Pectorales species No. 2 is a multicomponent herbal preparation with expectorant and anti-inflammatory effects. It includes coltsfoot leaves, plantain leaves, and licorice roots. This study focused on assessing the composition and content of volatile compounds and fatty acids in Pectorales species No. 2. The volatile compounds and fatty acids profile was assessed by GC-MS and GC-FID respectively. It is represented by 24 fatty acids and 91 volatile compounds. The main fatty acids in the composition of Pectorales species No. 2 are palmitic, linoleic and α-linolenic acids. The prevailing volatile lipophilic compounds are carvone, isomentone, iso-octenyl alcohol, anethole, hexyl alcohol, menthanone, cis-hex-3-enyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, pulegone, linalool, α-thujone.

Introduction. One of the key tasks of the pharmaceutical industry is the search for new promising compounds – potential drug candidates. Natural objects, especially plants, have long been rich sources of new molecules and are widely used in the global food and pharmaceutical industries. Cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus L.) is a perennial herb from the Rosaceae family. The fruits and leaves of R. chamaemorus contain a wide variety of polyphenolic secondary metabolites – hydrolysable/condensed tannins and flavonoids. Extracts enriched by polyphenols showed significant antiproliferative activity and inhibition of cell growth, and also induce cell apoptosis. As a result of our previous phytochemical research of R. chamaemorus leaves, five polyphenolic secondary metabolites belonging to the classes of tannins and flavonoids were isolated and characterized.Aim. Screening of previously isolated from R. chamaemorus individual compounds for the hemostasis system in vitro and identification of the most promising compounds for subsequent pharmaceutical development.Materials and methods. Experiments under in vitro conditions were performed on the blood of healthy male donors. The research of the effect on platelet aggregation was carried out according to the Born method on an AT-02 aggregometer (LLC "SPF "Medtech", Russia). Determination of anticoagulant activity was carried out by conventional clotting tests on a Solar CGL 2110 turbidimetric hemocoagulometer (CJSC "SOLAR", Russia). Cytofluorimetric analysis was performed on a NovoCyte instrument (Agilent Technologies, USA).Result and discussion. The influence of the isolated compounds 1–5 on the parameters of activation, platelet aggregation and the coagulation component of hemostasis was studied. At a concentration of 1.0 mg/ml, compounds 1–5 did not affect the fibrinogen concentration and prothrombin time. Compounds 1, 3 and 5 completely suppressed platelet activation at the studied concentrations. Compounds 1 and 3 showed antiaggregation activity comparible to the values of acetylsalicylic acid and are contained in all aqueous and alcoholic extracts of R. сhamaemorus leaves; their quantitative content varies depending on the extraction conditions.Conclusion. Thus, as a result of the screening of individual compounds 1–5 isolated from the leaves of R. chamaemorus their antiaggregating and anticoagulation properties were established. Compounds 1 (4-O-α-L-arabinofuranosylellagic acid) and 3 (quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronide) showed antiaggregation activity comparible to that of acetylsalicylic acid, and are the most promising of the studied series of compounds for the subsequent pharmaceutical development of new antiplatelet agents.

Introduction. Determining closely related impure species when confirming the authenticity of medicinal plant raw materials (mprms) is a very difficult and controversial task, especially for crushed and powdered mprms. One of such objects is the three-part beggarticks, which is prone to polymorphism and occupies the same area with the nodding beggarticks, the Spanish needles and the devil's beggarticks. Objective: to conduct a comparative pharmacognostic analysis of species of the genus Bidens L., which can be collected together with the pharmacopoeial species – three-part beggarticks. Material and methods. The objects of study were dried herbs of three-part beggarticks (Bidens tripartita L.), nodding beggarticks (Bidens cernua L.), Spanish needles (Bidens bipinnata L.), and devil's beggarticks (Bidens frondosa L.), collected in the Moscow region in 2020–2021. In this work, we studied the anatomical and morphological structure of leaves, as the most preferred part from a diagnostic point of view. The study of anatomical and morphological characteristics was carried out in accordance with the General Pharmacopoeial Monograph of the Russian Federation State Pharmacopoeia XIV 1.5.1.0003.15 “Leaves”. Results. A comparative description of the anatomical-diagnostic external and microscopic characteristics of the Bidens leaves has been obtained. Bidens tripartita and Bidens frondosa are higher than others. In contrast to the impure species, the Bidens tripartita has the largest deeply trifid, irregular serrated leaves, more pronounced tortuosity of the epidermal cells of the upper side of the leaf, multicellular thin-walled caterpillar-like and simple thick-walled hairs are combined, and the secretory canals in the mesophyll located along the vein. Conclusion. Among the studied Bidens species, each has characteristic features of its morphological and anatomical structure. These specific features can be used to establish the authenticity of the mprms and distinguish it from impure Bidens species, which require further research.

