Eurasian Journal of Medical and Biological Sciences

Biological Activities of Polygonum aviculare Ethanol Extract

Orhan Unal — 2025-12-30

Polygonum aviculare (P. aviculare) exhibits diverse biological activities thanks to its rich phenolic compounds and flavonoids. In this study, the antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and antiproliferative activities of P. aviculare were evaluated using ethanol extract. Plant material was prepared by Soxhlet extraction, and total antioxidant capacity (TAS), total oxidant level (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) were measured using commercial Rel Assay kits. TAS value was found to be 5.436±0.097 mmol/L, TOS value was 10.830±0.103 µmol/L, and OSI value was 0.199±0.005, indicating that the extract has a strong antioxidant capacity. Anticholinesterase activity was assessed using the Ellman method, and IC₅₀ values were determined as 85.773±3.551 µg/mL for AChE and 117.933±3.192 µg/mL for BChE. Although weaker activity was observed compared to the reference inhibitor galantamine, it was found to be a noteworthy natural inhibitor source. Furthermore, antiproliferative activity was investigated in the A549 lung cancer cell line using the MTT assay, and it was determined that the extract significantly reduced cell viability, especially at concentrations of 100 and 200 µg/mL. The findings demonstrate the multifaceted biological activities of P. aviculare and support its evaluation as a potential bioresource in natural therapeutic approaches.

In Vitro Investigation of the Natural Antioxidant and Potential Neuroprotective Properties of Sideritis perfoliata

Ali Erdem Şabik — 2025-12-30

In this study, the antioxidant and anticholinesterase biological activities of ethanol extracts of Sideritis perfoliata were evaluated using a comprehensive approach. The total antioxidant capacity (TAS), total oxidant level (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) of the extracts obtained from the above-ground parts of the plant using the Soxhlet method were determined using commercial kits. Furthermore, free radical scavenging activity was assessed using the DPPH method, and reducing power using the FRAP method. Anticholinesterase potential was investigated based on the Ellman method using acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes, with galantamine used as a positive control. According to the results obtained, the TAS value of S. perfoliata extract was determined as 8.736 ± 0.180 mmol/L, the TOS value as 15.466 ± 0.180 µmol/L, and the OSI value as 0.177 ± 0.002. DPPH and FRAP analyses yielded values of 179.083 ± 3.075 mg TE/g and 227.557 ± 2.604 mg TE/g, respectively. In anticholinesterase tests, the inhibitory effects of the extract on AChE and BChE enzymes were determined as 60.363 ± 1.050 µg/mL and 80.537 ± 1.519 µg/mL, respectively. The results indicate that S. perfoliata possesses a significant antioxidant capacity and exhibits a moderate but consistent inhibitory effect on cholinesterase enzymes. These findings suggest that the species can be evaluated in pharmacological and nutraceutical applications as a natural antioxidant and potential neuroprotective resource.

Diversity and Seasonal Distribution of Epipsammic Diatoms in Tahar Stream (Tunceli, Turkey)

Metin Caglar — 2025-12-30

Freshwater ecosystems are important indicators of environmental health, with diatom communities playing a key role in assessing water quality and ecological dynamics. This study investigates the epipsammic diatoms of Tahar Stream, located 135 km from Tunceli, fed by Kırklar Creek originating from Kırklar Mountain, and discharging into Keban Dam Lake near the western part of Çemişgezek district. Epipsammic diatom samples were collected monthly from two stations between March and November 2021. In addition to diatom analysis, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH levels were also recorded. A total of 26 diatom taxa were identified at each of the two stations, with Ulnaria ulna being the most abundant species at both sites. Seasonal variations in diatom abundance were observed, with peak densities occurring in March and April, coinciding with increased sunlight intensity and temperatures. The stream's water quality, indicated by pH (ranging from 7.0 to 7.3) and dissolved oxygen (7.0-8.7 mg/L), categorized the stream as Class I, signifying high-quality water. These findings contribute to the understanding of the epipsammic diatom community in the region and provide a baseline for future ecological studies of the Tahar Stream and similar freshwater habitats in Turkey.

