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

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.

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

Objective: A convenient and effective method for the obtaining of a 4-thiazolidinone ring is theт[2+3]-cyclocondensation reaction of S,N-binucleophiles with different equivalents of the dielectrophilic synthon [C2]2+. For this purpose, we achieved the synthesis of intermediate N1- methylidenethiosemicarbazones 3a-b starting from 2-amino/allylsulfanyl-5-ethyl-1,3,4- thiadiazoles 1-b via Vilsmeier-Haak formylation reaction following by condensation with thiosemicarbazide in acetic acid medium.
Methods: Organic Synthesis, NMR Spectroscopy, Elemental analysis, Pharmacological screening.
Results: The interaction of intermediate N1-methylidenethiosemicarbazones 3a-b with αhalocarboxylic (monochloroacetic, 2-bromopropionic, 2-bromobutanoic) acids or α-bromo-γbutyrolactone in acetic acid at the presence of sodium acetate was performed. As results, a series of targeted 2-hydrazino-4-thiazolidinones containing 6-phenylimidazo[2,1-b] [1,3,4] thiadiazole moiety 4a-b and their 5-alkyl substituted derivatives 5a-d and 6a-b were obtained. The structure of the synthesized compounds was confirmed by elemental analysis and NMR spectroscopy. The synthesized compounds 3a-b, 4a-b, 5a-d, and 6a-b were evaluated for their in vitro antitrypanosomal activity against Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (Feo strain).
Conclusion: The results of in vitro screening of antitrypanosomal activity against Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (TBG) allowed us to identify three highly active compounds 4b, 5b and 5c, whichбexhibited significant trypanocidal activity with a range of IC50 values of 3.7-4.4 µM and were comparable to the reference drug nifurtimox (IC50 = 4.4 µM). 

Objective: Plants are an excellent source of phenolic compounds, which are among the most important antioxidant substances. The antioxidant properties of medicinal plants have prompted researchers to use them in the food, health and pharmaceutical industries.
Methods: The purpose of the present study is to investigate the antioxidant properties of the methanol extract of the medicinal plants of Salsola rigida (Salsola orientalis) and wheat. The aerial parts of these plants were dried and ground. Then plant samples were prepared using homogenized methanol. Finally, the total antioxidant capacity of the mentioned plants was evaluated using ferric iron reducing antioxidant power (FRAP).
Results: The results showed that the total antioxidant capacity for Salsola rigida and wheat was 0.77 and 2.20 Fe2+ mmol L-1, respectively. Based on our findings, wheat showed strong antioxidant activity and S. rigida showed little antioxidant capacity.
Conclusion: It is recommended to use the medicinal plants of S.rigida and wheat due to antioxidant effects against free radicals. Antioxidant medicines or supplements can be produced from the mentioned plants.