Streptococcus mutans is the primary etiological agent of dental caries due to its ability to form acidogenic biofilms on tooth surfaces. Natural monoterpenes have attracted considerable interest as potential antibiofilm agents for oral healthcare. The present study investigated the antibiofilm activity and possible mechanism of action of (+)-endo-borneol isolated from the essential oil of Achillea millefolium against S. mutans. The chemical composition of the essential oil was characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and (+)-endo-borneol was isolated by chromatographic separation. Antibiofilm activity was evaluated using the crystal violet biofilm assay, while antimicrobial activity was determined by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays. The influence of subinhibitory concentrations of (+)-endo-borneol on the expression of the biofilm-associated genes gtfB and yycF was assessed by quantitative real-time PCR. Molecular docking was performed to investigate ligand–protein interactions, using a ligand geometry pre-optimized by density functional theory (DFT, B3LYP/6-31G**). The essential oil inhibited S. mutans biofilm formation by up to 98%, whereas isolated (+)-endo-borneol reduced biofilm biomass by 97–98% at concentrations of 2–10 mg/mL. The MIC and MBC values of (+)-endo-borneol were 2.5 and 5.0 mg/mL, respectively. Gene expression analysis demonstrated that subinhibitory concentrations of (+)-endo-borneol modulated the transcription of gtfB and yycF, indicating activation of bacterial regulatory responses. Molecular docking revealed favorable binding of (+)-endo-borneol to biofilm-related protein targets. These findings demonstrate that (+)-endo-borneol is a promising natural antibiofilm compound with potential application in the development of novel preventive and therapeutic oral healthcare products targeting S. mutans biofilms.

As a result of a study on antimicrobial activity, it was found that the extract of Dracocephalum ruyschiana L. exhibits pronounced antimicrobial properties. Based on these findings, the aim of our research is to conduct comprehensive studies aimed at developing a new dosage form—a gel based on this plant extract with antimicrobial activity. The research also aims to substantiate the formulation, production technology, methods of analysis, and bioavailability of the gel. The relevance of this work lies in expanding the search for new sources of plant-based pharmaceuticals that are both accessible and supported by a sufficient raw material base. For the analysis of polyphenolic compounds in the extracts, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used in combination with a UV detector and real-time tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). The extract of Dracocephalum ruyschiana L. was selected as the object of study. HPLC analysis showed that a 70% ethanol extract prepared with ultrasonic assistance contains up to 4.6% rosmarinic acid, which is largely responsible for its strong antimicrobial effect. Rosmarinic acid is a complex ester of caffeic acid and 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)lactic acid. It belongs to the group of secondary metabolites and possesses a wide range of biological activities. Rosmarinic acid is an effective natural antioxidant that can provide protection against free radical-related pathologies such as atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cancer, and radiation sickness. It is believed to neutralize free oxygen radicals in the extracellular environment.

Rubus saxatilis L. (Rosaceae) is used in traditional medicine in Central Kazakhstan, yet the effect of the extraction method on its phenolic profile and biological activity has not been studied systematically. Three extracts were compared: two prepared by ultrasound-assisted extraction differing only in solvent—water (WE) and 50% ethanol (UAE)—and one by microwave-assisted extraction with 50% ethanol (MAE), allowing the effect of solvent (WE vs. UAE) and of extraction technique (UAE vs. MAE) to be assessed separately. Phenolic composition was determined by HPLC-UV-ESI-MS; antioxidant activity in vitro; cytotoxicity for Artemia salina; and antigenotoxic effects using Escherichia coli K12 MG1655 lux-biosensors (pKatG::lux, pSoxS::lux, pColD::lux) and Drosophila melanogaster models. Four phenolics were identified, with gallic acid dominant in the UAE and MAE extracts and hyperoside predominant in WE, while rutin was not detected in WE. MAE showed the strongest radical-scavenging activity (DPPH, IC50 = 7.44 µg/mL), whereas WE had the highest reducing power (FRAP, EC50 = 52.97 µg/mL). All extracts were non-toxic for A. salina and induced neither oxidative stress nor the SOS response; instead, they attenuated dioxidine-induced SOS signalling by up to 57%, suggesting an antigenotoxic (DNA-protective) effect at the bacterial level. In Drosophila, extracts produced moderate extract-dependent genotoxicity: the lowest damage was observed for MAE. The extraction method governs the phenolic profile and biological activity of R. saxatilis, with MAE being most favorable.

