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Polyphenols are one of the largest and most widespread groups of secondary metabolites in the plants world. These compounds are of particular interest due to their occurrence and the properties they possess. The main sources of phenolic compounds are fruits and vegetables, but lately, more and more studies refer to woody vascular plants, especially to bark, as an important source of phenolic compounds with a potential biological effect. This study aims to bring together information on the phenolic compounds present in the bark of woody vascular plants by discussing extraction methods, the chemical composition of the extracts and potential biological effects. The literature data used in this paper were collected via PubMed (2004–2019). Search terms were: bark, rhytidome, woody vascular plant, polyphenols, phenolic compounds, biologic activity, antioxidant, immunostimulatory, antimutagenic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antitumoral. This paper intends to highlight the fact that the polyphenolic extracts obtained from the bark of woody vascular plants represent sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, immunostimulatory, antimutagenic, antibacterial properties, etc. Future research directions should be directed towards identification and isolation of bioactive compounds. Consequently, biologically active compounds obtained from the bark of woody plants could be exploited on an industrial scale.

In recent years, focus has been directed toward studying lignocellulosic matter, such as forestry by-products, due to their high therapeutic potential offered by various bioactive compounds, mainly phenolic compounds. To obtain extracts rich in these phytochemicals, suitable extraction methods must be employed, and a thorough understanding of these methods is necessary. This work concentrates on describing both classical and modern extraction techniques, highlighting their mechanisms as well as their key advantages and disadvantages. It was observed that a wide variety of extraction methods are currently used for bark, emphasizing the importance of method optimization to achieve higher yields of phytochemicals valuable for their biological activities.

Adapalene (ADP) is a representative of the third retinoids generation and successfully used in first-line acne treatment. ADP binds to retinoic acid nuclear receptors. The comedolytic, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and immunomodulatory are the known ADP effects. Its safety profile is an advantage over other retinoids. ADP recently was found to be effective in the treatment of several dermatological diseases and photoaging besides the utility in the treatment of acne vulgaris. New biological effects of adapalene with therapeutic potential are highlighted in this review paper. Thus, adapalene could be a valuable therapeutic drug into the treatment of several types of cancer. Additionally, some neurodegenerative diseases could be treated with a suitable formulation for intravenous administration. The antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus of an analogue of ADP has been proven. In different therapeutic schemes, ADP is more effective in combination with other active substances. New topical combinations with adapalene include ketoconazole (antifungal), mometasone furoate (anti-inflammatory corticosteroid), nadifloxacin (fluoroquinolone), and alfa and beta hydroxy acids. Combination with oral drugs is a new trend that enhances the properties of topical formulations with adapalene. Several studies have investigated the effects of ADP in co-administration with azithromycin, doxycycline, faropenem, isotretinoin, and valganciclovir. Innovative formulations of ADP also aim to achieve a better bioavailability, increased efficacy, and reduced side effects. In this review, we have highlighted the current studies on adapalene regarding biological effects useful in various treatment types. Adapalene has not been exploited yet to its full biological potential.

Invasive non-native plant species are of ecological concern globally, as they may negatively affect biodiversity, the economy, and human health. At the same time, invasive non-native plants comprise an underutilised biomass that contains valuable natural bioactive compounds, which could find various biomedical applications and potential medicinal uses. In this paper, we aimed to systematically review the published data surrounding four selected invasive non-native plant species in a medical and therapeutic context. The search was conducted using PubMed and PRISMA guidelines, and strict criteria were employed to provide a thorough framework for the study selection process. After rigorous screening of the 53 selected articles, we were able to summarise the main findings and current knowledge regarding the valorisation opportunities for the selected plants in a medical context and to identify research gaps and highlight further research opportunities. Finally, we concluded that the selected invasive non-native plant species may provide valuable services in the biomedical field if the focus of future research is concentrated on their potential applicability in clinical settings. Furthermore, the valorisation of invasive non-native plant species may prove to be a viable strategy for controlling their spread.

Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid derived from Cannabis sativa L., has emerged as a promising multifunctional agent in dermatology and cosmetic science. The review provides an updated synthesis of CBD’s topical therapeutic potential, challenges, and evolving regulatory frameworks. CBD exhibits diverse biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, analgesic, lipostatic, antiproliferative, moisturising, and anti-ageing properties through interactions with the skin’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), modulating CB1, CB2, TRPV channels, and PPARs. Preclinical and clinical evidence support its efficacy in managing acne, psoriasis (including scalp psoriasis), atopic and seborrheic dermatitis, and allergic contact dermatitis. CBD also relieves pruritus through neuroimmune modulation and promotes wound healing in conditions such as pyoderma gangrenosum and epidermolysis bullosa. In hair disorders such as androgenetic alopecia, it aids follicular regeneration. CBD shows promise in managing skin cancers (melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, Kaposi sarcoma) and pigmentation disorders such as melasma and vitiligo. It enhances skin rejuvenation by reducing oxidative stress and boosting collagen and hydration. However, there are challenges regarding CBD’s physicochemical stability, skin penetration, and regulatory standardisation. As consumer demand for natural, multifunctional skincare grows, further research is essential to validate its long-term safety, efficacy, and optimal formulation strategies.

