The last decade is characterized by an explosive growth of interest in the impact of red beet root on human health. In the review information on the chemical composition and nutritional value of red beet as well as pigments biological effects are presented. Analyzed reports abound on antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and chemo-preventive Beta vulgaris phytochemical activity, its impact on gastrointestinal and cardiovascular system as well as endurance exercise performance. In details the red beet nitrates bioconversion and its role in blood pressure regulation have been described. The first information on red beetroot juice impact on iron metabolism is summarized. Beet processing methods, which led to the appearance of a lot of conventional red beet products, functional food, and dietary supplements, are described. Fractionated red beetroot juice on the molecular mass basis is prospective for senile sarcopenia as well as senile cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease prevention. The aim of this review is to discuss red beetroot biological effects and new trends in the studies, targeted on development of new functional food products as well as medicines.

The antimicrobial activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of 11 Bryophyta species and 9 Marchantiophyta species collected in Latvia was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus. The extract of Lophocolea heterophylla inhibited the growth of B. cereus, but none of the tested extracts inhibited the growth of E. coli. 70% of bryophyte species demonstrated certain activity in relation to S. aureus. In general, 73% of ethanolic extracts and 39% of aqueous extracts exhibited antibacterial activity against S. aureus. The highest degree of antibacterial activity against S. aureus was shown by the ethanolic extract of Dicranum scoparium and aqueous extracts of Atrichum undulatum and Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus. The bactericidal action was not ascertained. For the first time antimicrobial activity has been proved for three moss species-Eurhynchium angustirete, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus and Rhodobryum roseum, and for two liverwort species Frullania dilatata and Lophocolea heterophylla. Qualitative and quantitative differences of plant extracts were evaluated by FT-IR spectra.

Iron deficiency is one of the leading risk factors for disability and death worldwide. Targeted iron supplementation with pharmaceuticals is widely used, but oral iron salt ingestion often causes side effects-nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain. The present study demonstrated that red beetroot juice (RBRJ) contains a compound or compound complex with the ability to specifically stimulate duodenal iron absorption, shown in experiments in vitro, in situ and in vivo. The effect does not depend on juice sugar and ascorbic acid concentration. Fractionated RBRJ impact on iron absorption is dose dependent. This phenomenon is described for the first time.

The objective of this study was to investigative the effects of ten plant extracts, six juices, and propolis and their combinations on the in vitro growth of oral pathogens Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans. Agar-well diffusion and broth dilution methods were used. Triple and quadruple combinations were tested with the most active extracts. All of the tested 70% ethanolic extracts inhibited the growth of S. mutans and C. albicans. Cloves, cinnamon, propolis, lavender, and sage were the most active inhibitors. Apple, black chokeberry, black elderberry, cranberry, Japanese quince, and lemon juice demonstrated little activity. Mixed in double 1 : 1 combinations, 8 extract combinations expressed synergistic action and 11 combinations expressed antagonistic action to the inhibition of the growth of C. albicans. Chamomile, liquorice, marigold, and lavender were involved both in synergistic and antagonistic interactions depending on the second component of the mixture. Propolis, cinnamon, and cloves were involved only in particular synergistic interactions, while sweet flag, dog rose, and oregano related only to some antagonistic interactions. The most active quadruple combination consisted of cloves, cinnamon, propolis, and lavender. Moreover, it demonstrated activity and synergistic action against both microorganisms. Propolis and all the studied plant extracts may be of great interest for inhibiting the growth of oral pathogens S. mutans and C. albicans.

Allogeneic BM MMSC transplantation improved rats rehabilitation scores after experimental polytrauma.