial conducted among inpatients at Songinokhairkhan District General Hospital, Ulaanbaatar. Adult patients diagnosed with acute bronchitis (J20) who met the inclusion criteria and provided informed consent were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to either the Colsaurin or placebo group.
Result:
In the Bronchitis Severity Score (BBS) assessment, baseline mean scores indicated severe disease: 10.88±2.47 in the Colsaurin group and 10.67±2.16 in the placebo group. After treatment, scores decreased significantly to 3.50±1.41 (p<0.001) in the Colsaurin group and 5.00±2.24 (p=0.006) in the placebo group, indicating greater improvement in the Colsaurin-treated patients. In the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) assessment, the mean pre-treatment score for both groups was 7, corresponding to frequent cough, which decreased to 2 after treatment (p<0.05), representing a 28% reduction in coughing discomfort. In the Cough and Sputum Assessment Questionnaire (CASA-Q), the Colsaurin group showed a 3.25-point reduction after treatment, indicating a significant decrease in cough frequency and triggering factors (p<0.05).
Conclusion
1. In patients diagnosed with acute bronchitis (J20), treatment with Colsaurin syrup reduced disease severity by 30% and alleviated cough-related discomfort by 28% compared to baseline.
2. Moreover, patients reported improved sleep quality and work capacity, reflecting an overall enhancement in quality of life.
3. No adverse effects were observed in the Colsaurin treatment group.
3.Evaluation of the vaginal microenvironment in women of menopausal age
Tsevelmaa E ; Buyan-Ulzii Ch ; Lkham-Erdene G ; Pagmadulam S ; Munkhzul N
Diagnosis 2025;112(1):90-94
Postmenopausal estrogen deficiency can lead to genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), which manifests as vaginal dryness, dyspareunia, and sexual dysfunction, among other clinical symptoms. These complications often result in emotional distress and a decline in overall quality of life (7). Several studies estimate that 25–50% of postmenopausal women experience symptoms such as pain during
intercourse, burning, itching, and dysuria due to vaginal atrophy and inflammation (9). Menopause is commonly diagnosed based on the absence of menstruation and hormone levels (10), but one of the simplest diagnostic methods is the evaluation of the vaginal microenvironment. There is limited
data in Mongolia regarding the vaginal microenvironment of perimenopausal and postmenopausal women and the factors influencing its changes. This gap in knowledge formed the basis of our study.
The aim of this research was to assess the vaginal microenvironment in menopausal women and to analyze its relationship with various influencing factors. We conducted a cross-sectional observational study using a descriptive research design. A total of 110 women aged 45–55 years, presenting with menopausal symptoms at “Santmaral” Women’s Clinic and the Women’s Outpatient Department of Songinokhairkhan Health Center, were selected for the study. Both quantitative and qualitative
research methods were employed, including surveys and physical examinations. Participants completed a 10-minute questionnaire consisting of 8 open-ended and 12 closed-ended questions. The vaginal microenvironment was assessed using special pH test strips applied to vaginal secretions. Data were analyzed using Excel 21 and SPSS 23, comparing the vaginal microenvironment with various influencing factors. The results showed that the average vaginal microenvironment pH among menopausal women was 5.18 ± 0.45 (n=110). In married women, the average pH was 5.1 ± 0.45; among women with a history of pregnancy, it was 4.10 ± 1.58; and among those who had given birth,
it was 2.8 ± 0.98 — indicating an abnormal vaginal microenvironment. Women who were using hormone replacement therapy had an average pH of 5.05 ± 0.45, while those using non-hormonal contraceptive methods had an average pH of 5.3 ± 0.43. These findings were statistically significant
(p = 0.0001****)
Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail