Different types of search tools such as Google scholar, Google, scientific literature, normative documentation of Russian Federation (State Pharmacopoeia of Russian Federation IV edition and others) electronic databases such as e-Library, Scopus, Web of Science, Pubmed had been searched and data obtained. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Characterization of polyfructans Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) (oligofructose)-a mixture of oligomers, which contain from 1 to 7 moieties of D-fructose, and as a rule, terminal D-glucose. FOS is obtained in two ways: by splitting inulin and by enzymatic transfer of fructose to sucrose (transfructosylation). Oligofructose, like inulin, belongs to water-soluble dietary fiber and is prebiotic, and a mixture of these compounds, which is also often called fructooligosaccharides, has more effective prebiotic properties. Polyfructans (fructosans, Pfrus) are carbohydrate polymers formed by a sucrose molecule, an extended chain of fructose moieties. In nature, Pfrus are found in bacteria, fungi, and plants in which they perform various ABSTRACT Background: Today, there are some unresolved issues and discussions concerning inulin quantitative determination in medicinal plant raw materials (MPRM). MPRM containing polyfructans or fructosans (inulin and others) are rather complex multicomponent matrixes with many interacting compounds. The article discusses the prospects for further standardization of inulin-containing pharmacopoeial MPRM that include, in addition to polysaccharides (inulin), other biologically active compounds with pharmacological activity. Materials and Methods: Different types of search tools such as Google scholar, Google, scientific literature, normative documentation of Russian Federation (State Pharmacopoeia of Russian Federation IV edition and others) electronic databases such as e-Library, Scopus, Web of Science, Pubmed had been searched and data obtained. Results: The pharmacopoeial spectrophotometric procedures of inulin determination in the Russian Federation are approved in a version that does not fully satisfy modern standardization criteria. Regulatory changes required in the near future. Conclusion: Undoubtedly, to determine inulin quantitatively, it is necessary to modify the existing spectrophotometric procedures and introduce an additional alternative, more specific HPLC-RID (or similar) ones.

Background: This review focuses on characterization of Cyclamen coum Mill. (Myrsinaceae), composition and content of biologically active substances presented in the above-ground and underground parts, reporting use of this plant in traditional medicine, predicting possible pharmacotherapeutic effects. Materials and Methods: Various electronic search engines such as Google, Google scholar, scientific literature, electronic databases such as e-Library, Scopus, Web of Science, Pubmed had been searched and data obtained. Results: Cyclamen L. is classified in the Myrsinaceae family now. It is a typical element of the Mediterranean flora. C. coum. is a species characteristic of the Caucasus and Crimea with rounded leaves and rounded corolla lobes, bright and pink-purple flowers. Chemical composition of biologically active substances of C. coum was described in sufficient detail. C. coum contains saponins (coumoside A, coumoside B, cyclaminorin, deglucocyclamin, cyclacoumin, and mirabilin lactone), sterols (stigmasterol and other related compounds), piperidine alkaloid (2-β-D-glycopyranosyl-2-undecil-3,5-dihydroxy-6-carboxypiperidine), flavonoids, phenols, tannins, cardiac glycosides. Antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and antitumor activities are established for different C. coum extracts. Conclusion: C. coum can be used for the production of potential anticancer, antibacterial and antifungal drugs. It should be noted that more pharmacognostic, pharmacological studies are needed for providing further information to use this medicinal plant in the official medicine. Also, standardization procedures for a crude herbal drug should be developed.