Flax seeds are valuable medicinal and food raw materials because of their various complex of biologically active substances (BAS). They have a great potential for pharmaceutical practice and food industry. The purpose of the work is to study the possibilities for improvement of methods for standardization of flax seeds and drugs (infusion is the dietary supplement (DS), which contains fatty flax seeds extra virgin oil in gelatin capsule and fatty flax seeds oil containing in multicomponent drugs) on their basis. The following groups of BAS are studied by modern physicochemical methods: contents of polysaccharides (gravimetry), contents and composition of the fatty acids containing in fatty oils (gas flame photometric chromatography) and contents of vitamins B2, C, E, carotenoids (α- and β-carotenoids) (high-performance UV chromatography). The study establishes, that the whole flax seeds contain 8.23±0.38% of polysaccharides, 438±53 mg/g of fatty oils (the main fatty acids are α-linoleic acid (234±47 mg/g), oleic acid (60±12 mg/g), and linoleic acid (61±12 mg/g)), 31.00±4.65 mg/100g of vitamin B2, 330.00±49.50 mg/100g of vitamin C, 19.60±2.94 mg/100g of vitamin E, and 10.30±1.55 mg/100g of carotenoids. Contents of 0.62±0.04% of polysaccharides, 2.85±0.43 µg/100 ml of vitamin B2, and 45.00±6.75 µg/100 ml of vitamin C are peculiar to the infusion. We have determined that the DS “Flax seeds oil in capsules” contents three major fatty acids. They are α-linoleic acid (234±47 mg/g), oleic acid (60±12 mg/g), linoleic acid (61±1 2mg/g), 27.00±4.05 mg/100g of vitamin E (summarized tocopherols in terms of tocopherol acetate), and 14.90±2.24 mg/100g of carotenoids. Contents of fatty oil in the “Dicloran ® Plus” drug is of 277±33 mg/g (the main fatty acids are α-linoleic acid (20±4 mg/g), oleic acid (6±1 mg/g), and linoleic acid (4±1 mg/g)) and 1.10±0.17 µg/100 g of vitamin E. Ratio of major fatty acids containing in the subjects, which consist of fatty flax seeds oils, are: α-linoleic acid: oleic acid: linoleic acid is 4:1:1 is peculiar. The received data is used to update current regulatory documentation and to introduce the new one to regulate quality of flax seeds and flax drugs.

The pectoral species No 1 (phytopectol No 1) is widely used in Russian medicinal practice. Pectoral species No 1 (PS No 1) contains coltsfoot leaves (Tussilaginisfarfarae folia), marshmallow roots (Althaeae radices), oregano herb (Origani vulgaris herba). This research aims to determine the flavonoid profile of PS No 1. These biologically active compounds (BAC) can have pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, antibacterial. The UPLC/PDA/MS/MS method was used for flavonoids’ determination. Chromatographic system: ultra-performance liquid chromatograph Waters Acquity (Waters Corporation, USA). Column: 2.1×150 mm Acquity UPLC BEH (Bridged Ethylene Hybrid) C18 (particle size – 1.7 µm). The column temperature and the injection volume were 35 °C and 5 µL, respectively. Mobile phase A – a mixture of water, acetonitrile, and formic acid (95:5:0.1). Mobile phase B – a mixture of acetonitrile and formic acid (100:0.1). A gradient program was used for elution. Results: The pectoral species No 1 was established to contain various flavonoids as apigenin 7-O-β-glucuronide, luteolin 7,4'-diglucuronide-3'-glycoside, luteolin 7-O-glucuronide, luteolin 7-O-[β-D-glucuronosyl-(1→2)-β-D-glucuronide]-4'-O-β-D-glucuronide, rutin. Some derivatives of hydroxycinnamic acid such as caffeic acid, chlorogenic and isochlorogenic acids, isochlorogenic acid C (4,5-dicaffoylquinic acid), isochlorogenic acid A (3,5-dicaffoylquinic acid), 3,4,5-tricaffoylquinic acid were also identified in the herbal tea. Conclusions: The polyphenolic complex of pectoral species No. 1 was described; it was rich in flavonoids (flavonols and flavones) and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. The reported anti-inflammatory effect of the mixture herbal product (herbal tea) might be due to high flavonoid content. Thus, we recommend the flavonoids to be chosen as an active marker for the standardization of pectoral species No 1.

Introduction. Linden flowers are pharmacopeial medicinal plant raw material (MPRM), containing polysaccharides. Nowadays, according to the current regulatory documentation, the assessment of the content of biologically active substances (BAS) is carried out only for flavonoids. To improve the standardization of linden flowers, the development and validation of the spectrophotometric procedure of polysaccharides determination with anthrone reagent is proposed to be relevant. Objective: To develop and validate a procedure for the quantitative determination of polysaccharides in linden flowers. Material and methods. In the development and validation of the procedure we used the method of differential spectrophotometry based on the complexation reaction of linden hydrolysate sugars with an anthrone reagent. The resulting complex has an absorption maximum of 625±2 nm, the reference standard (RS) of glucose was used as a comparison solution. The influence of extraction conditions on the yield of polysaccharides from raw materials was studied: the size of raw material particles, the ratio of raw material and extractant, the duration of extraction, as well as the selection of optimal conditions for the complexation reaction. Validation of the procedure was carried out according to the indicators: specificity, linearity and representativeness, trueness, repeatability, intermediate precision (reproducibility). Results. The optimal parameters of polysaccharides extraction from raw material were determined (three-stage extraction with distilled water on a water bath, the ratio “raw material – extractant” – 1:30 for 30 minutes, the size of raw material particles – 2,0 mm). The conditions of complex formation reaction were selected (ratio “extract – complexing agent” – 1:2, complexing agent is anthrone reagent, appearance of stable coloring of the solution in 25 minutes). During the validation of the developed procedure, it was found that the validation characteristics are within the criteria of acceptability. In the analysis of linden flowers, it was found that the content of reducing sugars in the polysaccharide composition was 1,9–3,1%. Conclusion. Optimal parameters of polysaccharide extraction from raw materials were determined, conditions of complex formation reaction were selected, and the procedure validation was carried out. The total content of reducing sugars in the polysaccharide composition in terms of absolutely dry raw material in linden flowers using differential spectrophotometry was determined.

Introduction. The study of common cranberry fruits is promising due to the wide variety of biologically active substances included in their composition, a wide range of therapeutic properties, as well as the ability of cranberry fruits for long-term storage and resistance to harsh environmental conditions. Fresh fruits contain the maximum amount of biologically active substances and, accordingly, have the most pronounced pharmacological effect. To preserve the composition and content of biologically active substances, preservation is used in pharmacy. Most often they resort to drying. Freezing can be considered a new and promising method for preserving the quality of medicinal plant materials. Purpose of the study. Study of the effect of freezing and drying on the qualitative composition and quantitative content of biologically active substances in common cranberry fruits. Material and methods. The object of the study was fresh, frozen, and dried common cranberry fruits collected in the Pskov and Novgorod regions in 2022 during the fruiting period. The study of the composition of biologically active substances (BAS) and quantitative assessment of the content were carried out according to pharmacopoeial methods, using analysis using thin layer chromatography (TLC), spectrophotometry and redox titration methods. Results. Using TLC analysis, organic acids (ascorbic, malic, citric, tartaric and succinic), flavonoids (rutin, quercetin), tannins (gallic acid) and anthocyanins were identified in the fruits. There were no differences in the qualitative composition of dried and frozen fruits. The content of organic acids, tannins, flavonoids and anthocyanins in cranberry fruits using different preservation methods was determined. It has been established that when fruits are dried, the content of all studied groups of biologically active substances decreases, on average by 40–60% of the initial content in fresh raw materials. Ascorbic acid is destroyed to a greater extent (90–92%). Exposure to low temperatures leads to a slight decrease in biologically active substances in common cranberry fruits (7–14%). Conclusion. The influence of preservation methods on the composition and content of biologically active substances in common cranberry fruits has been studied. The possibility of using frozen cranberry fruits as an alternative to fresh and dried raw materials in the manufacture of drugs in allopathy and homeopathy has been shown.

