Background: Plants of the genus Achillea are widely used in both traditional and modern medicine and are known to be rich in biologically active secondary metabolites. Numerous phytochemical and histochemical studies have been con ducted on Achillea millefolium L.; however, Achillea asiatica Serg., which is widely distributed in Mongolia, remains comparatively underexplored. Therefore, investigating the distribution of biologically active compounds, the content of polyphenolic compounds, and the optimal extraction conditions of this species is of significant scientific and practical importance. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify biologically active compounds in Achillea asiatica Serg. using histochemical methods, to determine the content of polyphenolic compounds and optimal extraction conditions, and to evaluate the total and internal absorption coefficients of the plant raw material. Materials and Methods: The aerial parts of Achillea asiatica Serg. were collected in August 2025 from Erdene soum, Tuv province, Mongolia. Histochemical analysis was performed on transverse stem sections and flower petals using potassium dichromate, ferric chloride (III), methylene blue, Lugol’s iodine, and Dragendorff’s reagent, followed by ob servation under a light microscope. The total polyphenolic content was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method and expressed as gallic acid equivalents. Extraction experiments were conducted using powdered plant material sieved to par ticle sizes of 1, 2, and 3 mm and extracted with 20–80% ethanol. In addition, the total and internal absorption coefficients of the plant material were determined according to standard procedures. Results: Histochemical analysis revealed the presence of essential oils, polyphenolic compounds (tannins and flavo noids), and starch, while alkaloids were not detected. Polyphenolic compounds were observed in both stems and flow ers, with more pronounced accumulation in the vascular tissues. The highest total polyphenolic content (0.421%) was obtained from the 1 mm particle-size fraction extracted with 70–80% ethanol. Using 60% ethanol, the total absorption coefficient of the plant material was determined to be 5.74, and the internal absorption coefficient was 1.885. Conclution Achillea asiatica Serg. is rich in polyphenolic compounds, and their anatomical distribution is closely as sociated with the plant’s protective and biological functions. The use of 1 mm particle-size material and 70–80% ethanol was identified as the most suitable condition for extracting polyphenolic compounds. These findings provide a scientific basis for the standardization of Achillea asiatica Serg. as a medicinal and phytopharmaceutical raw material and support its further pharmacognostic and phytochemical investigation.

Background: In atopic dermatitis, impairment of the skin barrier function leads to increased susceptibility to environ mental particles and pollutants, thereby contributing to disease pathogenesis and complications, as well as to an increased risk of fungal skin infections. In children with atopic dermatitis, infections caused by Candida species exacerbate the dis ease and reduce the effectiveness of treatment. Candida species are common opportunistic pathogens colonizing the skin and mucosal surfaces, and more than 200 species have been described. Among these, Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and C. krusei are most frequently isolated from the skin, mucosa, and oral cavity. In Mongolia, studies culturing skin fungi and determining their metabolic activity and virulence factors are limited, which constituted the rationale for the present study. Aim: To determine virulence factors and selected biochemical activities of Candida species. Materials and Methods: In this study, Candida species strains cultured from clinical samples of children with atopic der matitis were used with research approval. The fungal strains preserved at –80°C were revived by culturing on Sabouraud Chloramphenicol Agar and evaluated microscopically after Gram staining. Biofilm-forming activity was determined us ing the microtiter plate method, in which cultures were grown in broth, optical density was measured using a microplate reader, and values were calculated using a standard formula. Phospholipase activity was assessed using egg yolk agar according to the method developed by Price et al. Results: Of the total cultured isolates, 54.1% (n=33) demonstrated weak biofilm-forming activity (≤ODc / ODc < ~ ≤2×ODc), while 32.79% (n=20) showed moderate biofilm-forming activity (2×ODc < ~ ≤4×ODc). Isolates exhibiting strong biofilm-forming activity (>4×ODc) accounted for 13.1% (n =8) Regarding phospholipase activity, 50% of the isolates showed strong activity, 30% showed moderate activity, 10% showed low activity, and 10% exhibited very weak activity. Conclusions 1. Virulent fungal strains capable of attaching to host cells are involved in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis. 2. Atopic dermatitis is shown to contain fungal strains that damage host cells and are involved in the process of inva sion.

