Modern Possibilities of Using Chamerion Angustifolium L. (Review)

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the utilization of plants, particularly medicinal plants, for purposes beyond merely treating and preventing diseases. These plants are also being used to supplement daily diets and correct dietary habits in order to enhance overall human health. The aim of this study is to review and synthesize the available literature on the research into the use of Chamerion angustifolium L. and to explore the current possibilities for its application in different industries, including the food and pharmaceutical sectors. The paper discusses the research and utilization of Chamerion angustifolium, commonly known as willowherb (fireweed), as a potential food crop and valuable medicinal plant. The study examines the possibilities of utilizing both processed and unprocessed forms of this plant, highlighting the benefits of using both native and fermented materials. The paper identifies the various industries in which fireweed can be utilized, including pharmaceutical, food processing, and agriculture. It also analyzes domestic and international literature sources, drawing on publicly available data to discuss the biolog-ical characteristics, chemical composition, and methods of utilization of Chamerion angustifolium. In preparing the paper, the authors utilized several electronic databases, including PubMed, e-Library, Cyberleninka, and the Google Scholar search engine, to ensure the accuracy and relevance of their findings. Currently, fermented willowherb tea is most commonly used as a replacement for traditional tea. To produce a high-quality product, it is essential to define and standardize key stages, including raw material preparation, fermentation, and post-fermentation processing. The parameters for the fermen-tation process have been determined, and the main and supplementary stages required for product production have been identified. The available techniques for raw material fermentation and the characteristics of post-fermentation treatments have been analyzed, and the impact of the final stages on product quality has been assessed. The advantages and drawbacks of the fermentation method have been considered in relation to the or-ganoleptic properties of the products and the concentration of biologically active compounds in the resulting aqueous extracts. Examples of the practi-cal application of Chamerion angustifolium in the production of nutraceuticals and potential uses of willowherb as a pharmaceutical raw material are provided.