Introduction. Apple fruits are widely used in the food industry and as non-pharmacopoeial medicinal raw materials. The value of this plant is due to the presence of a large number of biologically active compounds, namely: phenols, flavonoids and tannins. Despite the abundance of information on the chemical composition of this raw material, the study of the elemental composition of apple fruits remains relevant for potential use in the treatment of element deficiency conditions. Objective: to study the content of chemical elements using X-ray fluorescence analysis in three different parts of apple fruits – in the exocarp, mesocarp and endocarp for four varieties, as well as to identify the nitrate content and measure acidity for these apple varieties. Material and methods. Apple tree fruits for research were harvested in the Moscow region. After preliminary ashing of the samples, the content of chemical elements was determined by X-ray fluorescence analysis with a silicon drift detector. pH and nitrate ion concentrations were measured using an EXPERT-001 pH meter. Results. Using X-ray fluorescence analysis (XFA), the elemental composition of four varieties of domestic apple fruits was studied for various parts of the fruit. An increased content of lead was noted in the exocarp of apples of the Spartan variety. A study of the content of nitrate ions and pH was also carried out. Conclusion. The chemical composition of domestic apple fruits was studied using X-ray fluorescence. The content of chemical elements was different in different parts of the fruit. The lowest content of chemical elements was determined in the mesocarp of the fruit. It is also worth noting the high lead content in the exocarp of Spartan apples.

Introduction. Modern researchers note the role of antioxidants in the correction of fat and carbohydrate metabolism, so the search for new raw materials for obtaining substances with antioxidant activity is relevant. Polyphenolic compounds are considered the most powerful natural antioxidants. Our attention was drawn to non-hybrid mint species growing in the North Caucasus region. Objective. Study of biomorphological features and economically valuable characteristics of the species Mentha L. (Lamiaceae), their phytochemical characteristics based on the content of essential oil and some phenolic compounds, determination of antioxidant activity to substantiate the prospects for use in medicine and pharmacy. Material and methods. The studies were carried out according to the methods of the State Pharmacopoeia (SP) XIV and XV editions. Samples of raw mint (M. arvensis L.), watermint (M. aquatica L.), longleaf mint (M. longifolia (L.) Huds.), flea mint (M. pulegium L.), m spicata (M. spicata L.), harvested in forest-steppe and steppe zones, as well as on mountain slopes, damp places, sometimes in wastelands, in North Ossetia – Alania, Karachay-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria and the Stavropol Territory in their natural places of growth (end of July–August 2021–2023). Objects were dried using the air-shadow method. Antioxidant activity was determined by amperometric and titrimetric methods. Results. Non-hybrid mint species growing in the North Caucasus contain essential oils, hydroxycinnamic and triterpene acids, flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds. The established antioxidant properties of hydroalcoholic extracts of mint species, in addition to the traditionally known choleretic and antispasmodic effects, can be considered significant for reducing body weight. Conclusion. The content of essential oil and polyphenolic compounds in various types of mint, as well as the established antioxidant properties of aqueous-alcoholic extracts, in addition to the traditionally known choleretic and antispasmodic effects, can be considered significant for weight loss.