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) states that no safe level of lead exposure has been established and compared with adults, children absorb approximately four to five times more lead into their bodies. When blood lead levels reach 3.5 µg/dL, which may lead to decreased intellectual capacity, impaired attention, and learning difficulties, potentially resulting in intellectual disability and behavioral disorders. The nervous system and blood–brain barrier in children and adolescents are not fully developed, making them highly susceptible to the neurotoxic effects of lead. Lead disrupts several neurotransmitter systems, including dopaminergic, glutamatergic, and cholinergic pathways. Dysfunction in these systems—particularly alterations in dopaminergic pathways—is closely associated with symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). In Mongolia, previous studies have investigated the association between ADHD and lead levels in hair samples among children; however, no studies have examined the relationship between blood lead levels and ADHD. Determining whether blood lead levels influence ADHD in children will provide a scientific basis for preventive measures and the development of additional treatment strategies to reduce clinical symptoms and support clinical practice. Aim: To investigate the association between blood lead levels and ADHD among school children. Materials and Methods: A household-based analytical cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 306 children aged 6-14 years were randomly selected according to the study inclusion criteria. The Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Questionnaire was administered to parents/guardians and classroom teachers to identify ADHD cases. Blood samples were analyzed to determine blood lead levels using the NIOSH 8005 standard method with Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) in a laboratory accredited under MNS ISO 17025:2018. Additionally, data on lead exposure risk factors were collected using a 15-item questionnaire administered to parents or guardians through the Google Forms platform. Result: Among the participants, 34 children were diagnosed with ADHD. Of these cases, 67.64% were male and 32.35% were female, yielding a male-to-female ratio of approximately 2:1. Boys were 3.6 times more likely to have ADHD than girls (OR=3.675; 95% CI: 2.276-6.210; p<0.0001). Regarding ADHD subtypes, the predominantly inattentive type accounted for 38.2% (n=13), the predominantly hyperactive type for 52.9% (n=18), and the combined type for 8.8% (n=3). When comparing clinical subtypes by sex, the hyperactive type was more common among boys (60.9%, n=14), whereas the inattentive type was more common among girls (45.5%, n=5). The mean blood lead level among all children was 4.8±2.33 µg/dL. Among children with ADHD, the mean level was 6.16±2.47 µg/dL, while among children without ADHD it was 4.75±2.31 µg/dL, indicating a statistically significant difference between the groups. In examining factors influencing the development of ADHD in relation to children’s morbidity status, repeated illnesses such as anemia, rickets, malnutrition, and recurrent acute febrile diseases were identified as statistically significant risk factors (p=0.012). In contrast, acute conditions of short duration were not found to be significant risk factors. Conclusion 1. Among the children included in the study, 34 (11.1%) were diagnosed with ADHD, and the prevalence was higher in boys than in girls. 2. Blood lead levels showed a statistically significant association with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children.

Background: According to classical sources of Traditional Mongolian Medicine, the Mana-4 decoction clears internal heat and fever, alleviates febrile and infectious diseases, resolves pale-brown Badgan disorders, and alleviates severe pneumonia. Chimedragchaa.Ch. et al. (2002) demonstrated that Mana-4 possesses heat-clearing, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a disorder characterized by clinical manifestations including physical exhaustion, low-grade fever, headache, mood fluctuations, cognitive impairment, and sleep disturbances. In recent years, as the pace of modern life and workload have increased, physical, psychological, and mental stress have intensified, leading to dysregulation of the nervous and endocrine systems, impaired immune function, and a rising global prevalence of CFS—a trend that has attracted increasing attention from researchers worldwide. However, the etiology and pathogenesis of CFS remain incompletely understood, and effective, evidence-based treatments continue to be sought. Therefore, we developed Immunoflu soluble granules, derived from the constituents of Mana-4, and this study aimed to investigate its anti-fatigue effects, as no such investigation had previously been conducted. Aim: To evaluate the anti-fatigue effect of Immunoflu, a formulation derived from the traditional Mana-4 decoction widely used in Traditional Mongolian Medicine. Materials and Methods: A chronic-fatigue rat model was established by forced-swimming induction, following the method of Jia Wang et al. (2013). The behavioral effects of Immunoflu were assessed using the open-field test (locomotor activity) and the elevated plus-maze test (anxiety-related behavior). Result: Immunoflu was administered at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg to evaluate its effects in a chronic-fatigue model. In the open-field test, no significant difference (p>0.05) in central-zone entries was observed between Immunoflu and the model control. However, vertical locomotor activity increased significantly: Immunal 50 mg/kg +80.4% (p=0.024), Immunoflu 100 mg/kg +82.6% (p=0.003), and 200 mg/kg +77.4% (p=0.035). From these findings, Immunoflu at 100 and 200 mg/kg clearly enhanced locomotor activity in rats with chronic fatigue. In the elevated plus-maze test, Immunal 50 mg/kg increased the time spent in the central zone (10×10cm) by 53.3% (p=0.021) and in open arms by 61.4% (p=0.032) compared with the model control. Although Immunoflu produced no significant changes (p>0.05) in central-zone entries or time spent in the central zone, the time spent in the open arms increased by 60.6% at 200 mg/kg (p=0.026), indicating a reduction in anxiety and improved behavioral response to stress. Conclusion In a forced-swimming–induced chronic-fatigue model, Immunoflu increased locomotor activity by 77.4–82.6% at 100 and 200 mg/kg, reduced anxiety by 60.6% at 200 mg/kg, and reduced behavioral despair and fatigue by 35.3% at 100 mg/kg.

