Background: Panzerina lanata (L.) is widely distributed across various ecosystems in the mountain, steppe, and Gobi regions of Mongolia and has traditionally been used in folk medicine to alleviate joint and muscle inflammation, reduce liver heat, lower blood pressure, promote diuresis, and treat edema and tumors. Its similar applications in Mongolian and Chinese traditional medicine suggest considerable therapeutic potential and biological activity. Studies conducted since 2019 have reported that P.lanata (L.) is rich in phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidant-active constituents; however, studies on the microscopic and histochemical characteristics of the species growing under Mongolian conditions remain limited, providing the rationale for this study. Aim: To characterize the microscopic features of Panzerina lanata (L.), determine the distribution of starch, polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds using histochemical methods, and evaluate the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity. Materials and Methods: For microscopic analysis, plant materials were softened by soaking for 24 h in a 1:1:1 water–ethanol–glycerin mixture (Strich–Fleming solution), followed by preparation of manual transverse and longitudinal sections of the stems, roots, and petals. A 10% chloral hydrate solution was used for clearing. Histochemical analyses were performed using potassium dichromate (K₂Cr₂O₇), ferric chloride (FeCl₃), Lugol’s solution (I₂/KI), thymol (C₁₀H₁₄O) with concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), methylene blue (C₁₆H₁₈ClN₃S), and Dragendorff’s reagent. The prepared sections were cleared with glycerin and examined under an Olympus light microscope at ×40 and ×100 magnifications, with images documented using a 12-MP camera. Result: Microscopic examination of the roots, stems, and petals revealed that the root stele exhibited a polyarchy arrangement, with clearly differentiated xylem, phloem, and cambial tissues in both transverse and longitudinal sections. Scalariform tracheary elements in the xylem contributed to water and mineral transport and mechanical support. The stem xylem contained both spiral and scalariform tracheary elements. The petals consisted of cells with double walls and single nuclei, while the floral seed tissue was composed of meristematic tissue associated with continuous cell division, growth, and tissue differentiation. Histochemical analysis of transverse and longitudinal sections of the stems and roots, as well as petal sections, revealed the presence of essential oils, polyphenolic compounds (tannins and flavonoids), and starch. Conclusion Microscopic, histochemical, and phytochemical analyses of Panzerina lanata (L.) revealed the presence of biologically active compounds, indicating its potential for use in the quality evaluation of medicinal plant raw materials.

Background: Numerous experimental and clinical studies have investigated the therapeutic potential of Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., mainly attributing its biological activities to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and hepatoprotective effects. In particular, silymarin has been reported to exert hepatoprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress, protecting cell membranes from certain toxic insults, and modulating protein synthesis. Therefore, cultivation of S. marianum and utilization of its seeds for industrial and research purposes are important for establishing a sustainable source of pharmacologically valuable bioactive compounds and increasing the availability of high-quality medicinal plant material. Aim: To evaluate the feasibility of cultivating S. marianum from seeds and to determine seed germination, seedling growth and development, survival after transplantation to open-field conditions, phenological stages, and seed yield characteristics. Materials and Methods: Seeds of S. marianum were germinated under indoor conditions, and normally developed seedlings were subsequently raised in a greenhouse and transplanted to a cultivation site near Tamgan Öndör, Erdene sum, Töv Province, Mongolia. Germination percentage (GP), mean germination time (MGT), seedling growth based on morphometric parameters, and survival rate after transplantation were evaluated. At harvest, the number and diameter of capitula, seed weight per plant, 1000-seed weight, and seed yield per unit area were determined. Data were expressed as mean±SD, and statistical significance was evaluated at p < 0.05. Result: Of the 1,000 seeds sown, 852 germinated, resulting in a germination percentage of 85.2% and a mean germination time of 11 days. Under greenhouse conditions, plant height increased from 1.0 to 3.0 cm, while rosette diameter increased from 1.2 to 7.0 cm. Of the 452 seedlings transplanted to the open field, 353 survived, corresponding to a survival rate of 78.1%. The first flowering was observed on June 12, full flowering on July 9, and full seed maturation on August 30, with 175 days from sowing to seed maturity. On average, each plant produced 18 branches and 20 capitula, with a capitulum diameter of 4.4 cm, seed weight per plant of 15.5 g, 1000-seed weight of 11.5 g, and seed yield of 195.325 kg/ha. Conclusion S. marianum was able to germinate, establish, complete its major growth, flowering, and seed maturation stages, and produce seeds under the cultivation conditions of the Tamgan Öndör area, Erdene sum, Töv Province. These findings indicate that S. marianum can potentially be cultivated in this specific area as a source of medicinal plant material.

