## 2 Issue Contents  
This volume includes eleven research articles and three reviews that vary in their content but all cover research that aimed to characterize the biological effects of natural compounds and the results of quantitative analysis. All of the results displayed are supported by in vitro and in vivo studies or innovative fermentation/extractive processes. In [1], the authors used _Ulloa lactuca_ microalgae to extract bioactive compounds with high biological activity. Four solvents were used, of which an ethanol/water mixture (70:30 \(v/v\)) was proven to be the most effective in terms of total carotenoid and phenolic contents. Quantitative analysis was performed using the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique. Gallic acid was the predominant phenolic compound, and all-trans-violaxanthin and all-trans-lutein were predominantly identified among the carotenoid compounds. Following in vitro determinations, it was concluded that _U. lactuca_ extracts could possibly be used as ingredients in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries. In [2], the authors determined the induction of HL-60 (acute myeloid leukemia cell line) differentiation using biochemical and morphological methods. The data showed that tyrosol (in Maltese Extra Virgin Olive Oil) induces cytotoxicity in HL-60 cells. These data demonstrated that tyrosol is helpful as an adjuvant for differentiating AML models. Uregulated NFkB2 and RELB was displayed after tyrosol treatment, showing this compound's efficacy in reducing inflammatory processes and treating cancer by inducing HL-60 cell apoptosis. In [3], the anti-inflammatory activity of _Cniidoscolus aconitifolius_ was presented using an ethyl acetate extract, and the role of flavonoid content was determined in this study. The anti-inflammatory effect of _C. aconitifolius_ extract was determined using the mouse ear edema test induced by the activities of croton oil. The presence of flavonoids was determined using thin-layer chromatography and a spectrophotometric method. The extract resulted in a reduction in induced ear edema at 25-50 mg/kg doses. The results suggest that its use in the treatment of inflammation would be beneficial. In [4], hemp oils, isolated from _Cannabis sativa_ L., were analyzed using the reverse-phase-high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode matrix system (RP-UHPLC-PDA) method. A rapid method was developed that can identify and quantify 10 of the most common cannabinoids in _C. sativa_ oils: cannabivarin, cannabidiolic acid, cannabigerol, cannabidiol, cannabinol, 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, 8-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabichromene, and tetrahydrocann. Phytocannabinoid analysis showed which compounds can support the biopharmaceutical use of these products. Such a rapid method has improved the screening of these compounds and helped obtain controlled composition products. In [5], the authors presented the influence of the drying process on the physicochemical properties of fermented vegetables (beetroot, red pepper, and carrot) in a ratio of 1:1:1 with _Levilactobacillus brevis_, _Lacitplantiobacillus plantarum_, and _Limosilactobacillus fermentutum_. Two convection drying methods or freeze-drying were used, and the dry matter, color, active substances (betalains and carotenoids), and the bacterial load were determined. Experimental data showed that pomace from fermented vegetables has a vital role in increasing the functional properties of food. Products from dried vegetables can be used in various foods, leading to improved color and an additional supply of probiotic bacteria that ensures the high stability of the products they are incorporated in. In [6], an ultrasonic enzyme-assisted ATPE (UEAATPE) method was developed to extract flavonoids from the leaves of the _Ficus carica_ L. plant which are usually considered waste. UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS was used to identify the flavonoid component, and the significant component identified was quercetin 3-O-hexobioside.