1.Determination of the Non-Toxic Dose of Essential Oil from Juniperus sabina on Neural Cells
Naranbat B ; Mandakh-Erdene B ; Urangoo E ; Barsbold M ; Otgonsuren B ; Manaljav B ; Munkhtushig O ; Khashchuluun S ; Uugangerel E ; Enkhmaa D ; Khongorzul B ; Suvdaa B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;92(2):139-143
Background:
Plants rich in essential oils belong to more than 50 families, including Asteraceae, Rutaceae, and Lamiaceae. These plants are widely used in food, traditional and modern medicine, perfumery, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries. Approximately 3,000 types of essential oils have been identified, of which more than 300 are utilized for industrial and commercial purposes. Essential oils exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, cytotoxic, and antioxidant activities and are therefore widely applied in medical research. In Mongolia, the extreme climate, distinct ecological regions, and the prevalence of pastoral livestock husbandry provide a scientific basis for investigating essential oil–containing plants, their chemical composition, and biological activities. Among them, Juniperus Sabina L. is of particular theoretical and practical interest.
Aim:
To determine the non-toxic dose of essential oil extracted from Juniper Sabina L. on neural cells.
Materials and Methods:
This study was conducted at the Institute of Bio-Medicine, MNUMS. Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of MNUMS (Meeting date: November 21, 2025; Protocol No. 2025-26/0301). BV2 microglial and N2a neuronal cell lines were cultured under standard conditions at 37°C in a 5% CO₂ incubator. Cells were maintained in appropriate culture media, and their growth and morphology were monitored microscopically before experimentation. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. BV2 microglial cells were seeded into 96-well plates at a density of 2×10⁴ cells/well and incubated for 24 hours. Essential oil was added at concentrations ranging from 50–500 µg/mL and incubated for an additional 24 hours. After treatment, MTT reagent was added and incubated for 3 hours. The resulting formazan crystals were dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and absorbance was measured at 630 nm. Cell viability was calculated based on absorbance values to determine the non-toxic concentration of the essential oil.
Result:
The cytotoxic effects of the essential oil were evaluated in BV2 microglial and N2a neuronal cells using the MTT assay. In N2a neuronal cells, concentrations of 50, 100, 200, and 300 µg/mL did not significantly affect cell viability, whereas 400 and 500 µg/mL reduced cell viability, indicating cytotoxic effects.
Conclusion
According to MTT assay results, the essential oil of Juniperus sabina showed no cytotoxic effect on N2a neuronal cells at concentrations of 50, 100, 200, and 300 µg/mL, while cytotoxic effects were observed at 400 and 500 µg/mL. In BV2 microglial cells, concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL were non-toxic, whereas concentrations above 300 µg/mL exhibited cytotoxic effects.
2.Results of in vivo and in vitro studies on the essential oil of Schizonepeta multifida Briq.
Mandakh-Erdene B ; Otgonsuren B ; Barsbold M ; Munkhtushig O ; Manaljav B ; Arvinzaya B ; Hashchuluun S ; Naranbat B ; Tsevelmaa N ; Enkhmaa D ; Khongorzul B
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;95(5):247-252
Background:
Of the 7,678 plant species growing in Mongolia, more than 1,230 are considered medicinal plants; however, around 900 of these remain unstudied, and only about 200 species are currently used in medical practice. In recent years, the use of natural products in therapy has increased, and research in this field has been rapidly developing. Schizonepeta multifida (L.) Briq., a plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family, is widely distributed in Mongolia, Siberia, and East Asia, and is traditionally used to treat colds, fever, and inflammatory diseases. Phytochemical studies have shown that its essential oil contains terpenoid compounds such as pulegone and limonene, as well as flavonoids. These compounds are known to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects; however, comprehensive studies on these activities of Schizonepeta multifida growing in Mongolia are limited.
Aim:
To determine the antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory effects of Schizonepeta multifita Briq. essential oil and to evaluate its anti-stress effects in an experimental chronic stress animal model.
Materials and Methods:
The study was conducted at the Institute of Bio-Medicine, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences. The aerial parts of Schizonepeta multifida were subjected to hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus to obtain essential oil, and the yield was calculated. Antioxidant activity was measured at 517 nm using a spectrophotometer (Agilent BioTek Epoch 2). Cytotoxicity was assessed in BV2 and N2a cell lines using the MTT assay, after which inflammatory markers (IL-6 and TNF-α) were determined in cell cultures using ELISA. For the induction of chronic stress, C57/BL6 mice were divided into healthy control, negative control, and experimental groups. A total of 10 different chronic stress models were randomly applied twice daily for 28 days. Anti-stress effects were evaluated using the forced swim test. Data analysis was performed using Prism 10 software.
Results:
The yield of essential oil from Schizonepeta multifida was 0.3±0.03%. The antioxidant activity, assessed by the DPPH radical scavenging method, showed an IC₅₀ value of 262.7±2.95 µg/mL, indicating antioxidant potential. Cytotoxicity assays in BV2 and N2a cell lines showed toxic effects starting from a concentration of 200 µg/mL. The essential oil significantly reduced inflammatory markers IL-6 and TNF-α at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL (p<0.05). In the forced swim test, there was a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) between the disease control group and the experimental group.
Conclusion
The essential oil of Schizonepeta multifida exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-chronic stress effects.
