: Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi is a plant species belonging to Anacardiaceae family, native to South America, with particular abundance in Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. It is commonly known as Brazilian pepper tree. All plant parts have been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several pathologies. In this paper, the cytotoxic effects of the essential oil of the commercial pink pepper fruit from the Tuzla market were investigated. To assess the cytotoxic potential, a tetrazolium salt reduction (MTT) viability assay was performed. The experiments were carried out on 3 human cell lines: lung carcinoma (H460), cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) and colorectal carcinoma (HCT116). Using GC/MS, 24 components of red pepper essential oil were identified, of which α-pinene, α-phellandrene, δ-3-carene and D-limonene dominate. The essential oil of the pink pepper fruit showed cytotoxic activity in the case of all tested cell lines under in vitro conditions.

: Hyperpigmentation is a skin disorder caused by increased melanin production. It appears in the form of dark spots and makes the complexion uneven. Pigmentation spots, such as age spots (also known as sun spots), manifest themselves most often on the palms, face and hands. The aim of this work was to investigate and evaluate which of the active substances used in hyperpigmentation treatments has the highest degree of tyrosinase inhibition, and the best antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Kojic acid, niacinamide and grapevine extract were used as active substances in the formulations. When summarizing the results, kojic acid gave the best results, followed by niacinamide, and finally grapevine extract. However, it is necessary to perform a long-term in vivo study on volunteers that will show the effectiveness and efficiency of the mentioned substances. In addition to the treatment of hyperpigmentation, the mentioned substances can also be used in antiaging skin treatments due to the presence of antioxidant activity.

: Speedwells ( Veronica officinalis L.) is a plant species used in traditional medicine for the preparation of teas, tinctures and other preparations for the treatment of diseases of the skin, respiratory and digestive organs. In this paper, the biological activity of the methanolic extract of the speedwells was examined. To assess the cytotoxic potential, a tetrazolium salt reduction (MTT) viability assay was performed. The experiments were carried out on 3 human cell lines: lung carcinoma (H460), cervical adenocarcinoma (HeLa) and colorectal carcinoma (HCT116). Antimicrobial potential was tested using the diffusion technique on three bacterial strains: S. aureus , E. faecalis and S. enterica . Inhibition of free radicals was tested using the ABTS and DPPH methods, and the reduction potential of the extract of the speedwells was confirmed by the FRAP method. The treatment of HeLa, H460, and HCT116 cell lines with the methanolic extract of speedwells demonstrated a dose-dependent decrease in cell growth. The extract showed a high inhibition of the growth of S. aureus but also a complete absence of activity in the case of E. faecalis . A high efficiency of inhibition of DPPH and ABTS radicals, as well as reducing ability, was recorded.