Background: Skin diseases are highly prevalent worldwide. Although plant-derived medicinal materials continue to be used among Mongolians for the traditional and household management of dermatological conditions, studies that systematically quantify their frequency of use, informant consensus, and cultural significance remain limited. Aim: To determine the traditional knowledge, patterns of use, and cultural significance of plant-derived medicinal materials used for dermatological conditions among residents of Ulaanbaatar using quantitative ethnobotanical indices. Materials and Methods: Information was collected on the diversity of plant species used for dermatological conditions, modes and frequency of use, perceived effectiveness, adverse effects, and methods of preparation and processing. The collected data were evaluated using quantitative ethnobotanical indices, including the Use Value (UV), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Fidelity Level (FL), Relative Popularity Level (RPL), Rank Order Priority (ROP), Cultural Importance Index (CII), Jaccard Index (JI), and Shannon–Wiener Diversity Index (SDI). Statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel 2016. The study was conducted with the approval of the Research Ethics Review Committee of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences (Approval Protocol No. 25-06/03-03 and Ethical Opinion Protocol No. 26/03-B02). Result: A total of 73 plant species belonging to 36 families were documented, with species from the Asteraceae, Rosaceae, Apiaceae, and Liliaceae families being predominant. Regarding modes of use, 29.6% of the remedies were prepared as infusions or decoctions and applied as washes or topical applications, 18.9% involved the direct application of plant juice, and 18.1% were applied as mashed plant material or poultices. Aloe barbadensis showed the highest ethnobotanical importance, with UV= 0.19, RFC=0.128, CII=0.19, RPL=1.00, and ROP=100. Nugaraa altan tovch, Gobi thyme, yashilduu sea buckthorn, and greater plantain were also highly ranked. The Informant Consensus Factor was highest for thermal burns (ICF=0.82), followed by open wounds (ICF=0.77) and pustular acne (ICF=0.76). Eighteen species overlapped with the 126 medicinal materials recorded in traditional medicinal prescriptions, yielding a Jaccard Index of JI=10%. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index was H′=3.4184, with an evenness value of E=0.7967. Among the informants, 40.8% reported a reduction in symptoms, while 61.9% reported no adverse effects associated with the use of plant-derived medicinal materials. Conclusion 1. Among residents of Ulaanbaatar, information was documented on the use of 73 plant species belonging to 36 families for skin diseases. Knowledge of these plants was transmitted mainly within families, and topical methods of use, including washing with herbal infusions, rinsing, and direct application of expressed plant juice, were predominant. 2. According to the quantitative ethnobotanical indices, Aloe vera showed the highest values for use, citation frequency, and cultural importance. Matricaria chamomilla L., Thymus gobicus Tschern., Hippophae rhamnoides L., and Plantago major L. also ranked highly. The highest Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) values were observed for thermal burns, open skin wounds, and acne vulgaris.

