Oskan Tasinov

Sambucus ebulus L. (dwarf elder) is a polyphenol-rich medicinal plant with a long history of ethnopharmacological use whose biological potential remains substantially underexplored. This narrative review examines the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-proliferative properties of S. ebulus fruit preparations and their molecular mechanisms. Literature was retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (no lower date limit; upper limit May 2026) using “Sambucus ebulus” and related terms combined with relevant biological and pathway keywords; studies restricted to non-fruit tissues or lacking phytochemical characterization were excluded or flagged. The fruits contain anthocyanins, flavonols, phenolic acids, proanthocyanidins, and stilbenes that collectively modulate NF-κB, MAPK, JAK/STAT, PI3K/Akt, and Nrf2 signaling. Available evidence is predominantly in vitro, with limited in vivo data, and two human intervention studies. Data support anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-proliferative activities that appear to arise from the combined action of multiple phytochemicals. Critical limitations of available research include the absence of clinical trials, limited pharmacokinetic data, lack of standardized preparations, and insufficient formal safety characterization, all of which must be addressed before translational application can be considered.

Background: Sambucus ebulus L. berries contain numerous bioactive compounds, but their volatile molecular composition has not yet been fully characterized. In this study, we analyzed the volatile components of the essential oil and aqueous infusion prepared from dried S. ebulus fruits, followed by multitarget in silico analysis of the major compounds against the following enzymes implicated in neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, namely cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), monoamine oxidases (MAO-A and MAO-B), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), for which inhibitory activity of plant-derived compounds has previously been reported. Methods: Steam distillation, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) were employed for compound isolation and analysis. Molecular docking studies were performed using Schrödinger software (version 2025-1). Results: Fatty acid esters and hexahydrofarnesyl acetone predominated in the essential oil, whereas linalool was identified as the major constituent of the infusion. MAO-A was predicted to be the most favorable interaction target for hexahydrofarnesyl acetone and other major constituents. Conclusions: Our findings expand the currently limited available data on the volatile composition of S. ebulus fruits and characterize the volatile profile of its fruit infusion for the first time. The in silico analyses suggest that S. ebulus volatile constituents may interact with several target enzymes implicated in neurodegeneration and inflammation.

Agrimonia eupatoria L. is a medicinal plant used in traditional medicine in Bulgaria and other European countries. Recently, the volatile profile of the essential oil and infusion obtained from the dried aerial parts of A. eupatoria was analyzed, and their biological potential was determined through a multitarget in silico approach. Steam distillation, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and gas chromatography–flame ionization detection (GC-FID) were used to obtain and analyze substances. Molecular docking was performed on the major compounds from both extracts against cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)—enzymes associated with neuroinflammation. Seventeen volatile compounds were identified, with a significant difference between the two profiles. The extraction method influenced the composition of the preparations: nonpolar substances, such as hexahydrofarnesyl acetone and β-bisabolene, predominated in the oil, while more polar compounds, such as linalool, prevailed in the infusion. Isophytol and hexahydrofarnesyl acetone exhibited the best binding affinities against the target enzymes in silico , suggesting potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects.

Background/Objectives: Burn wounds are complex injuries associated with extensive inflammation, extracellular matrix (ECM) damage, and a high risk of impaired tissue remodeling and scarring. Modern wound dressings are expected not only to protect the wound bed but also to actively support the healing process. Biodegradable polymer-based nonwoven dressings incorporating natural bioactive compounds, such as propolis, may favorably influence wound repair. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of propolis-containing biodegradable, nonwoven poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) dressings on the dynamics of dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate content during burn-wound healing. Methods: The present study investigated temporal alterations in sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), including dermatan and chondroitin sulfates, during the healing of experimentally induced burn wounds in white domestic pigs treated with biodegradable, nonwoven poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) dressings containing 5 wt% or 10 wt% of propolis. Control tissue samples were obtained from wounds treated with physiological saline or nonwoven PLGA dressings without propolis. Quantitative analysis of GAG content was performed on days 0, 3, 5, 10, 15, and 21 of the healing process using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical differences between groups were assessed by one-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post hoc test. Results: Propolis-containing biodegradable nonwoven PLGA dressings significantly increased dermatan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate content in the burn wound bed compared to control treatments. The effect was observed at multiple time points and was more pronounced for dressings containing 10 wt% of propolis than for those containing 5 wt%. Conclusions: Biodegradable nonwoven PLGA dressings incorporating propolis modulate glycosaminoglycan dynamics during burn-wound healing, indicating enhanced extracellular matrix remodeling and supporting their potential use as bioactive burn wound dressings.

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When misfolded or unfolded proteins accumulate in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), ER stress occurs, which contributes to the pathogenesis of various diseases. A previous study from our research group showed that aqueous extract from the Sambucus ebulus L. fruit has anti-inflammatory properties, possibly by reducing ER stress. The extract was found to contain high levels of neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, idaein, epicatechin, resveratrol, and chrysanthemin. The present review summarizes the effects of these phytochemicals on ER stress. We queried the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases for primary studies discussing ER stress markers influenced by neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, idaein, epicatechin, resveratrol, and chrysanthemin. Forty-two articles were selected for review. No sufficient data were found regarding neochlorogenic acid and idaein in the context of ER stress. Other polyphenols, at low concentrations, reduce ER stress markers following exposure to stress agents in various experimental models. Interestingly, high doses of resveratrol activate pro-apoptotic signaling in cancer cell lines. A causal relationship between the polyphenols in the extract and ER stress modulation was identified. The PERK pathway was most strongly associated with the effects of the listed compounds. Although further research is needed, recent findings suggest potential therapeutic applications of these phytochemicals for conditions associated with chronic cellular stress.

Background: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress occurs when misfolded or unfolded proteins ac-cumulate in the organelle and contributes to the pathogenesis of various diseases. A previous study from our research group showed that aqueous extract from the Sambucus ebulus fruit has anti-inflammatory properties, possibly by reducing ER stress. The extract was found to contain high levels of neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, idaein, epicatechin, resveratrol, and chry-santhemin. The present review summarizes the effects of these phtyochemicals on ER stress. Methods: We queried the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases for primary studies discussing ER stress markers influenced by neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, idaein, epicatechin, resvera-trol, and chrysanthemin. Results: 43 articles were selected for review. No sufficient data was found regarding neochloro-genic acid and idaine in the context of ER stress. Other polyphenols, at low concentrations, reduce ER stress markers following exposure to stress agents in various experimental models. Interstingly, high doses of resveratrol activate pro-apoptotic signaling in cancer cell lines. Conclusions: A causal relationship between the polyphenols in the extract and ER stress modu-lation was identified. The PERK pathway was most strongly associated with the effects of the listed compounds. Although further research is needed, recent findings suggest potential thera-peutic applications of these phytochemicals for conditions associated with chronic cellular stress.

Background Female breast cancer remains the most common malignant disease and a leading cause of death worldwide. We aim to follow up on the annual dynamics of its incidence, prevalence and mortality rates in the region of Varna, Bulgaria. Methods Data for the recent retrospective analyses was accessed through the information system of Marko Markov Specialized Hospital for Oncological Diseases of Varna for 2017-2021 and two most recent publications for 2013-2017, in accordance with the Medical University-Varna Ethical committee guidelines. Results The total number of newly registered cases of breast cancer in women aged between 24 and 95 years amounted to 1,341. Mean crude incidence rate in 2017-2021 was 108.83 per 100,000, ranging from 119.89 to 105.25 per 100,000 in 2017 and 2020, respectively. The age group of 61-70 years was most affected (26.55% of the cases). Mean crude prevalence rate during this period was 1496.32 per 100,000, varying from 1447.75 to 1549.71 per 100 000 in 2017 and 2020, respectively. The total number of deaths until the end of 2022 reached 310 with 2018 being the greatest in mortality rate (30.22% of the cases). In 2017-2021, bilateral breast cancer was diagnosed as synchronous in 15 women and metachronous in 9 women. Conclusions The regular regional epidemiological investigations could contribute to the enhancement of the effectiveness and quality of prevention, timely diagnosis and adequate complex treatment.

Innovative types of dressings should manifest biodegradability and non-immunogenicity and prevent dehydration. The mentioned technological features are demonstrated by polymeric, nonwoven propolis dressings, which exhibit regenerative properties, produced with the implementation of the electrospinning method. These features are highly needed in the course of burn wound healing. To analyze the dynamics of the changes in content of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), such as heparan sulfates and hyaluronan, a well-known protocol of burn wound healing (the Hoekstra model) was used. Burn wounds were subsequently treated with nonwoven dressings containing either 5% wt or 10% wt propolis. Control groups were treated with either a saline salt solution or nonwoven dressings without propolis. Statistical differences between groups were determined by a multivariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post hoc tests. Evaluation of the effectiveness of nonwoven dressings containing 5% wt and 10% wt propolis in healing burn wounds, based on the dynamics and concentration of GAGs, revealed apitherapeutic positive effects on injured tissue healing. This research underscores the advantageous impact of utilizing nonwoven dressings containing propolis for the treatment of burn wounds.

The wound-healing effect of St. John’s Wort (SJW) is mainly attributed to hyperforin (HP), but its low stability restricts its topical administration. This study investigates how “free” HP-rich SJW extract (incorporated into a bigel; B/SJW) and extract “protected” by nanostructured lipid carriers (also included in a biphasic semisolid; B/NLC-SJW) affect tissue regeneration in a rat skin excision wound model. Wound diameter, histological changes, and tissue gene expression levels of fibronectin (Fn), matrix metalloproteinase 8 (MMP8), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were employed to quantify the healing progress. A significant wound size reduction was achieved after applying both extract-containing semisolids, but after a 21-day application period, the smallest wound size was observed in the B/NLC-SJW-treated animals. However, the inflammatory response was affected more favorably by the bigel containing the “free” SJW extract, as evidenced by histological studies. Moreover, after the application of B/SJW, the expression of Fn, MMP8, and TNF-α was significantly higher than in the positive control. In conclusion, both bigel formulations exhibited beneficial effects on wound healing in rat skin, but B/SJW affected skin restoration processes in a comprehensive and more efficient way.