Objective: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a component of the solar electromagnetic spectrum, functions both as an environmental stressor and a biological stimulus. Medicinal plants exposed to UV particularly UV-B and UV-C wavelengths often show enhanced synthesis of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, and terpenoids. These metabolites are well recognized for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antibacterial properties. This review aims to examine the effects of different UV wavelengths and doses on the chemical composition and therapeutic potential of medicinal plants.
Methodology: A comprehensive literature survey from 2000 to 2025 was conducted, covering diverse plant species and genotypes exposed to UVA, UVB, or UVC radiation, alone or in combination with environmental factors such as drought stress or hormonal treatments. Key parameters analyzed included growth characteristics, photosynthetic activity, phenolic and antioxidant content, and alkaloid production.
Results: Controlled UV exposure was found to significantly enhance secondary metabolite accumulation, increase antioxidant activity, and improve the pharmacological properties of medicinal plants. In contrast, excessive UV exposure could impair growth and induce cellular damage. The combination of UV with hormonal treatments or salicylic acid frequently upregulated gene expression in metabolic pathways associated with bioactive compound synthesis. The intensity, duration, and wavelength of UV radiation were critical determinants of chemical composition and biological activity.
Conclusion: Appropriately timed and dosed UV radiation represents a promising strategy to augment
secondary metabolite production and enhance the therapeutic value of medicinal plants. These findings
have important implications for optimizing cultivation practices and developing effective plant
-based pharmaceuticals.
Keywords: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, medicinal plants, secondary metabolites, flavonoids, phenolic
compounds, antioxidants, alkaloids
Objective: Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease characterized by the accumulation of lipid plaques and other substances on the walls of arteries, which can lead to narrowing and blockage of blood vessels, ultimately resulting in cardiovascular problems. This condition is associated with factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and genetic predispositions. Atherosclerosis is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in modern societies, necessitating the development of effective treatment and preventive methods. The aim of this review is to examine the most important medicinal plants used in Iranian traditional medicine for the treatment of atherosclerosis, and to analyze their mechanisms of action in preventing and treating this disease.
Methodology: The present review study utilized keywords such as medicinal plants, traditional medicine, indigenous plants of Iran, and atherosclerosis. The articles were searched through academic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, as well as specialized sources such as reference books, encyclopedias, and online research resources.
Results: The medicinal plants identified as being most effective in the treatment of atherosclerosis in Iranian traditional medicine include Equisetum arvense, Citrus limon, Curcuma longa, Rosmarinus officinalis, Allium sativum, Silybum marianum, Cynara scolymus, Crataegus monogyna, Zingiber officinale, Capsicum annuum, Hypericum perforatum, Anethum graveolens, Petroselinum crispum, Salvia officinalis, Origanum vulgare, Brassica oleracea, Apium graveolens, Daucus carota, Lactuca sativa, Spinacia oleracea, Cucurbita pepo, Camellia sinensis, Cichorium intybus, Rhus coriaria, Medicago sativa, Mentha piperita, Linum usitatissimum, Malus domestica, Chelidonium majus, Satureja hortensis, Allium cepa, Portulaca oleracea, Glycine max, and Coriandrum sativum.
Conclusion: Medicinal plants in Iranian traditional medicine, with their active compounds that possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering properties, play a significant role in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. These plants are particularly effective in reducing inflammation, improving vascular function, and preventing the accumulation of lipid plaques, thus contributing to the improvement of atherosclerosis. However, clinical studies and extensive trials are needed to confirm the therapeutic effects and optimal dosages of these plants, enabling their use as complementary therapeutic options in the management of atherosclerosis.
Methodology: The present review study utilized keywords such as medicinal plants, traditional medicine, indigenous plants of Iran, and atherosclerosis. The articles were searched through academic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science, as well as specialized sources such as reference books, encyclopedias, and online research resources.
Results: The medicinal plants identified as being most effective in the treatment of atherosclerosis in Iranian traditional medicine include Equisetum arvense, Citrus limon, Curcuma longa, Rosmarinus officinalis, Allium sativum, Silybum marianum, Cynara scolymus, Crataegus monogyna, Zingiber officinale, Capsicum annuum, Hypericum perforatum, Anethum graveolens, Petroselinum crispum, Salvia officinalis, Origanum vulgare, Brassica oleracea, Apium graveolens, Daucus carota, Lactuca sativa, Spinacia oleracea, Cucurbita pepo, Camellia sinensis, Cichorium intybus, Rhus coriaria, Medicago sativa, Mentha piperita, Linum usitatissimum, Malus domestica, Chelidonium majus, Satureja hortensis, Allium cepa, Portulaca oleracea, Glycine max, and Coriandrum sativum.
