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    Dynamics of Bioactive Compounds and Their Relationship with Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity in the Pulp, Peel, and Seeds of ‘Salak’ During Ripening
    (MDPI AG, 2025-10-12)
    Elena Coyago-Cruz
    ;
    Gabriela Méndez
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    ;
    Nubia Jami
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    Ramiro Acurio-Vásconez
    Fruit is an important source of bioactive compounds, and making full use of them can contribute to the development of natural alternatives to microbial resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the dynamics of bioactive compounds and their relationship with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in the pulp, peel, and seeds of Salacca zalacca at three stages of ripeness (M1, 30 days after flowering; M2, 90 days after flowering; and M3, 120 days after flowering). The physicochemical characteristics (weight, size, pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity, moisture, ash, and minerals) and the bioactive compounds (vitamin C, organic acids, carotenoids, chlorophylls, and phenolic compounds) were determined using liquid chromatography. Antioxidant activity was determined using the ABTS and DPPH methods, and antimicrobial activity was assessed against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. The results showed that the pulp had the highest concentrations of malic acid (8018.6 mg/100 g DW in M1); the peel in M1 had the highest concentrations of chlorogenic (705.0 mg/100 g DW), caffeic (321.0 mg/100 g DW) and ferulic acids (173.5 mg/100 g DW); and the seeds had the highest levels of vitamin C (16.81 mg/100 g DW in M2). The pulp in M2 and M3 and the peel in M2 exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity (5.5 mmol ET/100 g DW by DPPH), as well as the most potent antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. In conclusion, the peel, in addition to the edible pulp, represents a relevant source of bioactive compounds with potential applications in functional foods and natural products.
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    Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Anticancerogenic Activity in Lacmellea edulis H. Karst., at Different Stages of Maturity
    (MDPI AG, 2025-10-14)
    Elena Coyago-Cruz
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    ;
    Gabriela Méndez
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    Melany Alomoto
    ;
    Steven Vélez-Vite
    Lacmellea edulis, traditionally known as chicle, is a species that has received little attention despite its nutraceutical potential. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics (pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity, moisture, ash, and minerals) and the content of bioactive compounds (vitamin C, organic acids, carotenoids, and phenols) of fruits at different stages of ripeness, as well as their antimicrobial (against Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus mutans), antiproliferative and antihaemolytic activity. Bioactive compounds were quantified using liquid chromatography, while biological activities were assessed via spectrophotometric assays. The results revealed a high concentration of ascorbic acid in the ripe pulp (3.0 mg/100 g DW), higher levels of organic acids in the unripe pulp (3947.6 mg/100 g DW), and a high total phenol content in the ripe peel (10,890.9 mg/100 g DW). The peel exhibited the highest antioxidant activity (63.3 mmol ET/100 g DW). Regarding antimicrobial activity, the pulp exhibited the lowest MIC values against E. coli (2.7 mg/mL) and S. mutans (2.6 mg/mL), the peel against S. aureus (21.3 mg/mL) and C. tropicalis (5.3 mg/mL), and the seeds against C. albicans (20.8 mg/mL). Additionally, the peel exhibited the greatest antiproliferative efficacy against cervical (HeLa) and hepatoma (HepG2) cancer cells. None of the evaluated extracts showed significant haemolytic effects, confirming their safety. Overall, L. edulis appears to be a promising source of bioactive metabolites with potential applications in functional foods and pharmaceutical products.
