This editorial highlights the critical significance of integrating traditional and modern methodologies in drug discovery, emphasizing the role of herbal substances and phytomedicines in advancing global health and scientific progress. By examining the latest research and innovations, it underscores how the fusion of plant-based therapies with contemporary scientific techniques can enhance therapeutic efficacy and determine novel approaches for treatment of various ailments. This comprehensive approach offers unique opportunities to develop effective and sustainable therapies, thereby advancing
pharmaceutical science and improving global health outcomes.

Lysiuk R. The Role of Biochemicals and Phytomedicine in Complementary Medicine and Modern Drug Discovery: Bridging Tradition and Innovation. Journal of Biochemicals and Phytomedicine. 2024; 3(2): 1-3. https://doi.org/10.34172/jbp.2024.13 https://jbcpm.com/Inpress/jbp-65.pdf

Galinsoga parviflora Cav. (Asteraceae family) is a segetal-ruderal species, introduced from Peru and spread throughout the territory of Ukraine, the European and other continents. In our country, it is a dangerous invasive species that litters crops and natural biomes. Simultaneously, G. parviflora is an edible plant that is used in traditional medicine in some countries, and there are some results of scientific research that testify to the effectiveness of its use as a medicinal plant material with anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, hypotensive, hemostatic, cytotoxic properties and others. Since the G. parviflora species is morphologically variable, there is a need to study its chemical composition and properties before using it, in particular as a medicinal plant raw material or for other purposes. The phytochemical investigation of aqueous and aqueous ethanolic extracts of G. parviflora herb resulted in the identification of several groups of biologically active compounds. Most of them are polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids – have high antioxidant activity, and therefore can cause antibacterial effects. The aim of the study was to collect G. parviflora plants, prepare extracts from the above-ground part (grass) and determine the content of polyphenolic compounds, flavonoids, carotenoids, as well as the antibacterial activity of the prepared extracts. In extracts of the G. parviflora herb collected in the vicinity of Lviv, the content of polyphenols was determined at the level of 4.38–7.71 mg·g-1 of dry mass (DM) in terms of gallic acid, the content of flavonoids at the level of3.56–7.27 mg·g-1 of DM in terms of quercetin, and carotenoids – 10.95 ± 0.5 μg · g-1 of DM. Studies of the antibacterial activity of ethanolic and aqueous-ethanolic extracts of the herb G. parviflora against test cultures of Escherichia coli and Bacillus brevis, conducted using the well method, allowed to establish that the extract prepared with 20 % aqueous ethanol most strongly inhibits the growth of the studied cultures. Strong statistically significant relationships were established between the zones of inhibition of E. coli and flavonoids – p < 0.001.Key words: Galinsoga parviflora Cav., aqueous and aqueous-ethanolic extracts, antibacterial activity

Vorobets N., Yavorska H. Gallant soldier – a promising raw material with antibacterial properties. Sci. Bull. Uzhorod Univ. (Ser. Biol.). 2025; 58: 82-87. https://doi.org/10.32782/1998-6475.2025.58.12

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

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