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Дедалі частіше до різноманітних захворювань призводять умовно-патогенні гриби Candida parapsilosis. Вони можуть бути коменсалами, але, маючи унікальні властивості інвазивності, вірулентності та стійкості до протигрибкових препаратів (це характерно загалом для грибів з цього роду), у новонароджених і людей з ослабленим імунітетом або у тих, хто використовує катетери, ці гриби стають руйнаторами тканин організму. Вони здатні утворювати міцні біоплівки на катетерах та інших медичних імплантованих пристроях, загрожуючи життю пацієнтів, які зазнали інвазивних медичних втручань. В епоху поширення антибіотикорезистентності актуальним є пошук допоміжних і альтернативних засобів задля уникнення дисемінації або лікування хвороби після виявлення збудника. Такими можуть бути речовини рослинного походження, зокрема, маловивчені, з точки зору антигрибкових властивостей, а саме з чистецю болотяного (Stachys palustris) та пухироплідника калинолистого (Physocarpus opulifolius). Встановлено, що водно-етанольні екстракти з цих рослин мають потен-
ційні антикандидозні властивості щодо Candida parapsilosis, які визначено методами дифузії в агар та додавання в середовище. Водно-етанольні (ВЕ) екстракти з цих рослин пригнічували ріст C. parapsilosis більше, ніж водні. Діаметри зон затримки росту (ДЗЗР) більше 13 мм спричиняли екстракти зі Stachys palustris, виготовлені з використанням 70 % і 95 % ВЕ, і екстракти з Physocarpus opulifolius, виготовлені з використанням 60 % і 95 % ВЕ, однак їхній вплив був удвічі меншим, порівняно з флюконазолом, і трохи більшим, порівняно з настойками шавлії та евкаліпту. Найсуттєвіше впливав екстракт зі Stachys palustris, виготовлений з використанням 95 % ВЕ, спричиняючи ДЗЗР до 20 мм. Екстракт зі S. palustris, виготовлений з використанням 95 % ВЕ, пригнічує ріст досліджуваної культури за вмісту в середовищі у співвідношеннях 1:2, 1:4 і 1:6, а зі Physocarpus opulifolius – 1:2 та 1:4. Швидкий мікропланшетний метод визначення впливу рослинних екстрактів на мікроорганізми з резазурином може бути використаний тільки після додаткового підтвердження, оскільки самі екстракти здатні
відновлювати індикатор.
Ключові слова: Candida parapsilosis, екстракти Stachys palustris і Physocarpus opulifolius, антикандидозний вплив, методи визначення дії екстрактів.

Яворська Г. В., Воробець Н. М., Мороз О. М. Вплив екстрактів з Physocarpusopulifolius (L.) Maxim. і Stachyspalustris L. на Candidaparapsilosis. Вісник Львівського університету. Серія біологічна. 2024; 92: 99-110. Visnyk of the Lviv University. Series Biology. 2024. Issue 92. P. 99-110. HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.30970/VLUBS.2024.92.08

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

Background: Accessibility and affordability of medicines are key for patients’ effective treatment. However, drug prices are soaring, and patients are looking for cheaper medications in Europe and beyond. This study aimed to evaluate European pharmacists’ perceptions and attitudes about the impact of global inflation and the military conflict setting in Ukraine on patients’ buying medicines behaviours. A secondary objective comprised the problem of buying medicines from illegal online sources like social media or non-regulated marketplaces.

Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2023 to April 2024 using an anonymous and self-designed questionnaire consisting of 11 questions. The survey was created using Google Forms. The survey link was shared mostly by e-mail amongst practising pharmacists from five European countries.

Results: Events of the recent years, such as inflation, the COVID-19 pandemic, or the war in Ukraine were perceived by the pharmacists as contributing to patients looking for better medicines prices, mostly related to online purchases. The most important factors influencing online purchase of medicines beyond price were convenience of shopping anytime, and fast and free delivery. There is a perceived growing interest in buying medicines from online facilities other than e-pharmacies, such as local websites, social media or global marketplaces (e.g., aliexpress.com). Pharmacists do not actively inform their patients about the possible risks of buying medicines from unverified online sources.

Conclusion: International disruptions seem to contribute to patients’ looking for better prices of medicines. There is a need for societal education about the risks related to the possibility of counterfeited medicines online, as well as pharmacists’ training to prioritize patient information and counselling on the hazards of medication acquisition from non e-pharmacies. There is an urgent need for global amendments to the pharmaceutical law to protect patients from illegal e-sources of medicines while keeping in-person services and offline purchases.