Beekeeping in Kazakhstan: Production, Practice and Prospects for Sustainable Development

Zeliha Selamoglu — 2025-10-08

The beekeeping sector in Kazakhstan plays a significant role in the country's agriculture, economy, and environmental sustainability. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the production of bee products, including honey, beeswax, propolis, royal jelly, and pollen, within the context of Kazakhstan's beekeeping industry. The article highlights key statistics, such as honey production volumes, which reached approximately 10,000 metric tons in 2022, and the number of beekeepers, estimated at around 10,000. Kazakhstan's diverse climatic conditions and rich flora, particularly in regions like Almaty and East Kazakhstan, create favourable conditions for apiculture. The sector not only contributes to rural livelihoods but also supports biodiversity through pollination services, enhancing agricultural productivity. Despite its potential, the industry faces challenges such as climate change, pesticide use, and limited access to modern technologies. However, opportunities exist in the form of growing global demand for organic honey, government support programs, and the potential for eco-tourism. This review emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices, scientific research, and policy interventions to address challenges and unlock the sector's full potential. By leveraging its natural resources and addressing existing barriers, Kazakhstan can strengthen its position as a key player in the global bee products market while promoting environmental conservation and rural development. This article synthesizes available data and insights to provide a holistic understanding of the beekeeping sector in Kazakhstan, offering recommendations for its sustainable growth and development.

Brain Allergy: Molecular Mechanisms with Neuro-Immune Interactions in Light of Therapeutic Innovation

Nady Braidy — 2026-01-07

The present review study aims to systematically analyze current knowledge on neuro-immune mechanisms across allergic diseases, evaluate emerging therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways (including neuropeptide antagonists and TRP channel modulators), and identify critical gaps for future research to enable development of novel, dual-targeting treatments that address both neural and immunological components of allergy pathogenesis. Allergic diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis are increasingly understood as disorders of dysregulated neuro-immune crosstalk, where bidirectional interactions between sensory neurons and immune cells amplify inflammation through neuropeptides (substance P, CGRP), neurotrophies (NGF, BDNF), and autonomic signaling. The bidirectional relationship between stress pathways and allergic inflammation involves complex neuroendocrine-immune interactions. The behavioural and cognitive aspects of allergy demonstrate the profound integration between psychological processes and immune function. The remarkable capacity of the nervous system to modulate immune responses through learned associations is exemplified by classical conditioning experiments in allergic disorders. This review study synthesizes mechanisms like mast cell-neuron feedback loops, stress-induced glucocorticoid resistance, and disease-specific pathways (e.g., IL-31/TRPV1+ in itch, vagal-plasma cell circuits in asthma), while highlighting behavioural influences (Pavlovian conditioning, stress) and emerging therapies targeting neuro-immune axes (NK1R antagonists, TRP modulators). Therapeutically, novel approaches targeting neuro-immune interfaces show promise, including NK1 receptor antagonists, TRP channel modulators, and neurotrophic inhibitors, though challenges remain in achieving tissue specificity and preserving physiological neural functions. This knowledge opens new therapeutic possibilities that extend beyond conventional immunosuppression. Challenges in developing tissue-specific interventions and the need for integrated, biomarker-driven approaches are discussed, offering a roadmap for next-generation allergy treatments that address both neural and immunological dysfunction.

Microbiome Engineering: Exploring Probiotic and Synthetic Biology Approaches for Health and Industry

Abdol Ghaffar Ebadi — 2026-01-07

Microbiome engineering is a ground-breaking field with profound implications for human health, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology. By leveraging probiotics and synthetic biology, scientists are able to manage microbial communities to achieve optimal disease prevention, industrial process optimization, and environmental sustainability. In spite of excellent advances, challenges in the fields of biosafety, functionality, and regulatory strategies remain. This review highlights present developments in microbiome engineering, namely genetically engineered probiotics and synthetic biology-driven microbial manipulation. The purpose is to highlight their therapeutic, industrial, and direction for research work. Engineered probiotics are being engineered for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, metabolic diseases, and immune system modulation, with implications to animal health and sustainable food production. Synthetic biology tools, including CRISPR-based genome editing and synthetic microbial consortia, have enabled precise genetic manipulations, enhancing the functional abilities of microbial communities. These advancements are revolutionizing biomanufacturing, environmental remediation, and biofuel production. Nevertheless, with such developments, there are still huge challenges, including scepticism about ecological risks, ethics, and the formulation of robust regulatory policies to guarantee effective and safe uses. Microbiome engineering holds immense potential to transform healthcare, industry, and environmental science. The combination of AI-powered microbiome analytics, personalized medicine approaches, and advanced biotechnology tools will further accelerate the momentum of this field. However, overcoming biosafety challenges and establishing effective regulatory frameworks will be crucial to scaling up laboratory breakthroughs to real-world applications. The future task must be focused on the creation of rigorous safety paradigms, microbial stability maximization, and personalized microbiome targeting for maximum efficacy. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial to unlocking the full potential of microbiome engineering for global health and industrial sustainability.