Introduction: Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) is a widely consumed vegetable valued for its rich nutritional content and diverse bioactive compounds. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the extraction yield, phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity of hydro-ethanolic extract of fresh fruit pericarp of late-maturity okra from six accessions grown in Biskra (South Algeria) where the pericarp is considered as an agricultural by-product. Methods: Total phenolic and flavonoids contents were analysed by Folin Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride assays, respectively. Antioxidant capacity was studied in vitro by using DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS and phenanthroline assays. Phenolic compounds were analysed by LC-ESI-MS/MS. Results: The hydroethanolic extract from the BA accession collected from Beni Abbes region had the highest extraction rate at 17.910.37%. The GH accession collected from Ghardaia region exhibited the highest values of total phenolic contents (38.772.6 g GA/mgDE). This accession showed the highest activity in the DPPH assay (IC50=372.992.84 μg/ml). The extracts from BI1 accession exhibited a higher capacity to scavenge the ABTS•+ radical (IC50=187.027.00 μg/ml). The extracts from the AD accessions collected from Adrar region demonstrated strong antioxidant capacity in reducing metallic ions (A0.5 values=159.7517.32 μg/ml). Ten distinct phenolic compounds were identified, with most of these compounds being reported for the first time. Notably, p-coumaric, caffeic, o-coumaric, and salicylic acids were found in the extracts of all accessions. Conclusion: Okra fruit pericarp at late-stage maturity is considered an important and diverse source of medically phenolic compounds.

Mucormycosis is a rare but highly invasive fungal infection that predominantly affects individuals with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and those experiencing significant immunosuppression, including patients with hematologic cancers and solid organ transplant recipients. This life-threatening condition is caused by fungi of the order Mucorales, which invade blood vessels, leading to tissue necrosis and significant morbidity. Diagnosing and managing mucormycosis remains a significant challenge due to its complex and poorly understood pathogenesis, scarcity of extensive clinical studies, and often non-specific nature of its clinical symptoms. These factors collectively contribute to delayed diagnosis and treatment, thereby imposing a substantial burden on healthcare systems. Current therapeutic approaches include a combination of antifungal drugs, surgical debridement, and addressing underlying risk factors, yet outcomes often remain suboptimal. A clear understanding of how mucormycosis develops and how the host's immune system responds to the invading fungal hyphae is crucial for identifying novel therapeutic methods. Investigations into the chemical composition of various medicinal plants have shown that certain phytochemicals may provide more accessible, safer, and potentially more effective alternatives to conventional antifungal drugs. This review outlines the current knowledge surrounding the epidemiology, disease mechanisms, diagnostic approaches, and treatment strategies for mucormycosis, while also exploring the emerging role of plant-based antifungal compounds in improving disease management.

Introduction: Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Sing.) have extraordinary health properties that have been used for centuries in Japanese medicine. Objective: The primary aim of the research was to test the possibility of cultivating Lentinula edodes mushrooms on hemp straw and hemp shives. Methods: As a part of the work on the modernized devices, raw material in form of shredded hemp stalks and shives was prepared. Then, nine substrate variants were prepared. The substrate was inoculated with mycelium of two Shiitake mushroom races, numbers 4320 and 4325. The productivity of individual substrate variants was determined. Results: The highest biological efficiency of 55.6% was obtained in case of a substrate made of hemp shives + 2.0% ground linseed. Conclusion: The tests carried out confirmed that hemp shives can replace traditionally used raw material in substrates inoculated with Shiitake mycelium.

Medicinal plants with expectorant and mucolytic properties play a key role in supporting the treatment of respiratory tract inflammation, particularly in infections accompanied by thick mucus and cough. This publication presents the review of pharmacological properties and chemical composition of selected herbal raw material, including common ivy, thyme, marshmallow root, primrose, iceland moss, elecampane root, smooth liquorice, and ribwort plantain. These plants contain active substances such as saponins, plant mucilage, essential oils, and phenolic compounds, which contribute to thinning respiratory secretions, stimulating ciliary movement, and providing protective, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunostimulatory effects. Administered as syrups, infusions, or extracts, these herbs can serve as a valuable complement to conventional therapy, especially in milder forms of respiratory diseases. While their effectiveness has been confirmed by both traditional use and modern research, further clinical studies are necessary to fully explore their therapeutic potential and ensure their safety in various patient groups.