Background: Diabetes mellitus accounts for 42.9% of endocrine and nutritional metabolic diseases in Mongolia, with a prevalence of 111.4 cases per 10,000 population. This represents a 28.5% increase compared with the previous year (82.9 cases per 10,000 population in 2019), indicating a continuing upward trend in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus. In Mongolian traditional medicine, Sapparin tablets are used to treat blood disorders and liver diseases. The formulation contains four major herbal ingredients: C. jubata, C. sappan, Z. officinale, and H. rhamnoides. Aim: To study the effects of Sapparin in a high-fat diet and low-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetic model in experimental rats. Materials and Methods: We used 40 Wistar rats to establish a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) model according to the method described by Bailu Duan et al. (2017). The rats were fed a high-fat diet for 28 days, followed by an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) at 35 mg/kg to induce T2DM. After STZ administration, Sapparin was orally administered to diabetic rats at 89 and 178 mg/kg for 21 days. At the end of the experimental period, insulin, GLUT4, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) according to the manufacturer’s instructions on days 14 and 21. Result: After 14 and 21 days of treatment, fasting blood glucose levels decreased by 33% and 22.5% in the Sapparin 89 mg/kg and 178 mg/kg groups, respectively, compared with the diabetic control group (p=0.05). In the glucose tolerance test, the 89 mg/kg Sapparin-treated group showed a 31% increase in glucose levels at the initial measurement compared with the diabetic control group, followed by decreases of 10% at 30 min and 30% at 120 min (p=0.04). Serum insulin levels in the 89 mg/kg Sapparin group decreased by 20% on day 14 and 19.8% on day 21 compared with the diabetic control group, while the 178 mg/kg group showed decreases of 15% and 20%, respectively, approaching the levels observed in the healthy control group (p=0.05). Furthermore, HOMA-IR decreased by 42–46% over time in both the 89 and 178 mg/ kg Sapparin-treated groups, with statistically significant differences observed (p=0.05). Conclusion In a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus, Sapparin reduced blood glucose levels, serum insulin levels, and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and may have a positive effect on lipid metabolism.

Background: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a poorly understood disorder of unknown etiology, characterized by clinical manifestations including physical exhaustion, low-grade fever, myalgia, dizziness, mood fluctuations, cognitive impairment, and sleep disturbances. CFS is highly prevalent and frequently comorbid with psychiatric conditions, particularly depression and anxiety. Symptoms exacerbate during physical or mental exertion and do not completely resolve with rest. Currently, there is a lack of proven, effective pharmacological treatments for CFS. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the anti-fatigue effects of Immunoflu. Aim: To evaluate the anti-fatigue effects of Immunoflu, a technologically modernized formulation derived from the traditional Mana-4 decoction. Materials and Methods: A chronic fatigue rat model was established using the forced-swim protocol described by Jia Wang and Chengxin Sun (2013). The pharmacological effects of Immunoflu were evaluated by quantifying serum levels of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-17a) by ELISA and assessing behavioral despair using the forced swim test (FST). Results: We evaluated how Immunoflu affects the chronic fatigue model at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg by measuring serum levels of IL-1β, IL-2, IL-5, IL-10, and IL-17a and assessing despair using the “Forced swim test”. In the forced-swimming-induced chronic fatigue model in rats, Immunoflu at a dose of 100 mg/kg increased the serum IL-2 indicator by 23.8%, and Immunal at a dose of 50 mg/kg increased it by 23.3% compared to the model control group, a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Furthermore, Immunoflu at 200 mg/kg reduced IL-17a cytokine levels by 23.7% compared with the model control group. When evaluating the swimming state of the animals with the Forced swim test, the group given Immunal 50 mg/kg (52.03±9.3 sec) decreased by 31.6% (*p=0.038), and the group given Immunoflu 100 mg/kg (49.19±8.54 sec) decreased by 35.3% (*p=0.01) respectively compared to the model control group, while no statistically significant difference was observed in other groups. Conclusions 1. Immunoflu at 100 mg/kg demonstrates immunostimulatory effects in a chronic fatigue model by increasing serum IL-2 levels by 23.8%. Additionally, at 200 mg/kg, it exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, reducing IL-17a levels by 23.7%. 2. In the forced-swimming model, Immunoflu at 100 mg/kg effectively reduced behavioral despair and physical fatigue by 35.3%.

Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma of B-lymphocyte origin, characterized by an aggressive clinical course. Clinically, it most often presents with lymphadenopathy and “B symptoms,” including fever, night sweats, and weight loss. However, in some cases, the disease predominantly involves extranodal organs, such as the spleen, and may present with nonspecific manifestations, thereby posing a diagnostic challenge. Case presentation: A 36-year-old male patient presented with high-grade fever of unknown origin, dyspnea, generalized weakness, sweating, and a 7–8 kg weight loss over one month. Clinical evaluation and laboratory investigations revealed massive splenomegaly measuring 15 × 20 × 20 cm, progressive thrombocytopenia, anemia, and elevated C-reactive protein and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Diagnostic workup for infection, tuberculosis, viral infection, and autoimmune disease did not reveal findings sufficient to establish an alternative diagnosis. Because focal splenic lesions and suspected splenic infarction were identified, splenectomy was performed. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examination of the splenic tissue demonstrated CD20+, CD79a+, BCL2+, CD3−, CD8−, CD30−, and ALK− expression, confirming the final diagnosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Although DLBCL itself is a common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, this case is clinically rare and diagnostically challenging because it presented with predominant splenic involvement, massive splenomegaly measuring 15×20×20 cm, treatment-resistant fever, progressive thrombocytopenia, and imaging findings mimicking splenic infarction. Conclusion In patients presenting with fever of unknown origin that is resistant to treatment, massive splenomegaly, thrombocytopenia, elevated LDH, and increased inflammatory markers, lymphoproliferative disorders should be considered early in the differential diagnosis in addition to infectious causes. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examination play a crucial role in confirming the diagnosis.