Cell biology, plant-based extracts, structural chemistry, and laboratory in vitro or in vivo experiments are the principal aspects or interfaces that can contribute to discovering new possibilities in cancer therapy and to developing improved chemotherapeutics. Forestry residues can be used for their wealthy resource in polyphenols and other phytoconstituents known for anticancer properties. This review is designed to bring together information on the in vitro or in vivo anticancer potential of woody vascular plants especially the bark extracts (BE) and biosynthesized metallic nanoparticles (BMN) using bark extracts. Type of extracts, main phytoconstituents found in extracts responsible for the anticancer activity, and targeted cancerous cell lines were followed. The literature data were collected via Clarivate Analytics, Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Academic (2011–2021). The search terms were: bark extracts, metallic nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles, anticancer, cytotoxic activity, antiproliferative effect, and antimetastatic potential in vitro and in vivo. All of the search terms listed above were used in different combinations. The literature data highlight the efficaciousness of the BE and BMN as anticancer agents in in vitro experiments and showed the mechanism of action and their advantage of nontoxicity on normal cells. In vitro testing has shown promising results of the BE and BMN effect on different cancer cell lines. In vivo testing is lacking and more data is necessary for drug development on animal models.

The evolution of the class of antibacterial quinolones includes the introduction in therapy of highly successful compounds. Although many representatives were withdrawn due to severe adverse reactions, a few representatives have proven their therapeutical value over time. The classification of antibacterial quinolones into generations is a valuable tool for physicians, pharmacists, and researchers. In addition, the transition from one generation to another has brought new representatives with improved properties. In the last two decades, several representatives of antibacterial quinolones received approval for therapy. This review sets out to chronologically outline the group of approved antibacterial quinolones since 2000. Special attention is given to eight representatives: besifloxacin, delafoxacin, finafloxacin, lascufloxacin, nadifloxacin and levonadifloxacin, nemonoxacin, and zabofloxacin. These compounds have been characterized regarding physicochemical properties, formulations, antibacterial activity spectrum and advantageous structural characteristics related to antibacterial efficiency. At present these new compounds (with the exception of nadifloxacin) are reported differently, most often in the fourth generation and less frequently in a new generation (the fifth). Although these new compounds’ mechanism does not contain essential new elements, the question of shaping a new generation (the fifth) arises, based on higher potency and broad spectrum of activity, including resistant bacterial strains. The functional groups that ensured the biological activity, good pharmacokinetic properties and a safety profile were highlighted. In addition, these new representatives have a low risk of determining bacterial resistance. Several positive aspects are added to the fourth fluoroquinolones generation, characteristics that can be the basis of the fifth generation. Antibacterial quinolones class continues to acquire new compounds with antibacterial potential, among other effects. Numerous derivatives, hybrids or conjugates are currently in various stages of research.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the antioxidant capacity, the total phenol content, tannins, the cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity of some aqueous extracts obtained from spruce bark ( Picea abies L.) and beech bark ( Fagus sylvatica L.). In this regard, two types of extracts were obtained from both species using different methods of extraction: classical water bath extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction. The antioxidant activity (AOA) was determined by means of DPPH assay and the cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects were determined using Alamar Blue technique and scratch assay. The total phenol content was determined colorimetrically by means of the Folin–Ciocalteu method. In vitro antitumor activity was tested on two different cell lines: A375 (human melanoma) and A549 (lung carcinoma) because of their different origin and metastatic potential. In addition, a non-tumor cell line (HaCaT human keratinocytes) was used in order to evaluate the samples selectivity. The results indicated that the aqueous extracts obtained by classical extraction had a higher antioxidant activity compared to the extracts obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction. Moreover, the AOA of Picea abies L. bark extracts proved to be superior to those obtained from Fagus sylvatica L. bark extracts. Regarding the effect on cancer cells, the samples elicited a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on A375 human melanoma cells, while on A549 lung carcinoma cells, the extractive solutions stimulated tumor cells viability, an effect that was reduced by increasing the concentration of the samples. Furthermore, the extractive solutions proved to possess antiproliferative properties when tested at the highest concentration; results that could be correlated with the antioxidant effects. In the case of the non-tumor cell line, the samples did not display a cytotoxic activity and stimulated cells proliferation.

The main disadvantage of the implants is the associated infections. Therefore, in the long term, the possibility of improving the antibacterial capacity of different types of implants (dental, orthopedic) is being researched. The severity of the problem lies in the increasing bacterial resistance and finding appropriate alternative treatments for infectious diseases, which is an important research field nowadays. The purpose of this review is to draw a parallel between different studies analyzing the antibacterial activity and mechanism of silver nanoparticles (NP Ag) deposited on the titanium nanotubes (NTT), as well as the analysis of the NP Ag toxicity. This review also provides an overview of the synthesis and characterization of TiO2-derived nanotubes (NT). Thus, the analysis aims to present the existing knowledge to better understand the NP Ag implants benefits and their antibacterial activity.

The northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) is an ornamental oak species native to eastern America, being an invasive species in Europe, with increasing coverage. The aim of this work was to evaluate the biological potential of red oak bark extracts. Aqueous and ethanolic preparations were obtained by two extraction methods: ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave assisted extraction (MAE). The total phenolic and tannin contents were measured using spectrophotometric methods. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by two complementary methods (DPPH and ABTS). Antimicrobial potential was tested against five bacteria and three Candida species, and the effect on biofilm formation and synergism with gentamicin was also evaluated. Finally, enzyme inhibitory properties were assessed for α-glucosidase, tyrosinase, and acetylcholinesterase. The results indicated a higher phenolic content for the extracts obtained through MAE, while UAE bark extracts were rich in tannins. All the extracts exhibited antioxidant, anti-glucosidase, and anti-tyrosinase activity, while the antibacterial potential was mostly observed for the MAE extracts, especially against S. aureus, C. parapsilopsis, and C. krusei; inhibition of biofilm formation was observed only for MRSA. These findings show that the red oak bark might be an important source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.