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: 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: Polymyositis (PM) is a rare idiopathic inflammatory myopathy characterized by symmetric proximal muscle weakness, elevated muscle enzyme levels, dysphagia, and respiratory muscle weakness. Rhabdomyolysis is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by extensive skeletal muscle breakdown, resulting in myoglobinuria and an increased risk of acute kidney injury and multiorgan complications. The coexistence of rhabdomyolysis in patients with polymyositis is uncommon and may complicate both diagnosis and management. Case Presentation: A 65-year-old man was admitted with fever up to 39°C, generalized skin rash, dysphagia, progressive muscle weakness, dyspnea, decreased urine output, and dark tea-colored urine. Physical examination revealed symmetric proximal muscle weakness, with muscle strength graded 3/5 in both upper extremities and 4/5 in both lower extremities. Neck muscle strength was 4/5. Dysphagia and a generalized skin rash were also present. Laboratory investigations showed markedly elevated creatine kinase (CK) at 9,943.1 U/L, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at 449.1 U/L, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) at 222.1 U/L, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) at 1,342.9 U/L, and C-reactive protein (CRP) at 70.6 mg/L. Urinalysis showed blood 3+ and protein 2+, while no erythrocytes were detected on urine sediment microscopy. Electromyography demonstrated myopathic changes, and muscle biopsy revealed inflammatory infiltrates and necrotic muscle fibers. Conclusion Comprehensive assessment of clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, autoantibody testing, electrophysiological studies, and muscle biopsy is essential for the diagnosis of polymyositis complicated by rhabdomyolysis. An integrated diagnostic approach facilitates confirmation of the diagnosis, differentiation from clinically similar disorders, and appropriate treatment selection. Early recognition of rhabdomyolysis and other potentially life-threatening complications is crucial for preventing organ damage and improving patient outcomes.

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: 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: The Shimshin-6 formulation, composed of Rheum undulatum L., Hippophae rhamnoides L., Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Saussurea lappa C.B. Clarke, Sal ammoniacum, and Tronae veneni, has traditionally been used in the management of gynecological disorders such as amenorrhea, abnormal blood clot formation, and pelvic pain. It has also been widely applied in postpartum care to promote uterine contractility and to prevent complications, including hemorrhage and inflammation. However, its therapeutic potential in postpartum uterine involution has not been scientifically validated. Aim: To investigate the effects of the Shimshin-6 herbal formulation on postpartum uterine involution in rats Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted at the Research Center of the Institute of Traditional Medicine and Technology, following the methodology described by Zheng ZH et al. (2019). Postpartum rats were randomly assigned to four groups and received daily treatments for five consecutive days with either Shimshin-6 tablets at doses of 180 mg/kg and 90 mg/kg, Shimshin-6 decoction at 163 mg/kg, or physiological saline as a control. Serum concentrations of estrogen, progesterone, TNF-α, TGF-β1, and TGF-β3 were measured using commercially available ELISA kits (Shanghai MLBIO Biotechnology Co. Ltd, China). Following ethical euthanasia, uterine tissues were collected for histological examination, which included evaluation of uterine weight, endometrial thickness, myometrial structure, and glandular morphology. Results: Shimshin-6 treatment significantly reduced the uterine index and serum estrogen levels compared with the control group, while no significant difference was observed in progesterone concentration. The treatment also decreased tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels and modulated growth factors in postpartum rats. Histological analysis further revealed that Shimshin-6 promoted uterine recovery, despite the presence of inflammatory cell infiltration and hemorrhagic changes in the uterine wall. Conclusion Shimshin-6 preparation exerts a promotive effect on postpartum uterine involution in rats.

Background: According to the 2023 report on global water sector development, water consumption has increased by approximately 1% annually over the past 40 years and is expected to rise further due to population growth, socio-economic development, and changes in consumption patterns. Both low- and middle-income countries face risks related to water quality. In many developing nations in Asia and Africa, natural water sources are of poor quality and lack purification infrastructure, with limited research and data available—often restricted to monitoring reports and basic statistics. Although the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-2030), adopted at the 70th UN General Assembly, aim to ensure access to safe drinking water and sanitation for all, around 26% of the global population—approximately 2 billion people—still lack access to safely managed drinking water services. In line with this, Mongolia’s long-term development policy “Vision-2050” sets a target to ensure 90% of the population has access to safe drinking water by 2030 through comprehensive measures. The World Health Organization (WHO) identified ten key chemical contaminants posing significant public health concerns in 2020, including arsenic, along with air pollution, asbestos, benzene, cadmium, dioxins, excessive fluoride, lead, mercury, and hazardous pesticides. Over 140 million people in more than 70 countries are consuming arsenic-contaminated water, exceeding the WHO guideline of 10 μg/L. While Mongolia has conducted studies on arsenic contamination in drinking water in 2004, 2013, and between 2019–2022, there is still a scarcity of research assessing the potential health risks associated with such contamination. Aim: To assess the health risk of arsenic exposure through drinking water. Materials and Methods: Using a document-based research design, we obtained official permission from the Health Statistics, Information and Research Department (Letter No. 01/290) and collected arsenic testing data and well information from 29 internal research reports. A database was created, and secondary data analysis was conducted. Based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methodology, the following were calculated: average daily dose (ADD), lifetime average daily dose (LADD), cancer risk (CR), and hazard quotient (HQ) for arsenic exposure through drinking water. Official statistics from 2023 released by international and national organizations such as the UN, WHO, NSO, MCHD, and NCCD were used for risk calculations. Results: Out of 3,575 drinking water samples collected from 1,315 wells in 329 soums across 21 provinces and 2,260 samples from 9 districts of Ulaanbaatar, 61% met the MNS 0900:2018 national drinking water standard for safety and quality. However, in samples from Dornogovi, Dundgovi, Sukhbaatar, Umnugovi provinces and Nalaikh district, arsenic concentrations exceeded the national and WHO recommended limit (10 μg/L) by 1 to 6 times. Health risk assessment showed hazard quotient values ranging between 0.12 and 1.15. Conclusions Arsenic contamination in drinking water is locally prevalent in the Gobi and Eastern regions of Mongolia (Dundgovi, Sukhbaatar, Dornod, Umnugovi, Dornogovi). The hazard quotient for arsenic exposure via drinking water ranges from 0.12 to 1.15, with 8 provinces showing values above 0.3—indicating potential health risks.