INTRODUCTION. The influence of anthropogenic factors on the content of toxic elements in plants increases the need for monitoring the content of toxic elements in medicinal plant raw materials and the corresponding herbal medicinal products. In addition, studying the elemental composition of herbal medicinal products will help determine their potential in the treatment of elemental metabolism disorders (macroand micro-elementoses).AIM. This study aimed to determine the elemental composition and the heavy metal content in Pectoral Species No. 2 and its components.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study used Pectoral Species No. 2 and its components, including common coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara L.) leaf, greater plantain (Plantago major L.) leaf, and liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L., G. uralensis Fisch.) root. The samples were manufactured by Krasnogorskleksredstva JSC and purchased at Moscow pharmacies. To determine the elemental composition, the study samples were digested with concentrated nitric acid and analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The calibration involved using concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 times the maximum permissible concentration for each element.RESULTS. This study identified and quantified 26 elements in Pectoral Species No. 2 and its components. The content of heavy metals was within the permissible concentrations. The study established the predominant macronutrients (potassium, calcium, and magnesium), micronutrients (iron, aluminium, and strontium), and ultramicronutrients (barium, nickel, and chromium) in Pectoral Species No. 2. The authors evaluated the contributions of each herbal drug to the total element content in the medicinal product.CONCLUSIONS. Coltsfoot leaf exerts the greatest influence on the content of macro-, micro-, and ultramicronutrients in Pectoral Species No. 2. Greater plantain leaf contributes the most to the zinc, silver, and nickel content. Liquorice root has the highest strontium and molybdenum content.

The authors analyzed the elemental and mineral content of the plant composition Pectorales species No. 2 (PS No.2) which includes herbal raw materials coltsfoot leaves, plantain leaves, licorice roots by ICP-MS. 25 elements have been identified in PS No.2. The highest content was reached by potassium (2243.13 mg/kg), calcium (881.14 mg/kg) and magnesium (156,08 mg/kg). The content of lead (0.007 mg/kg), cadmium (0.0035 mg/kg), mercury (0.0011 mg/kg) and arsenic (0.0056 mg/kg) does not exceed the MPC specified in the in the State Pharmacopoeia of the Russian Federation, XIV edition.

In the current study composition of phenolic compounds of common bilberry shoots (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) from the Russian Federation was determined. The presence of arbutin, rutin, tannin, and gallic acid in crude herbal drugs was confirmed by thin-layer chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. A quantitative analysis of these substances in common bilberry shoots, harvested in the Bryansk and Vladimir regions in 2016-2017, and the Tver region in 2017 showed similar results. The obtained data can be used in the comparative study of the metabolome of medicinal plant, the development of regulatory documentation for common bilberry shoots. It is shown, that common bilberry shoots have antiradical, membrane stabilizing, antioxidant, and antitoxic activity.

The following dihydrochalcones are attracting a great deal of attention as biologically active substances of apple fruits due to their possible antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory effect: phloretin 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-1-(2,4,6-trihydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one(2,4,6,4'-tetrahydroxyhydrochalcone) and its glycoside phloridzin (phloretin-2'-glucoside)-(4,6,4-trihydroxy-2-(β-D-glucopyranosyloxy). The optimal conditions are selected for the extraction from fresh and dried fruits of an eastern apple tree. The 29 phenolic substances, among which 15 compounds are identified, including phloretin and phloridzin, are detected with HPLC. The content of polyphenolic compounds is quantitatively assessed with the Folin–Ciocalteu method, and the total content of flavonoids is found through spectrophotometry under the standard conditions. The content of polyphenolic substances in fresh and dried fruits was 12.16 and 9.59%, respectively. The total content of flavonoids wass 1.28 and 1.00% in fresh and dried fruits according to the pharmacopoeial method, respectively.