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    Bioactive Phenolic Compounds from Rambutan - Nephelium lappaceum L. - Shell: Encapsulation, Structural Stability, and Multifunctional Activities
    (MDPI AG, 2025-11-09)
    Carlos Barba Ostria
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    Orestes López
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    Alexis Debut
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    ;
    Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) shell, an agro-industrial by-product, is a rich source of phenolic acids and minor anthocyanins, but its direct use is limited by instability and low bioavailability. We extracted phenolic-rich fractions and produced maltodextrin microcapsules by spray drying, then confirmed chemical entrapment and amorphization by FTIR, SEM, and XRD. The formulation showed high encapsulation efficiency and high antioxidant capacity (DPPH), selective bactericidal activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia, and strong inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes biofilms, while exhibiting negligible hemolysis (&lt;2%) across tested concentrations. Antitumor effects were moderate with low selectivity in vitro, indicating that phenolic-acid-driven redox modulation may require fractionation or delivery optimization for oncology applications. Overall, spray-dried microcapsules provided structural stability and safety while concentrating multifunctional activities relevant to food and biomedical uses. By valorizing a tropical waste stream into a bioactive, hemocompatible ingredient, this work aligns with societal goals on health and sustainable production (SDG 3 and SDG 12) and offers a scalable route to deploy underutilized phenolic resources.</jats:p>
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    Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antitumor, and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Gleichenella pectinata, a Bioprospecting of Medicinal Ferns
    (MDPI AG, 2025-11-12)
    Elena Coyago-Cruz
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    ;
    Gabriela Méndez
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    Mateo Moya Coyago
    ;
    Juan A. Puente Pineda
    Gleichenella pectinata, known as ‘Star fern’, is a species traditionally used by Amazonian indigenous communities to treat various diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the bioactive compounds and antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory activities of G. pectinata leaves. The study included the determination of physicochemical parameters (pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity, moisture, and ash), phytochemical screening, mineral analysis by atomic absorption and quantification of bioactive compounds (vitamin C, organic acids, carotenoids, chlorophylls, and phenols) by liquid chromatography (RRLC). Antioxidant (ABTS and DPPH), antimicrobial (ATCC bacteria and fungi, and multi-resistant strains), antitumor and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated. The results showed the presence of acetogenins, high concentrations of malic acid (56,559.7 mg/100 g DW), β-carotene (266.6 mg/100 g DW), chlorophyll b (684.7 mg/100 g DW), ferulic acid (3163.5 mg/100 g DW) and quercetin glucoside (945.9 mg/100 g DW). The freeze-dried ethanolic extracts showed greater efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC (12.0 mg/mL) and multidrug-resistant strains of E. coli (6.6 mg/mL) and P. aeruginosa (6.6 mg/mL). In addition, the extract exhibited moderate antiproliferative activity (IC50: 0.98–1.98 mg/mL) in hepatocellular and cervical carcinoma cell lines. In conclusion, this study provides the first evidence of the antitumor and bioactive potential of G. pectinata, supporting its value as a natural source of functional compounds with potential pharmacological applications.
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    Relationship Between Bioactive Compounds and Biological Activities (Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antihaemolytic) of ‘Colcas’ Fruits at Different Stages of Maturity
    (MDPI AG, 2025-09-10)
    Elena Coyago-Cruz
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    ;
    Gabriela Méndez
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    Aida Guachamin
    ;
    Ruth Escobar-Quiñonez
    The genus Miconia is used in traditional medicine, but there are few studies supporting the bioactive potential of Miconia crocea. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties, bioactive compound content, and antioxidant, antimicrobial and antihaemolytic activities at four different phenological stages of M. crocea. The pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity, moisture and ash content were determined. Mineral contents were determined by atomic absorption. Vitamin C, organic acids, carotenoids, chlorophylls and derivatives and phenols were determined by chromatography. Total anthocyanins were determined by spectrophotometry. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated using ABTS and DPPH assays, and the antimicrobial activity was tested against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. Potassium was the predominant mineral (&gt;1000 mg/100 g DW), while malic acid was the predominant organic acid. Lutein was the most abundant carotenoid, as among the phenolic compounds, m-coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid were most abundant (&gt;1000 mg/100 g DW). The optimal method for preparing the extract for antimicrobial and haemolytic activity, with a focus on phenols, involved using 50% ethanol, applying ultrasound for six minutes, and carrying out three extractions. The M0% extract exhibited the most potent antimicrobial activity against S. mutans (MIC: 7.8 mg/mL). Anti-haemolytic activity indicates biocompatibility. The results emphasise the bioactive and antimicrobial potential of M. crocea, suggesting its possible application in various industries. However, further research is needed in the form of in vivo studies.