As a result of the study on antimicrobial activity it was established that the essential oil of the herb of the drooping dragonhead (Dracocephalum nutans L.) exhibits pronounced antimicrobial activity in relation to strains of gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633) and weak activity in relation to gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and weak activity to the yeast fungus Candida albicans (ATCC 10231). Taking into account the above, the purpose of our research is to develop a gel with antimicrobial properties. The essential oil of Dracocephalum nutans L. was chosen as the object of the study. The genus Dracocephalum L. belongs to the family Lamiaceae Lindl. (Labiatae), the plants of which are of interest as sources of medicinal preparations. Studies have shown that some species of Dracocephalum possess antibacterial, antitussive, antidiarrheal, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic and sedative properties. Isolated compounds from the genus Dracocephalum collected from natural ones such as limonene, carvacrol, α-pinene, γ-terpinene, perillaldehyde, caryophyllene oxide, 1,8-cineole, verbenone, perillyl alcohol, neral and geranyl acetate have pronounced antimicrobial properties. Among the plants of this genus, Dracocephalum nutans L. is of interest. Dracocephalum nutans L. (Synonyms: Dracocephalum nutans var. alpinum Kar. & Kir., Dracocephalum nutans subsp. subarctium Kuvaev) contains a complex of biologically active substances and is used in the medicine of the peoples of Southeast Asia in the treatment of kidney inflammation and gastrointestinal diseases such as hepatitis, gastritis, etc. The herb of Dracocephalum nutans L. has a high content of various biologically active compounds that determine the medicinal properties of this species: essential oils, flavonoids, saponins, coumarins, traces of alkaloids. The main natural components of the essential oil of Dracocephalum nutans L. were 1,8-cineole (34%), α-pinene (6.7%), β-pinene (5.2%), β-myrcene (5.3%). The chemical composition of the essential oil was studied by chromatography-mass spectrometry. A unified method for determining the component composition of essential oils, as well as a 7890A Agilent Technologies chromatographic system with a 5975C mass spectrometric detector were used for the analysis. Essential oils have various biological activities: antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anesthetic. There is data on the use of essential oils as an activator of absorption of pharmacologically active components of the dosage form. One of the main properties of essential oils is a high antimicrobial effect, combined with low toxicity and the absence of side effects in therapeutic use. It is assumed that the mechanism of the antimicrobial action of essential oils lies in the destruction of membrane structures of microbial cells with subsequent disruption of intracellular metabolism and death of microorganisms.

The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the botany, phytochemistry, and biological activities of eight Salvia species, namely Salvia aethiopis L., S. sclarea L., S. dumetorum Andrz. ex Besser, S. deserta Schang., S. trautvetteri Rgl., S. macrosiphon Boiss., S. virgata Jacq., and S. verticillata L., which are widespread in Kazakhstan. The genus Salvia is renowned for its diverse medicinal properties, and these species are no exception, contributing to the rich natural pharmacopoeia of the region. The botanical characteristics of these species, including their morphological features, distribution, and ecological adaptations, are discussed. The present review also explores the phytochemical composition of these plants, focusing on bioactive compounds such as terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic acids, which are responsible for their medicinal potential. Biological activities including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective effects are evaluated based on available in vitro and in vivo studies. In addition, the review highlights the traditional uses of these species in local medicine and suggests avenues for future research to further elucidate their pharmacological potential. This synthesis provides valuable insights into the medicinal importance of these Salvia species in Kazakhstan and supports their continued exploration for therapeutic applications.

Emerging antimicrobial resistance and adverse effects associated with antimicrobial over use necessitate new antimicrobial therapeutics with natural compounds considered as attractive alternatives to synthetic drugs. Rosmarinic acid is abundant in medicinal plants. The aim of this study was to elucidate its possible role as an inhibitor of Streptococcus mutans biofilm growth. The amount of biofilm formed by S. mutans bacteria was estimated using colorimetric method and optical profilometry. In this study, rosmarinic acid showed significant inhibitory activity at 5 mg/mL concentration on S. mutans biofilm formationin 1% sucrose containing medium. Considering the broad antimicrobial and antibiofilm spectrum of activity, rosmarinic acid can be used as an antimicrobial agent along with a number of medicinal plants containing rosmarinic acid as a dominant compound. However, rosmarinic acid can serveas a basis for the development of antimicrobial and therapeutic and prophylactic drugs used in dental practice.

