Background: Bioactive compounds derived from plants have been extensively studied and widely applied in cosmetic and dermatological fields. In particular, plant-derived polyphenols and anthraquinones are known for their antioxidant properties as well as their ability to inhibit elastase enzyme activity. Elastase is a key proteolytic enzyme responsible for degrading elastin, a structural protein essential for maintaining skin elasticity. Excessive elastase activity contributes to skin aging and wrinkle formation. Therefore, the identification of plant-derived compounds capable of interacting with elastase is of significant importance for improving the composition and efficacy of cosmetic products. Aim: To identify bioactive compounds in the extract of Rheum undulatum L. and to investigate their interaction with elastase enzyme activity. Materials and Methods: The root of Rheum undulatum L. was used as the study material. Sample preparation was performed by grinding the plant root followed by extraction using 50% ethanol assisted by an ultrasonic water bath. The obtained extract was evaporated to dryness using a vacuum centrifugation system to remove the solvent completely. A total of 10 mg of the dried extract was dissolved in 100 µL methanol and 900 µL water, then filtered through a 0.1 µm membrane filter. Subsequently, two sample sets were prepared: a control sample and an elastase-incubated sample at a 1:1 ratio. Both were analyzed using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Data processing was performed using Agilent MassHunter Qualitative Analysis software (version 10.0). Results: LC-MS analysis revealed a total of 16 bioactive compounds in the root extract of Rheum undulatum L. Comparative analysis between the control and elastase-treated samples demonstrated a decrease in the peak areas of gluconic acid and citric acid, while an increase in the peak area of emodin was observed. These changes indicate compositional differences between the two sample conditions. Conclusion The LC-MS analysis of Rheum undulatum L. root extract identified multiple bioactive compounds belonging to anthraquinone, phenolic, and flavonoid classes. Variations in peak intensities between control and elastase-treated samples suggest potential interactions between certain compounds and the enzyme. These findings indicate that the root extract contains biologically active constituents capable of modulating elastase activity, supporting its potential application in anti-aging and cosmetic formulations.

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.

Coating agents are used in medicine to protect tablets from air or moisture, to mask bitter tastes, or to provide special characteristics for drug release, such as enteric release. There are three main coatings: sugar coating , film coating, and enteric-coating. In this review, we discuss the status of the most commonly used pharmaceutical film coating materials and data were obtained from electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and other scientific websites. There are various materials for creating a tablet coating, but the most commonly used material is a water soluble polymer which is used for making a water-soluble film coating.

Excipients are important in the composition of drugs and are the most important requirements for maintaining the stability of drug form, dosage, and physicochemical parameters. Excipients act as protective agents, bulking agents and can also be used to improve bioavailability of drugs in some instances Auxiliary substances included in the composition of medicines are classified as natural, animal, synthetic and semisynthetic. Excipients can become inactive due to chemical, microbiological and physiological effects. Commonly used pharmaceutical excipients are fillers, stabilizers, preservatives, flavor and aroma modifiers, binders, disintegrants, lubricants, lubricants, solvents, and coating agents. Excipients can be considered as indispensible component of medicinal products and in most of the formulations they are present in greater proportion with regards to active pharmaceutical ingredient, as it forms the bulk of the formulation it is always necessary to select an excipient which satisfies the ideal properties for a particular excipient. In this review, materials about coating agents widely used in pharmaceutical practice were compiled from electronic databases such as Pubmed, Google Scholar, and other scientific web pages, using keywords such as Drug excipient interaction, Stability in Oral Solid, and Excipient. .

The incorporation of botanical elements such as Inula helenium L., Astragalus mongolicus Bge., Iris tenuifolia Pall., Ribes diacanthum Pall., and Oxytropis pseudoglandulosa Grubov plays a pivotal role in the formulation of immune-enhancing and kidney-protective Mongolian traditional medicines. These herbal constituents bear rich historical significance in traditional remedies. Ensuring the purity of these herbs is a vital stride in the production of efficacious supplements and medications. Thus, meticulous decontamination of microorganisms assumes paramount importance. The selection of an appropriate sterilization method is important for manufacturers. Sterilization methods divide within three main categories: thermal, chemical, and radiation. This spectrum encompasses many techniques, ranging from moist heat and dry heat to gamma irradiation, ethylene oxide, ozone, and UV treatment. This comprehensive review discusses the efficacy of gamma irradiation, dry heat, moist heat, and chemical treatments, presenting a comparative analysis of their merits. Practically, heat sterilization emerges as a simple and cost-efficient choice. The utilization of an autoclave, subjecting powdered spice paprika to temperatures between 108-125°C for 120 seconds, yielded a substantial reduction in microbial load without compromising the integral bioactive compounds. Gamma irradiation, a common practice in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors, stands as another choice in the area of sterilization techniques. Beyond sterilization, upholding rigorous standards of sanitation and hygiene remains a key in the preparations of medicinal plants.

The Jerusalem Artichoke (JA) (Helianthus tuberosus L.) is an annual plant native to North America and widely distributed in Europe and Central Asia. The tuber of JA contains 80% water, 15% polysaccharide (Inulin etc.), 2% protein, and a small amount of starch and fat. Inulin is a polysaccharide that is widely used as a prebiotic, fat substitute, and sugar substitute. This substance has high biological activity and is contained in large quantities.
The purpose of this study was to standardize the quality and safety of dried tubers of JA. Standardization includes parameters such as microscopic analysis, identification, quantification, validation of methods following the guidelines issued by ICH guidelines, and quality, including safety analysis (appearance, moisture, mechanical impurities, heavy metals, microbiological purity).
The content of inulin was 64.17±1.25%. The mean relative standard deviation of method validation (RMS%) was 1.27%, 1.18%, 1.22%, and the relative mean standard deviation (RMS) of method precision was 1.94%. The specific absorbance was 307 nm. The correlation coefficient R2=0.9998 was obtained for the reference curve of the standard substance. The detection limit of the method was 2.64 μg/ml, and the detection limit was 7.99 μg/ml.
The method mentioned above has been confirmed to be suitable for the quantitative determination of inulin in the tuber of JA. Moreover, Microbiological purity and heavy metal requirements are met.