Probiotics have been used in medicine for a long time, but their therapeutic potential has not been fully understood. In people without immune disorders, they show minor side effects, which makes them an interesting option in the treatment and prevention of many diseases. Probiotics can be used to treat and prevent: diarrhea, food allergies, carcinogenesis, chronic constipation, hepatic encephalopathy, chronic intestinal inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome, tooth decay, rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, studies have shown that fermented milk products are also an effective tool in the fight against lactose intolerance, probiotic preparations increase the effectiveness of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy and resistance to infections. This article presents the use of probiotics in intestinal diseases, gynecology, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer treatment.

Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (Jambolan) (Myrtaceae family) is commonly used to cure several diseases, particularly diabetes mellitus. Several decades ago, the plant became commercially available, and it was recognized as an antidiabetic plant. Numerous scientific studies have documented the antidiabetic possessions of this plant over the past forty years. The present review was focused on describing the current information about Syzygium cumini (S. cumini) in terms of morphology, phytochemical possessions, medicinal uses, and pharmacological activities based on standard textbooks along with common electronic databases. This substantial literature reveals that the various sections of S. cumini contain considerable physico-phytochemical components and pharmacological actions. S. cumini is a multipurpose medicinal plant that can be used in nutraceuticals in a variety of ways, according to the extensive study. More research is needed to identify active principles found in S. cumini in order to create safer medications for managing diabetes and other diseases.

Introduction: Diabetes is accompanied by the presence of free radicals in the organism. Production of free radicals is higher than their quenching and the oxidation-reduction stress appears. The aim of this review paper is to present antioxidant properties of the selected plant raw materials and their extracts, which are useful in diabetes. Antioxidants may influence free radical processes in individuals with diabetes. Antioxidative plant raw materials in diabetes: The knowledge about antioxidants in garlic, cinnamon, juniper fruits, rowan fruits, white mulberry herb, nettle herb, rut herb, sage herb, dandelion, blueberry leaves, wild strawberry leaves, and fenugreek seeds, was presented. The interactions of theirs extracts with free radicals depend on the type of plant material. Conclusions: Plant raw materials with antioxidant properties are used in prevention and the treatment of diabetes. They protect against free radicals.

Pelargonium graveolens is a plant of significant importance in natural medicine, as well as in cosmetics and aromatherapy. This species is rich in secondary metabolites, including geraniol, citronellol, linalool, which gives it antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and sedative properties. Currently, there is an increase in demand for P. graveolens plants, especially the oil produced from them. Clonal propagation techniques in in vitro culture and new biotechnological methods can facilitate large-scale production of genetically identical plants and ensure the availability of a homogeneous raw material. This paper reviews the suitability of various in vitro culture techniques used for P. graveolens species, as well as biotechnological possibilities for improving this species.

Introduction: Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum L.) extracts have antioxidant properties, which is of great importance in the treatment of many diseases. Herbal medicinal raw materials should be stored in conditions that guarantee the stability of their antioxidants. The aim of this study was to compare interactions with free radicals for infusions obtained from unexposed and UVA irradiated teasel plant materials. Material and methods: The nonirradiated and UVA irradiated plant raw materials as teasel (Dipsacus fullonum L.) herb and root, and the mixture of teasel (Dipsacus fullonum L.) herb, echinacea (Echinacea purpurea L.) herb, and elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) fruit, were used in this study. Antioxidant properties of their infusions were compared. The examination was performed by the use od an X-band (9.3 GHz) electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer. The quenching of EPR spectra of the model DPPH free radicals by the infusions was determined. Results and discussion: UVA radiation increase and decrease interactions with free radicals for infusions of teasel herb and teasel root, respectively. UVA irradiation does not change free radicals interactions in case of infusion obtained from the mixture of teasel herb, echinacea herb, and elderberry fruit. Conclusions: Both teasel herb and root should be protect against UVA radiation during storage, because under these conditions change their interactions with free radicals, what which may be caused by changes in their antioxidant system. The effect of UVA radiation on antioxidative infusions of teasel depends on the type of raw material.

Introduction The aim of the project is to explore blue printing techniques on fabrics which are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These techniques involve protective printing combined with indigo dyeing. Material: The indigo plants used for dyeing fabrics were Indigofera tinctoria L., Strobilanthes cusia (Nees) Kuntze., Isatis tinctoria L. The prints were made with carved wooden blocks and a specially prepared reserve paste. Methods: The research was carried out in Slovakia, the Czech Republic and China. Results: As a result of the scientific trips and participation in workshops of natural printing on fabric, the patterns of prints, their colours and dyeing methods were compared.