Conclusion: Medicinal plants in Iranian traditional medicine, with their active compounds that possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and lipid-lowering properties, play a significant role in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis. These plants are particularly effective in reducing inflammation, improving vascular function, and preventing the accumulation of lipid plaques, thus contributing to the improvement of atherosclerosis. However, clinical studies and extensive trials are needed to confirm the therapeutic effects and optimal dosages of these plants, enabling their use as complementary therapeutic options in the management of atherosclerosis.
Abstract: Background: Carotenoids are bioactive tetraterpenoid C40 pigments that are
actively synthesized by plants, bacteria, and fungi. Compounds such as α-carotene, β-
carotene, lycopene, lutein, astaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, fucoxanthin, and zeaxanthin have
attracted increasing attention for their antiaging properties. They exhibit antioxidant, neuro-
protective, and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to the prevention and treatment
of age-related diseases. Objectives: The aim of this study was to comprehensively analyze
the pharmacological potential and biological mechanisms of carotenoids associated with
age-related disorders and to evaluate their application in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals,
and cosmeceuticals. Methods: A systematic review of studies published over the past
two decades was conducted using the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The
selection criteria included clinical, in silico, in vivo, and in vitro studies investigating the
pharmacological and therapeutic effects of carotenoids. Results: Carotenoids demonstrate
a variety of health benefits, including the prevention of age-related macular degeneration,
cancer, cognitive decline, metabolic disorders, and skin aging. Their role in nutraceuticals
is well supported by their ability to modulate oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways.
In pharmaceuticals, carotenoids show promising results in formulations targeting neurode-
generative diseases and metabolic disorders. In cosmeceuticals, they improve skin health
by protecting it against UV radiation and oxidative damage. However, bioavailability,
optimal dosages, toxicity, and interactions with other bioactive compounds remain critical
factors to maximize therapeutic efficacy and still require careful evaluation by scientists.
Conclusions: Carotenoids are promising bioactive compounds for antiaging interventions
with potential applications in a variety of fields. Further research is needed to optimize their
formulas, improve bioavailability, and confirm their long-term safety and effectiveness,
especially in the aging population.
Keywords: age-related disorders; α-carotene; β-carotene; lycopene; lutein; astaxanthin;
β-cryptoxanthin; fucoxanthin; zeaxanthin; pharmacological effects; antiaging properties;
possible toxic effects
Shanaida M., Mykhailenko O., Lysiuk R., Hudz N., Balwierz R., Shulhai A., Shapovalova N., Shanaida V., Bjorklund G. Carotenoids for Antiaging: Nutraceutical, Pharmaceutical, and Cosmeceutical Applications. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2025; 18(3): 403. (Scopus Q1 SJR 1,019; IF=4,8) https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18030403
Differential diagnosis of patients with angina can be challenging. It is difficult to ascertain the presence of angina pectoris in a middle-aged woman, and a primary diagnosis of coronary heart disease is rarely considered. The purpose of the work is to discuss another cause of myocardial infarction in a patient without atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries.
Introduction. Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a disease associated with a high risk of complications and mortality, which depends on various risk factors. Smoking is one such factor that contributes to an unfavorable prognosis
in various conditions.
Objectives. This study aimed to assess the impact of smoking status on the course of CAP and to explore the relationship between smoking, pneumonia severity, and lipid metabolism. A total of 255 patients with CAP were included and divided into two groups: those with moderately severe pneumonia (119 patients) and those with severe pneumonia (136 patients). Among the examined patients, men predominated, and the vast majority were young. The most common complications included pleurisy, myocarditis, and renal dysfunction.
Results. The incidence of complications and severe clinical course of CAP was similar in smokers and non-smokers. However, decreased body mass index (BMI) was slightly more common in smokers. Notably, low body mass was twice as frequent among smokers with severe pneumonia compared to non-smokers with severe disease. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure values were significantly lower in smokers. The number of peripheral blood leukocytes was significantly higher in smokers. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were elevated in both groups. While the average fibrinogen levels did not differ significantly between groups, hyperfibrinogenemia (>10 g/L) was more common in smokers with severe pneumonia. Cholesterol levels were significantly lower in smokers, especially in those with severe CAP.
Conclusions. The observed association between smoking and reduced cholesterol levels highlights a potential impact of smoking on lipid metabolism. Smoking cessation may improve lipid profiles and reduce the risk of severe complications in pneumonia and other diseases.
Keywords: community-acquired pneumonia, smoking, lipids, lipid metabolism, complications.