Microscopic analysis of new medicinal plants is an important partition of modern science which provides an opportunity to evaluate the identity of object. This research presents the results of macro- and microscopic analysis of sprouts, leaves, inflorescences, calyx and corolla of Prunella vulgaris, collected in the flowering phase on the territory of the Ulytau mountains (Ulytau region, Republic of Kazakhstan). The purpose of this study is to determine the features of the morphological and anatomical structures of the above-ground part of Prunella vulgaris and to reveal diagnostic signs at the macro- and microscopic level. Microscopic analysis of the above-ground part of Prunella vulgaris, the diagnostic features of raw materials at the microscopic level were determined, including the shape of the stem in a cross section, the structure of the leaf epidermis, the presence of trichomes and essential-oil-bearing glands. The results obtained can serve as the basis for the development of a draft RD for medicinal plant material and can be used to identify above-ground part of Prunella vulgaris.

Prunus ulmifolia Franch. (Rosaceae) was investigated for its phytochemical composition from South-Eastern Kazakhstan for the first time. HPLC analysis confirmed rutin (0.88%) in ethanol extract, and the extract also exhibited antioxidant activity. The GC/MS analysis identified total 44 components from main groups e.g. oxygenated monoterpenes (51.06%), oxygenated sesquiterpenes (20.33%), non-terpene derivatives (18.71%), and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (7.89%), and the maximum content was of acyclic alcoholic monoterpenoid citronellol (36.58%). The hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) from previous reports and present study was used to demonstrate the variations between essential oil compositions in different Prunus species. It formed three main clusters, cluster I consisted of species with benzaldehyde as dominant component. Cluster II included plants with benzaldehyde as secondary component, and cluster III was of P. ulmifolia in which benzaldehyde was not detected. Further, the essential oil was assessed for cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities too, and it showed better cytotoxic but poor antimicrobial activities.

Salvia dumetorum essential oil (SDEO) was obtained using a Clevenger apparatus by hydrodistillation approach. The chemical composition of the essential oil was determined by GC-MS analysis. In this study SDEO was screened for its antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans and the amount of biofilm formed by Streptococcus mutans bacteria. For the first time the chemical composition of SDEO growing in Central Kazakhstan was established. The results obtained from GC-MS showed the predominance of sesquiterpenoids (54.15%). The antibacterial study results showed that SDEO exhibited strong antibacterial activity against B. subtilis and S. aureus in vitro and also demonstrated an inhibitory effect on S. mutans biofilm formation on 1% sucrose medium. During the study, no antibacterial activity was detected against E. coli and C. albicans. These results demonstrated that SDEO can be used in the development of new antibacterial and anti-caries therapeutic dental products.

Today, the medicinal raw materials play an important role in the pharmaceutical manufacturing, which have not been researched and analyzed before. This paper describes the macroscopic, microscopic and histochemical analyses of Achillea salicifolia of Asteraceae family. The raw materials were collected in the flowering phase in August, 2023 in the vicinity of Kernay settlement, the Karaganda region, the Republic of Kazakhstan. This plant attracts interest by its chemical composition and pharmacological properties. Terpenoids are the main chemical components of the essential oil. Achillea salicifolia has not been studied before. Data of the Achillea L. genus are described only for Achillea millefolium in the State Pharmacopoeia of the Republic of Kazakhstan (II Vol.). Thus, the aim of our research is to identify the diagnostic features of raw materials at the macro- and microscopic, histochemical levels of the aerial organs (stems, leaves, flowers) of Achillea salicifolia. The macroscopic analysis determined the main morphological features. The microscopic analysis provided the anatomical structure to define the characteristic diagnostic features. We established the presence and localization of the biologically active substances using the histochemical study. The study revealed the main distinguishing features of Achillea salicifolia from the rest of the species. The results can be used for authentication, identification and standardization of the aerial part of Achillea salicifolia. The data can be a basis to develop a drafting of regulatory document for the medicinal plant raw materials.