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    Functional, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Profile of Medicinal Leaves from the Amazon
    (MDPI AG, 2025-08-05)
    Gabriela Méndez
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    Elena Coyago-Cruz
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    Paola Lomas
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    Marco Cerna
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    The Amazon region is home to a remarkable diversity of plant species that are used in traditional medicine and cuisine. This study aimed to evaluate the functional, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of the leaves of Allium schoenoprasum, Brugmansia candida (white and pink), and Cyclanthemum bipartitum. Bioactive compounds (L-ascorbic acid, organic acids, carotenoids, phenolic compounds, and chlorophylls) were quantified using liquid chromatography. The ABTS and DPPH methods were used to assess the antioxidant capacity. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, and Candida tropicalis was evaluated. The results revealed a high content of L-ascorbic acid (7.6 mg/100 g dry weight) and total carotenoids (509.0 mg/100 g dry weight), as well as high antioxidant capacity (4.5 mmol TE/100 g dry weight) and broad antimicrobial activity in Brugmansia candida ‘pink’. The White variety had the highest concentration of total chlorophylls (1742.8 mg/100 g DW), Cyclanthemum bipartitum had the highest total organic acid content (2814.5 mg/100 g DW), and Allium schoenoprasum had the highest concentration of total phenolic compounds (11,351.6 mg/100 g DW). These results constitute a starting point for future research, emphasizing the potential health risks that certain species may pose.
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    Lacmellea oblongata and Other Undervalued Amazonian Fruits as Functional, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Matrices
    (MDPI AG, 2025-07-29)
    Elena Coyago-Cruz
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    Gabriela Méndez
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    Ruth Escobar-Quiñonez
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    Marco Cerna
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    The Amazon represents a key source of food biodiversity and is home to native fruits with high nutritional and functional potential, many of which remain largely unstudied. This research aimed to evaluate the presence of bioactive compounds, as well as the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Miconia crenata, Grias neuberthii, Lacmellea oblongata, Pourouma cecprofiilia, and Annona edulis. Physical and chemical parameters, mineral content (atomic absorption), vitamin C, organic acid, carotenoids, chlorophylls, and phenols (liquid chromatography), antioxidant activity (ABTS, DPPH), and antimicrobial activity (against Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus mutans) were determined. High concentrations of calcium, syringic acid, and antioxidant activity were found in the fruits of Miconia crenata; malic and caffeic acids in Grias neuberthii; citric acid, naringenin, and antioxidant activity in Lactuca oblongata; potassium, chlorogenic acid, and ferulic acid in Pourouma cecropiifolia; and tartaric acid and gallic acid in Annona edulis. Additionally, low antimicrobial activity was observed in M. crenata against E. coli (2.7 mg/mL), G. neuberthii against S. aureus (10.3 mg/mL), and L. oblongata against S. mutans (10.4 mg/mL), C. albicans (20.8 mg/mL), and C. tropicalis (20.8 mg/mL). The results confirm that these Amazonian fruits are a relevant source of functional bioactive compounds, highlighting their potential for use in the food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology sectors.
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    Functional and Antimicrobial Evaluation of Artocarpus Heterophyllus (Jackfruit) Fruit and Leaves at Different Ripening Stages
    (Springer Nature Switzerland, 2025-04-23)
    Elena Coyago-Cruz
    ;
    Edgar Rodríguez
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    ;
    Gabriela Méndez
    Jackfruit is an exotic fruit that has aroused interest due to its size and nutritional potential. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify the physicochemical properties of pulp, seeds, peel, and leaves of Artocarpus heterophyllus. The fruit was collected at three stages of maturity (M1, immature; M2, physiological maturity; and M3, commercial maturity) and left at two sets of vegetative development (NL, new; OL, old). Weight, size, soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, moisture, ash, phenolics, carotenoids, organic acids, saponins, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity were determined. Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity were used in a solution obtained by microextraction, and quantification was performed using spectrophotometric methods in microplates. The results showed a high concentration of total phenolics in the leaves (50.78 mg GAE 100 g−1 DW in M1) and carotenoid in the pulp of M3 (316.8 mg β-carotene 100 g−1 DW). At the same time, malic acid was mainly found in the pulp (3,077.7 mg 100 g−1 DW in M1), saponins in the leaves (11.3% in NL), and antioxidant activity in the pulp and seeds of M1 (3.8 and 4.2 mmol TE g-1 DW, respectively) and M2 (4.0 and 4.3 mmol TE g−1 DW, respectively). In turn, leaves showed inhibition of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus mutans, and Staphylococcus aureus. These results highlight the diversity and relevance of chemical constituents in different parts of jackfruit and their potential benefits for human health, including the leaves, seeds, and shells.