Background: Chronic eosinophilic leukemia (CEL) is a rare, slowly progressive hematologic malignancy characterized by clonal proliferation of eosinophils in the bone marrow due to underlying genetic mutations. Persistent eosinophilia (>1.5 x 10⁹/L) for 1–6 months is a key diagnostic criterion. The presence of the FIP1L1::PDGFRA fusion gene and increased blast or abnormal cells in the bone marrow further supports the diagnosis. Case presentation: A 63-year-old male presented with symptoms of dry skin, pruritus, skin rash, enlargement of cervical, axillary, and inguinal lymph nodes, headache, and edema. According to the medical history, the disease began 4 years earlier with pruritus in the lower legs and progressed over the past 2 years with worsening skin rash. Complete blood count revealed eosinophilia of 48.6%. Based on leukogram, myelogram, skin histopathology, and cytogenetic analysis performed in China, a diagnosis of chronic eosinophilic leukemia was established. The patient responded well to treatment with imatinib and hydroxycarbamide. Conclusion Clinical manifestations of chronic eosinophilic leukemia are often nonspecific and may be misdiagnosed as dermatological conditions. Therefore, cytogenetic analysis (including FISH), leukogram, myelogram, and skin histopathological examination play a crucial role in accurate diagnosis.

Background: Ephedra przewalskii Stapf. is a perennial shrubby plant of the family Ephedraceae, naturally distributed in the dry and cold desert regions of Mongolia. In traditional medicine, the stems and roots of this plant have been used as decoctions for the treatment of gastrointestinal spasms, abdominal distension, urinary retention, and general fatigue. Members of the Ephedraceae family are known to contain sympathomimetic alkaloids such as ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which exert strong physiological effects on the central nervous system, respiratory tract, and cardiovascular system. However, detailed information on the tissue- and cell-level localization of biologically active compounds and the microstructural characteristics of E. przewalskii remains limited. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the microanatomical structure and histochemical characteristics of the stem and root of Ephedra przewalskii Stapf., with particular emphasis on the localization of biologically active compounds. Materials and Methods: Plant samples were collected in July from Chandmani soum, Govi-Altai province, Mongolia. The collected material was air-dried in the shade and softened using Ostrich and Fleming solution prior to sectioning. Transverse sections of the stem and root were prepared using a hand microtome and examined under an Olympus light microscope. Histochemical analyses were performed using standard reagents to detect alkaloids, phenolic compounds, tannins, essential oils, polysaccharides, and starch. Results: The stem epidermis consisted of thin-walled, quadrangular cells with a surface covered by spherical protuberances. The stomatal apparatus exhibited a tetracytic structure, and photosynthetic activity was primarily localized in the stem chlorenchyma. The vascular bundles were collateral, with phloem located externally and xylem internally. Idioblasts containing reddish-brown crystalline inclusions were observed in the central pith of the stem. The root showed a polyarch central cylinder, with uniformly distributed, rounded parenchymal cells, and idioblasts similar to those observed in the stem. Histochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, polysaccharides, and tannins in the stem, predominantly localized in parenchymal and chlorenchymal tissues. In the root, polysaccharides, tannins, and starch were detected, whereas alkaloid accumulation was more prominent in the stem parenchyma. Conclusion The microscopic examination of Ephedra przewalskii Stapf. revealed the characteristic structures of the stem epidermis, stomata, chlorenchyma, vascular tissues, and crystal-containing idioblasts, as well as a polyarch central cylinder in the root. Histochemical reactions detected flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, starch, and polysaccharides in the stem, whereas tannins, starch, and polysaccharides were identified in the root. These findings provide a comprehensive characterization of the anatomical and chemical features of the different plant organs.