В последние годы количественный анализ аскорбиновой кислоты (витамина С) вызывает все больший научный интерес в области биохимии, медицины, фармацевтического производства и производства пищевых продуктов в связи с тем, что витамин С играет важную роль в поддержании здоровья человека. Существует множество методов определения витамина С: спектрофотометрические, неспектрофотометрические, ВЭЖХ, титрование, ферментативный метод и флуорометрия. Нами проведено количественное определение аскорбиновой кислоты в высушенном растительном сырье Fragaria vesca L., листья; Rubus saxatilis L., листья и плоды; Juniperus sabina L, листья; Ribes L., листья, и Pinus sylvestris L методом кислотно-основного титрования 0,1М раствором NaOH. Было установлено, что исследуемые растения являются богатыми источниками аскорбиновой кислоты (витамина С). Исходя из результатов титриметрического анализа по определению содержания аскорбиновой кислоты, можно выявить ряд растений, которые могут быть потенциальными кандидатами для прохождения скрининга на антиоксидантную активность.

Origanum vulgare L., a member of the Lamiaceae Lindl. family, is a plant of interest due to its potential as a source of medicinal preparations. In 2022, morphological studies were conducted on the above-ground organs of Origanum vulgare L. near the city of Shchuchinsk in the Burabay District of the Akmola Region in Kazakhstan (coordinates: 52°56' N, 70°12' E). These studies involved macroscopic and microscopic analysis, allowing for the identification of diagnostic characteristics that distinguish this species from others. The article presents findings related to the leaves, flowers, and stems of Origanum vulgare L., highlighting morphological features with diagnostic significance.

The study of local medicinal plants has practical interest for the pharmaceutical industry in Kazakhstan, since the volume of domestic production satisfies not more than 10% of the total volume of consumed drugs. Nepeta pannonica L. is widespread herb used in folk medicine. The species can be used as a source of anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antispasmodic and other agents. To introduce the species into the State Pharmacopoeia of Republic of Kazakhstan, its macroscopic and microscopic examination was carried out. Medicinal raw materials were studied using morphological and anatomical methods. Based on the results of macroscopic analysis, the following characteristic features were determined: the shape and color of the stem, the structure of the leaf (upper and lower sides, the type of venation), the shape of the inflorescence, the structure and color of the calyx and corolla. The following were identified as diagnostic features at the microscopic level: the shape and structure of the epidermal cells of the leaf and sepal, the degree and severity of pubescence, the shape and location of essential oil glands, the structure of the leaf and stem on a cross-section. The results obtained were included in the draft analytical regulatory document for medicinal vegetative raw materials of Nepeta pannonica L.

This review is devoted to a systematic analysis of studies aimed at investigating plant extracts, essential oils and phytochemical compounds capable of inhibiting Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation. This paper investigates the effect of extracts, essential oils and individual plant compounds on inhibiting the biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans, one of the major pathogens responsible for the development of dental caries. Using cultural microbiology and molecular biology techniques, the authors describe the mechanisms by which plant samples reduce Streptococcus mutans adhesion and growth. The results show that several plant components have antibacterial properties, contributing to the reduction of Streptococcus mutans colony numbers and inhibiting the synthesis of extract-exopolysaccharide matrices required for biofilm formation. This work highlights the potential of botanicals in inhibiting Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation, which can be applied as natural antimicrobial agents in the prevention and treatment of dental diseases. Views on the use of these plant extracts and their components in dental preparations such as toothpastes, rinses and gels aimed at preventing dental caries are evaluated. The review shows the relevance of the research to optimizing the use of plant extracts, essential oils, individual compounds and their active actions in the control of Streptococcus mutans biofilms.

According to modern concepts, the genus Hyssopus L. includes seven plant species (Hyssopus ambiguus (Trautv.) Iljin ex Prochorov. & Lebel; Hyssopus cuspidatus Boriss; Hyssopus latilabiatus C.Y.Wu & H.W. Li; Hyssopus macranthus Boriss.; Hyssopus officinalis L.; Hyssopus seravschanicus (Dubj.) Pazij; Hyssopus subulifolius (Rech.f.) Rech.f.). The plants are rich in various groups of biologically active substances with a wide spectrum of pharmacological action. This review presents a modern comprehensive overview of the botanical research, extraction methods, chemical composition and pharmacological activity of plants of the genus Hyssopus L. As a result of the review, it was established that the chemical composition of plant extracts of the genus Hyssopus L. depends on various factors (place of growth, weather conditions, chemotypes, extraction methods, etc.). For the further use of the plants, the extraction methods and low-molecular metabolites isolated from them (mono- and sesquiterpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, etc.) are discussed. The data from the review provide an assessment of the relevance.