3.Changes in rat behavior, lung, and hippocampal effects due to vaping exposure
Oyungerel S ; Tumenbayar B ; Javzandulam B ; Chimegsaikhan S ; Khulan B ; Altantsetseg B ; Mandakh-erdene B ; Munkhsoyol E
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2025;87(3):141-146
Background:
Nicotine-containing vaporized liquids—composed of
propylene glycol, glycerin, water, flavorings, and the thickening agent
vitamin E acetate—have been implicated in the development of EVALI.
Under conditions of low liquid levels and overheating, these substances
release toxic carbonyl compounds (e.g., formaldehyde, acetaldehyde,
acrolein). In a 2019 national survey, 3.5% of adolescents aged 13–15
reported cigarette use, and 10% used e-cigarettes.
Aim:
To study the changes in the behavior, lung, and hippocampal
structures of rats due to the effects of electronic cigarettes and their
vapor.
Materials and Methods:
In this study, nineteen 14-day-old SHR rats
were exposed to 1 g/mg/day of nicotine and dry hit vapor (control, nicotine
and dry hit groups) for four weeks. Behavioral assessments (Open
Field Test, Elevated Plus Maze, Conditioned Place Preference), bronchoalveolar
lavage (BAL), and histological analysis of lung and hippocampal
tissue were conducted.
Results:
The dry hit vapor group showed significantly reduced body
weight (p=0.034), increased anxiety (p=0.006, p=0.025), and avoidance
of the smoky chamber. BAL revealed elevated total cells, neutrophils,
and macrophages (p=0.01, p=0.04) in both nicotine and dry hit groups.
Lung tissue exhibited alveolar septal thickening, inflammation, and emphysema-
like changes. Extensive neuronal death was observed in the
hippocampus.
Conclusion
Anxiety-like behavior was observed in both the burn and
control groups. Analysis of BAL in the dry hit group revealed inflammation
predominantly characterized by macrophage infiltration. Histological
examination of lung tissue from both experimental groups
demonstrated a reduction in the number of alveoli, accompanied by
acute inflammation and thickening of the interalveolar septa. In the hippocampal
region, neuronal loss and a reduction in neuronal density
were also observed.
4.Histology of the fetal lungs at the different gestational age
Talalaev A G ; Davidov I S ; Oyungerel S ; Tumenbayar B ; Javzandulam E ; Khulan B ; Altantsetseg B ; Mandakh-Erdene B ; Nyamsuren P ; Chimegsaikhan S
Diagnosis 2025;115(4):11-16
The study is devoted to the morphological characteristics of the maturation of lung tissue structures in the fetal period. Fetal histology of the lungs presents the intrauterine development of lung tissue in four successive stages: pseudoglandular, canalicular, saccular and alveolar, each has specific morphological criteria. The following morphological features are predetermined: the development of alveolar epithelium, the ratio of mesenchyme towards the area in alveolar spaces, the degree of proliferation and location of vessels of the microcirculatory bed towards prealveolar partitions. During the fetal period the alveolar columnar epithelium is flattened and differentiates into alveolocytes type I lung histology with the demonstration of histological preparations of the lungs at different stages of intrauterine development. Keywords: fetal lungs, prealveolar structures, pseudoglandular stage, canalicular stage, alveolar stage, alveolar capillary membrane, immunohistochemical study. 16 and II, the area of the mesenchyme gradually decreases and by the birth of a full-term newborn kid it is present mainly in the thickness between the alveolar septa, microcirculation vessels, initially laying deep in the thickness of the mesenchymal tissue, gradually proliferate, approach the pre-alveolar epithelium, channeling it with the formation of alveolar capillary membranes. Air exchange in the lung tissue is mainly provided with two factors: the presence of second-order alveolocytes capable of producing surfactant, and a sufficient formation of alveolias well. This work summarizes the basics of fetal lung histology with the demonstration of histological preparations of the lungs at different stages of intrauterine development.
5.Modern advances in epilepsy treatment and diagnosis
Otgonbayar B ; Oyungerel S ; Chimegsaihan S ; Javsandulam E ; Khulan B ; Altantsetseg B ; Mandakh-Erdene B ; Oyun-Erdene S ; Suvd N ; Tumenbayar B
Diagnosis 2025;113(2):35-39
Abstract
Epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures, affects millions of people worldwide. Significant advancements in both diagnostic and therapeutic approaches have greatly improved outcomes, particularly for individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy. Modern neurostimulation techniques such as Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS), Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), and Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing seizure frequency in these patients. Additionally, emerging technologies like gene therapy and optogenetics are being explored to better understand the underlying mechanisms of epilepsy and hold promise as future treatment modalities.Traditional imaging techniques often fail to detect subtle epileptogenic zones. However, the introduction of ultra high-field 7T MRI scanners represents a major breakthrough. These advanced scanners use eight transmitters to generate higher-resolution images, reducing signal dropout and enabling the identification of previously undetected lesions. In one study involving 31 patients, 58% had their treatment plans modified based on 7T MRI findings, highlighting its potential to inform surgical decision-making. In terms of pharmacological treatment, newer medications such as sultiame, cannabidiol (CBD), and non-pharmacological approaches like the ketogenic diet have emerged as additional therapeutic options for drug-resistant epilepsy. These developments contribute to more effective, personalized management strategies for epilepsy. In summary, the landscape of epilepsy diagnosis and treatment is rapidly evolving. Innovations in imaging and therapeutic interventions are offering new hope for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. Ongoing research and clinical trials remain essential to further refine these approaches and improve patient outcomes.
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