Background: Mucolytic and expectorant drugs are important elements in the pharmacotherapy of respiratory diseases. Phytopectol No 2 (Pectorales species No 2) is one of the herbal multi-component drugs (herbal teas). Pectorales species No 2 (PS No 2) is a mixture of three types of medicinal plants presented on the Russian pharmaceutical market. It consists of coltsfoot leaves (40%), plantain leaves (30%), and licorice roots (30%). The PS No 2 infusion is a dosage form prepared from crushed or powdered plant material. The PS No 2 infusion exhibits expectorant and anti-inflammatory activity; it is used in the treatment of respiratory diseases and to facilitate the release of sputum.\r\nPurpose: This review study aims to collect and analyze the literature data concerning the composition and content of polysaccharides, their monosaccharide composition in PS No 2 and its components. \r\nMethods: We used different scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, e-Library, Google Scholar for information search. \r\nResult: Nowadays, synthetic drugs, herbal remedies, and combined medicines with expectorant action are presented on the Russian and world markets. Herbal medicines can be classified into single drugs containing one plant/component, and medicines with two or more plants/components. Herbal medicines take leading places in the segment of the mucoactive drugs market along with synthetic ones in the Russian Federation. Most of the PS No 2 polysaccharides are arabinogalactans, rhamnogalacturonans, galacturonans, galactans. The arabinose (up to 15%), glucose (up to 26%), galactose (up to 23%), rhamnose (up to 40%), as well as galacturonic acid (up to 26%) are presented in monosaccharide composition of PS No 2 polysaccharide complex.\r\nConclusion: Polysaccharides of various types are the main group of biologically active compounds (BAC) in PS No 2. The monomer composition of the polysaccharides causing the pharmacological action of PS No 2 should be established to improve the standardization procedures of crude herbal drugs and to identify BAC. The ratio of these carbohydrates can serve as a marker parameter in the standardization of PS No 2.

Objective: Free and bounded amino acids are one of the valuable biologically active substances (BAS) containing in medicinal plants with other BAS groups. The research aims to determine the profile and content of free and bounded amino acids in coltsfoot leaves infusion by HPLC-UV, as well as suggest alternative ways to use it in medicine. Materials and methods: Coltsfoot leaves (crushed herbal drug) were used as plant material for preparing infusion and analysis. Amino acids profile and content were analyzed by RP-HPLC-UV after pre-column derivatization with o-phthalaldehyde and 3-mercaptopropionic acid (OPA) (derivatization of primary amines) and with fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (FMOC) (secondary amines). The sources of scientific literature concerning the amino acid composition of crushed herbal drugs were also studied. Results: 10 free and 13 bounded amino acids were identified in coltsfoot leaves infusion. Total content was 44.04±2.20 mg/g (Arg > Tyr > Gln > Ala > Asn > Met > Ile > Val > Lys > Leu) and 57.79±2.89 mg/g (Arg > Gln > Lys > Tyr > Gly > Asn > Val > Thr > Ala > Ile > Nva > Leu > Met) respectively. Content of essential amino acids – 0,89±0,04 mg/g (5 free); 9,58±0,48 mg/g (5 bounded). Conclusions: Since the coltsfoot leaves contain a significant amount of arginine, studies involving the prevention and adjunctive treatment of viral diseases, including SARS-CoV-2 virus infection (COVID-19), are promising.

This review focuses on current data sources on medicinal plants possessing expectorant effects. The component characterization of biologically active compounds determining the specified pharmacological effect of herbal medicines was also described and analyzed. The nomenclature of expectorant drugs presented on the Russian pharmaceutical market was studied and trends have been identified. It is known that herbal preparations, as a rule, are multicomponent. Combined expectorant drugs that simultaneously affect various mechanisms of inflammation and cough are becoming increasingly popular in medical practice. It seems relevant to assess the proportion of the most commonly used components (as well as biologically active substances) that are currently used for the production of expectorant drugs. Expectorant herbal preparations may contain such groups of biologically active substances as polysaccharides, saponins, essential oils, alkaloids. Medicinal plant material with an expectorant effect is used to obtain liquid dosage forms: syrups, tinctures, infusions, decoctions, elixirs, drops, and oral solutions, as well as solid – tablets, capsules, granules, troches, powders. These drugs occupy their important niche in the pharmaceutical market of the Russian Federation.

The new plant raw material from leaves and fruits of Malus sylvestris is analyzed. It is shown that the content of substances extracted with acetonitrile amounted to 4.7–5.4% for leaves and 2.3–2.8% for fruits. The obtained extracts were used to identify substances, the presence of which is specific for the plant’s raw material and can be used in the future to identify raw material in crushed and powdered form. It is found that acetonitrile extract of Malus sylvestris is characterized by the presence of 10 peaks for fruits and 22 peaks for leaves, which can be considered as markers for the identification of medicinal plant material.