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: 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: 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.

Background: Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a transcription factor that plays a crucial role in regulating cellular responses to oxidative stress and xenobiotic exposure. However, excessive NRF2 activation can enhance cancer cell survival and contribute to chemoresistance. Therefore, increasing attention has been directed toward naturally occurring flavonoids that may modulate NRF2 activity. Molecular docking provides a computational approach for predicting potential interactions between flavonoids and NRF2 and may help identify candidate compounds for further investigation in cancer therapy. Objective: To evaluate the potential interactions of five naturally occurring flavonoids—daidzin, rutin, luteolin, apigenin, and quercetin—with the Neh1 domain of NRF2 using molecular docking and to identify promising candidates for further investigation based on docking scores and ligand efficiency. Materials and Methods: The potential interactions of five natural flavonoids, namely daidzin, rutin, luteolin, apigenin, and quercetin, with the target region of NRF2 were investigated using molecular docking. Three-dimensional structures of the flavonoids were retrieved from the PubChem database, while the NRF2 protein structure was obtained from the Protein Data Bank (PDB). Molecular docking calculations were performed using the CB-Dock2 web platform, which incorporates the AutoDock Vina algorithm. Results: The docking scores of the selected flavonoids ranged from −64.9 to −77.2. Daidzin exhibited the most favorable docking score (−77.2), followed by apigenin (−72.0) and luteolin (−71.4), whereas rutin showed the least favorable score (−64.9). The calculated RMSD values ranged from 14.766 to 15.344 Å, with relatively small differences among the ligands. Daidzin and apigenin exhibited comparatively lower RMSD values. The reported pose-clustering analysis indicated that all ligands occupied similar binding regions. In terms of ligand efficiency, apigenin (−2.40), luteolin (−2.30), and quercetin (−2.20) showed comparatively favorable values. Although daidzin had the most favorable docking score, its ligand efficiency relative to molecular size was comparatively lower. Conclusion The results suggest that daidzin and apigenin may be candidate compounds for further investigation of potential interactions with the Neh1 domain of NRF2. However, these findings are based solely on computational analysis. Further molecular dynamics simulations and experimental studies are required to validate the predicted interactions and determine their actual effects on NRF2 activity.

Background: Lish-6 has been used for treatment pharyngitis, flu and throat disease. Lish-6 is composed from Eugenia caryophylla. Thumb, Saussurea lappa C.B. Clark, Schizostachoum chinense. Rendle, Glycyrrhiza uralensis. Fisch, Gentiana algida Pall, Terminalia chebula. Retz. Anti-fever properties of these plants and their bio-active compounds have extensively been studied. Aim: To determine the anti-fever effects of Lish-6. Marerials and Methods: Fever was induced by intravenous administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at concentration of 0.5 mg/kg. Lish-6 was given orally at concentration of 92 mg/kg, 1 and 6 hours after the LPS administration. Rectal temperature wa measured 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 hours after the LPS administration. Paracetamoli was given orally at concentration of 50 mg/kg. Blood levels of Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were determined by enzyme linked immune sorbent assay using rat kits. Lung tissue was examined by histopathological analysis. Results: The body temperature of rats in the normal group was 35.0±1.10С, while in the control group, periodic fever was caused by the effect of lipopolysaccharide (p=0.001). But in the Lish-6 drug group, rectal temperature decreased steadily (p=0.05). In addition, the IL-1β cytokine in the normal group was 3.24±0.31 ng/L and increased by 60.5% in the control, indicating the development of the pathological model, while this parameter decreased by 31% in the Lish-6 drug group (p=0.05). IL-6 cytokine in the normal animals was 21.1±0.2 pg/L and increased by 19.04% in the control, indicating the development of the pathological model, while this parameter decreased by 8.3% in the Lish-6 drug group (p =0.05). PGE2 in the normal group was 43.2±0.3 ng/L, and it increased by 62.7% in the control group, indicating the development of a pathological model, while this parameter decreased by 53.3% in the Lish-6 drug group (p=0.05). Conclusion Lish-6 traditional drug has the effect of reducing rectal temperature, IL-1β, PGE2 and IL-6 cytokines during lipopolysaccharide-induced febrile pathology model.

Background: Lish-6 has been used for treatment pharyngitis, flu and throat disease. Lish-6 is composed from Eugenia caryophylla Thumb, Saussurea lappa C.B.Clark, Schizostachoum chinense Rendle, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, Gentiana algida Pall, Terminalia chebula Retz. Anti-fever properties of these plants and their bio-active compounds have extensively been studied. Aim: To determine the pain relief and antibacterial effects of Lish-6. Materials and Methods: To conduct acute toxicity study using V.B. Prozorovsk method. Average lethal dose, lethal and maximum nonlethal doses were determined. Acetic acid (1%-0.1 ml) was injected into the rat abdominal cavity to induce pain. Wistar rat of either sex (n = 6) weighing 18–22g were used. All animals were withdrawn from food 2h before the start of experiment and were divided in five groups. Group I was injected with normal saline (10ml/kg) as control, Diclodenk was given orally at concentration of 25 mg/kg. Group II III, IV, V and VI were injected with Lish-6 was given orally at concentrations of 9.2, 18, 36, 92, 184 mg/kg injection of acetic acid. The number of abdominal constrictions (writhes) were counted of acetic acid injection for the period of 20 min. To determine the antibacterial effect by dilution method. Results: Average lethal dose of Lish-6 was found to be LD50=0.92 (0.6-1.04) g/kg suggesting that it is slightly toxic animals. Control group animals abdominal constrictions 72.4±8.8. Lish-6 concentrations of 9.2, 18, 36, 92, 184 mg/kg group animal reduced acitic acid induced pain by 41.9-78.7% suggesting that it is pain relief effect (p<0.001). 4 g of Lish-6 medicine is active against gram-positive bacteria (S.aureus, Streptococcus pneumonia). However, it is inactive against gram-negative bacteria. In other words, Lish-6 medicine inhibits the growth of methicillin-resistant and non-resistant S.aureus bacteria at a dose of 500 mg. It was also found to inhibit Streptococcus pneumonia at a dose of 250 mg. Conclusion Average lethal dose of Lish-6 was found to be LD50=0.92 (0.6-1.04) g/kg suggesting that it is slightly toxic animal. Lish-6 reduced acitic acid induced pain by 41.9-78.7% suggesting that it is pain relief effect. Lish-6 traditional drug has an antibacterial effect.

: Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq) P. Kumm) is the second cultivated and most popular edible mushroom after Agaricus bisporus in the world. The fruiting bodies of these mushrooms have high nutritional value and are beneficial for health. Pleurotus ostreatus are an interesting source of bioactive glucans and other polysaccharides. This study focuses on the isolation and structural characterization of glucans from the fruiting bodies and stems cultivated mushrooms Pleurotus ostreatus. Methods: Physicochemical properties of fruiting bodies and stems cultivated Pleurotus ostreatus in Mongolia, were studied using standard methods. Glucans were extracted and purified using the precipitation method and Sevag reagent, and functional groups were determined by FT-IR. Conclusion The characteristic absorption bands of the water and alkali-soluble fractions were found near 1070, 1044, 869 and 777-769 cm-1. These IR bands are characteristic of fungal (1→3)(1→6)-β-D- glucans, and indicating these fractions are glucan-type polysaccharides