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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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GONZALEZ PASTOR, REBECA EUGENIA
;
Gabriela Méndez
;
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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Differential impact of coffee quantity and sweetening on body composition parameters and inflammation
(Frontiers Media SA, 2025-09-17)
Giuseppe Annunziata
;
Evelyn Frias-Toral
;
Francesco Campa
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Maria Antonieta Touriz Bonifaz
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Ludovica Verde
Background: Coffee is the most consumed and popular beverage worldwide. The health benefits of its regular, moderate consumption are well known, and include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as metabolic effects, reducing the risk of obesity and related diseases. The available literature, however, provides no information about the effect of coffee consumption on body composition (BC) and inflammation. The present cross-sectional observational study aims to investigate the effect of coffee consumption on BC and inflammation-related parameters, as well as the possible impact of adding sugar and the frequency of consumption. Coffee consumption habits, preference for adding sugar and frequency of daily consumption were assessed in 2,556 adults (1,080 men and 1,476 women). BC was assessed using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), whilst high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were monitored for inflammatory status. Results: A total of 1,855 subjects (680 men and 1,175 women) were included in the statistical analysis. Compared to non-consumers, coffee consumers showed lower body mass index (BMI), waist girth (WG), and hs-CRP levels, and higher skeletal muscle mass (SMM), appendicular SMM (ASMM), phase angle (PhA), and standardised PhA (SPA) (p< 0.001 for all). The same trend was observed for unsweetened coffee consumers compared to subjects consuming sweetened coffee. With increasing coffee consumption, BMI, WG, and hs-CRP generally decreased, whilst SMM and ASMM showed a bell-shaped trend with peak values in those consuming 2–3 cups per day. Similarly, PhA and SPA values were highest among moderate coffee consumers. Conclusion: These findings suggest that moderate coffee consumption, particularly unsweetened coffee, is associated with more favourable body composition and inflammatory profiles. Given the observational design, causality cannot be established. Nevertheless, the results may inform dietary guidance aimed at supporting muscle maintenance and mitigating obesity-related metabolic risk.
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Redefining Chemoresistance: Natural Bioactives as Molecular Modulators at the Cancer–Tumor Microenvironment Interface
(MDPI AG, 2025-08-20)
REYTOR GONZÁLEZ, CLAUDIA MARÍA
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Emilia Jiménez Flores
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GONZALEZ CALZADA, NATALI
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SIMANCAS RACINES, DANIEL ALEJANDRO
Therapeutic resistance remains a critical barrier in effective cancer treatment, contributing to disease recurrence, progression, and reduced patient survival. In recent years, natural bioactive compounds have emerged as promising adjuncts in oncology due to their ability to modulate multiple biological processes involved in resistance. This review explores current evidence on the role of natural compounds in influencing cancer cell behavior and their interactions with the tumor microenvironment. By organizing these compounds into chemical families, we provide a structured overview of their potential to enhance the efficacy of standard chemotherapy and reduce resistance-related mechanisms. We also highlight innovative strategies, including combination therapies and advanced drug delivery systems, that aim to improve their clinical applicability. Overall, this work underscores the relevance of integrating natural bioactives into modern cancer therapy and calls for further translational research to bridge preclinical findings with clinical implementation.
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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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HEREDIA MOYA, JORGE HUMBERTO
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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HEREDIA MOYA, JORGE HUMBERTO
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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Bioactive Compound Profiling and Antioxidant Activity of Phytelephas tenuicaulis and Other Amazonian Fruits
(MDPI AG, 2024-07-07)
Elena Coyago-Cruz
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David Valenzuela
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Aida Guachamin
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Gabriela Méndez
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HEREDIA MOYA, JORGE HUMBERTO
The Amazon region is home to many plant species, many of which have not been studied. The objective was to evaluate the physicochemical properties, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant activity of Phytelephas tenuicalis (tintiuk), Grias neuberthii (apai), Euterpe oleracea (acai), and Mauritia flexuosa (brown moriche). Physicochemical analyses were carried out on fresh fruit from local markets. Bioactive compounds (carotenoids, phenolics, vitamin C, and organic acids) were quantified in the freeze-dried pulp by rapid-resolution liquid chromatography (RRLC), and antioxidant activity was determined by ABTS and DPPH assays. The results showed high soluble solids (10.7 °Brix) and ascorbic acid (67.3 mg/100 g DW) in tintiuk; β-carotene (63.4 mg/100 g DW) and malic acid (19.6 g/100 g DW) in brown moriche; quercetin (944.2 mg/100 g DW) and antioxidant activity by ABTS (6.7 mmol ET/100 g DW) in apai; and citric acid (2.1 g/100 g DW) in acai. These results indicate interesting bioactive properties that could increase the consumption of these fruits nationally and internationally, benefiting local farmers and stimulating the development of new products in functional food, medicine, and cosmetics.

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