Background: Sarcopenia is a multifactorial geriatric syndrome characterized by age-related loss of muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance. In recent years, neurotrophic and neuromuscular biomarkers have been investigated as potential diagnostic indicators of sarcopenia; however, evidence regarding their sex-specific differences remains limited. Aim: To evaluate the sex-specific associations of serum BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 levels with sarcopenia and muscle-related parameters among older adults. Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study included adults aged 60 years and older. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS 2019) criteria. Serum BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 levels were measured using ELISA. Group differences were analyzed using independent t-tests, correlations were assessed using Pearson correlation analysis, and diagnostic performance for sarcopenia was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was also performed. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed in serum BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 levels between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic participants in either the male or female groups (all p>0.05). ROC analysis demonstrated AUC values ranging from 0.540 to 0.542 in males and from 0.508 to 0.530 in females for BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that age (OR=1.12, 95% CI: 1.04–1.21, p=0.003) and lower fat-free mass index (OR=0.78, 95% CI: 0.66–0.91, p=0.001) were significantly associated with sarcopenia, whereas BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 showed no independent association with sarcopenia. Conclusions 1. No statistically significant sex-specific differences were observed in serum BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 levels between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic older adults (all p>0.05). 2. CAF22 levels were weakly negatively correlated with muscle mass and fat-free mass index in males (p<0.05), whereas BDNF levels showed weak positive correlations with handgrip strength and fat-free mass index in females (p<0.05). CAF22 levels also demonstrated a weak positive correlation with age (p<0.05). 3. ROC and multivariable logistic regression analyses indicated limited diagnostic utility of BDNF, GDNF, and CAF22 for sarcopenia (AUC=0.508–0.542), and none of these biomarkers showed an independent association with sarcopenia (all p>0.05). In contrast, older age (OR=1.12, p=0.003) and lower fat-free mass index (OR=0.78, p=0.001) were significantly associated with sarcopenia.

Introduction: According to the World Health Organization (WHO) data from 2022, 19.9 million people were diagnosed with cancer globally, and 9.7 million people died from the disease. In recent years, the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) has been rapidly increasing, ranking 4th among all cancers with 18.4 cases and 8.1 deaths per 100,000 population. In Mongolia, 826 new cases of CRC have been registered over the past six years, with an incidence rate of 8.2 cases and a mortality rate of 5.03 per 100,000 population. It is projected that by 2030, the incidence will reach 13.28 cases and the mortality rate will rise to 8.72 per 100,000 population. We aimed to comprehensively examine the risk factors for colorectal cancer among the population of Mongolia, establish a scientific basis for early detection and prevention, and strengthen preventive measures. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was conducted from 2022 to 2024. The study enrolled a total of 305 subjects, including 98 patients with colorectal cancer, 101 patients with colon polyps, and 106 healthy subjects. The risk. questionnaire consisted of 50 questions divided into 10 sections. All statistical analysis was performed with SPSS version 23.0 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) and P value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. categorical data was represented as numbers and percentages. Pearson’s chi-squared and Fisher’s exact test were used to compare categorical variables. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify the risk factor associated with recurrence. The study protocol was approved by Ethics Review Committee of Ministry of Health of Mongolia on 17 March 2023 (approval number: 23/012). Results: The average age of the participants was 57.1±12.8 years. Among all study participants, 37.6% (115) were male and 62.4% (188) were female. Comparison of colorectal cancer incidence by age and gender revealed no statistically significant differences (p=0.021; p=0.422). Regular physical exercise was found to have a protective effect against colorectal cancer (p=0.076; OR 0.341 95% Cl 0.118-.0986). The frequency of fruit consumption, 4 to 6 times per week (p=0.008, OR 0.08, 95% Cl 0.01-0.45), frequency of vegetable consumption 4 to 6 times per week (p<0.00; OR 0.07, 95% Cl 0.02-0.19), no dining out (0.007, OR 0.3, 95% Cl 0.18-0.68), and meat consumption (p=0.001) are decreased risk of colorectal cancer. Conclusion The patient's age and the presence of colon polyps are risk factors for colorectal cancer, while regular physical activity and a diet rich in fruits and vegetables are protective factors that help reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer.

Background: In Mongolia, 80.1% of women of reproductive age suffer from vitamin D deficiency. This deficiency is associated with an increased risk of rickets, osteomalacia, weakened immunity, hypertension, diabetes, and infectious diseases.Currently, Mongolia imports vitamin D-containing pharmaceutical products, and no research has been conducted on the pharmaceutical formulation technology of orally administered vitamin D3 products. Vitamin D3 is highly sensitive to environmental factors such as ultraviolet (UV) light, oxidation, and temperature changes, leading to its degradation. Therefore, improving its stability in pharmaceutical formulations is essential. The need for a stable vitamin D3-containing pharmaceutical product serves as the basis for this study. Aim: To develop a tablet formulation containing cholecalciferol. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Pharmaceutical Technology at the School of Pharmacy, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, and the drug development laboratory of “Monos Pharm” LLC. To enhance the stability and technological properties of cholecalciferol, a spray-drying technique was used to prepare five different emulsions containing various excipients. Microencapsulation was performed to improve stability, and the most suitable formulation and technological parameters were selected. From the microencapsulated cholecalciferol, tablet formulations were developed using both direct compression and wet granulation techniques. The quality parameters of the tablets were assessed according to the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), and the optimal technological process for tablet production was determined. Results: A stable microencapsulated cholecalciferol formulation was successfully developed, and suitable excipients were selected. The quantitative content of cholecalciferol was determined to be 1791 IU, with variations ranging from -8.38% to -11.38%. Conclusion The study identified appropriate excipients and technological parameters for obtaining microencapsulated cholecalciferol. Additionally, the optimal formulation and processing parameters for developing a tablet dosage form containing microencapsulated cholecalciferol were established.