The pharmacognostic analysis of the medicinal plant raw materials is an important stage to develop a new drug. Some species from the Lamiaceae families are of great interest. They have not been studied before. Only brief information on the chemical composition and biological properties can be found for these species. The research object consists of the aerial organs of Ziziphora clinopodioides of Lamiaceae family. The following diagnostic characters at a macroscopic level were determined as the macroscopic features of raw materials: leaf structure, stem shape, structure and color of the calyx and corolla of flower. The microscopic features of raw materials included the shape of the upper and lower epidermal cells, diacytic stomata, the presence of small multicellular trichomes and large essential oil glands in the structures of the leaf, stem, calyx and corolla of the flower. Mesophyll was divided into the palisade and spongy tissues on the cross section of the leaf, ant it was also defined as the microscopic features of raw materials. The histochemical features were characterized by the staining of various cell types as the result of the interaction of reagents with the detectable metabolites, and by the localization of the different components in plant organs.

применяются в народной медицине многих стран как лекарственное сырье. В настоящее время в Государственную фармакопею Республики Казахстан включен только Шалфей лекарственный (Salvia officinalis L.), однако в естественных условиях Центрального Казахстана этот вид не произрастает. В качестве замещающего растения нами предложен Шалфей степной (Salvia stepposa Des.-Shost.), широко распространенный на территории Республики Казахстан, имеющийся значительные сырьевые ресурсы и обладающий сравнительно выраженными антимикробными, противовоспалительными, антиоксидантными свойствами за счет мажорного компонента в своем составе фенилпропаноида розмариновой кислоты.Экстракция сырья впервые проведена различными методами с использованием ультразвуковой кавитации, микроволновой экстракции и мацерации с использованием водно-этанольных растворов. Методом ВЭЖХ проведено определение содержания розмариновой кислоты в сухих экстрактах шалфея степного. Максимальный выход экстрактов отмечен при микроволновой экстракции 40%-ным этиловым спиртом. Для последующей стандартизации лекарственных средств на основе шалфея степного нами был выделен и идентифицирован основной компонент — розмариновая кислота, которая обладает антирадикальной активностью.

Currently, the arsenal of the pharmaceutical market has significantly expanded with highly effective drugs of plant origin. More than 1000 essential-oil-bearing plants grow in the flora of Kazakhstan. Of great interest are some species from the families Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, which have not been studied at all before, or for which there is only brief information about the chemical composition and biological properties. In this respect, the Lamiaceae L. family, which is one of the leading in the flora of Kazakhstan, is of interest. So, on the territory of the republic in this family, there are 233 species, united in 45 genera. Among them, the most famous are plants of the genus Dracocephalum, which are a rich and very common source of essential oils. The aim of the study was to investigate volatile compounds from the aerial parts of Dracocephalum nutans L. of the genus Dracocephalum of the family Lamiaceae grown wild in Central Kazakhstan. D. nutans – perennial with a beautiful purple flower. Materials and methods. The aim of the study was to study volatile compounds from the aerial parts of Dracocephalum nutans L. of the genus Dracocephalum, Lamiaceae family grown wild in Central Kazakhstan. The oils were obtained using Clevenger apparatus, their composition was evaluated by means of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antibacterial activity of D.nutans essential oil sample was assessed by the diameter of the growth inhibition zones of the test strains (mm). Results and Discussion. The main natural components of D.nutans essential oil were 1.8-cineol (34%), α-pinene (6.7%), β-pinene (5.2%), β-mircene (5.3%), α-thujone (8.0%) and β-thujone (5.3%). The results obtained showed differences in the composition of essential oils obtained from already studied D. nutans. 1.8-cineol was also found in D. nutans as one of the major component. Conclusion. As a result of a study on antimicrobial activity, it was established for the first time that a sample of D. nutans essential oil exhibited pronounced antimicrobial activity against strains of gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and weak antimicrobial activity against gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Prunella vulgaris L. (PV) is a well-known renewable drug resource full of different groups of biologically active substances with a wide range of pharmacological actions and applications in medicine. In this review, we present an updated comprehensive overview of the botany, extracting methods, chemical composition, and pharmacological activity of different parts of PV extracts. As a result of this review, it was found that chemical composition of PV depends on various factors ranging from the part of the plant to the method of extraction. We also highlight extraction methods that have not been previously used for obtaining PV extracts and may have high scientific interest. With this review, we hope to guide present and future professionals and provide possible previously unexplored areas to find new solutions associated with PV plant.