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    Phytochemical Composition and Biological Properties of Macleania rupestris Fruit Extract: Insights into Its Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity
    (MDPI AG, 2025-03-27) ; ;
    Elena Coyago-Cruz
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    ;
    Jéssica Guamán-Bautista
    Macleania rupestris, a fruit-bearing species of the Ericaceae family, has traditionally been used for its potential medicinal properties. Background/Objectives: This study investigates the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial activity of M. rupestris fruit extract, focusing on its antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antifungal effects. Methods: M. rupestris (Kunth) A.C.Sm. berries (code: 4456, Herbario QUPS-Ecuador) were collected from the cloud forest Montano Alto, Cuenca-Ecuador, and the extract was obtained using an ethanolic-based extraction and chemically characterized. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of the fruit extract was assessed against seven multidrug-resistant bacteria strains and four fungal strains using the microdilution method. The biofilm inhibition potential was evaluated using a microplate assay with the crystal violet staining method. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS assays. Results: The bioactive compounds showed 853.9 mg phenols/100 g DW, 573.2 mg organic acid/100 g DW, and 21.5 mg C-3-gl/100 g DW of anthocyanins. The antibacterial assays demonstrated significant inhibitory activity against Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, with MIC values ranging from 1.25 to 5 mg/mL. Additionally, the biofilm inhibition assays confirmed the potential of M. rupestris extract to disrupt bacterial biofilms, particularly in S. aureus and L. monocytogenes. Nevertheless, no significant antifungal activity was observed against Candida spp., suggesting selective antimicrobial properties. Finally, the antioxidant activity was strong (1.62 mmol TE/100 g DW by DPPH and 3.28 mmol TE/100 g DW by ABTS). Conclusions: These findings indicate that M. rupestris possesses promising antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antioxidant properties, which may be attributed to its phenolic and organic acid composition. Further fractionation and targeted bioassays are required to elucidate the specific bioactive compounds responsible for these effects and explore their potential applications in antimicrobial formulations.
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    Phytosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Mansoa alliacea (Lam.) A.H. Gentry (Bignoniaceae) Leaf Extract: Characterization and Their Biological Activities
    (MDPI AG, 2024-09-25) ;
    Saskya E. Carrera-Pacheco
    ;
    ; ;
    Cristina Rodríguez-Pólit
    Background. Mansoa alliacea is a native plant renowned for its medicinal properties in traditional healing in the Amazon Region. This plant is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, tannins, ketones, triterpenes, as well as other bioactive compounds. Objectives. This study aims to develop an innovative, eco-friendly method for synthesizing silver nanoparticles using an aqueous extract of M. alliacea (Ma-AgNPs), enhancing the biological activities of AgNPs by leveraging the therapeutic potential of the plant’s bioactive compounds. Methods. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using the aqueous extract of M. alliacea. The biological activities of Ma-AgNPs were assessed, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-biofilm effects, along with evaluating their hemolytic activity. Results. Quantitative analysis revealed that Ma-AgNPs exhibit potent antibacterial activity against multidrug and non-multidrug-resistant bacteria, with MIC values ranging from 1.3 to 10.0 µg/mL. The Ma-AgNPs significantly reduced NO production by 86.9% at 4 µg/mL, indicating strong anti-inflammatory effects. They demonstrated robust antioxidant activity with an IC50 of 5.54 ± 1.48 µg/mL and minimal hemolytic activity, with no hemolysis observed up to 20 µg/mL and only 4.5% at 40 µg/mL. Their antitumor properties were notable, with IC50 values between 2.9 and 5.4 µg/mL across various cell lines, and they achieved over 50% biofilm inhibition at concentrations of 30–40 µg/mL. Conclusions. These findings underscore the potential of Ma-AgNPs for biomedical applications, particularly in developing new antimicrobial agents and bioactive coatings with reduced toxicity. This research highlights a sustainable approach that not only preserves but also amplifies the inherent biological activities of plant extracts, paving the way for innovative therapeutic solutions.