Pedro Aguilar-Zárate

Medicinal plant infusions constitute an important source of dietary polyphenols; however, their biological activity depends not only on their phytochemical composition but also on the metabolic transformations that occur after gastrointestinal digestion. This study comparatively evaluated eight ethnofloristic medicinal plants traditionally consumed in the Huasteca Potosina (Mexico) through an integrated phytochemical, biological and computational pharmacokinetic approach to prioritize bioactive resources for functional food and nutraceutical applications. UPLC–PDA–ESI–MS/MS analysis identified 51 phenolic compounds, predominantly hydrolysable tannins, flavonoids and phenolic acids. Total phenolic contents ranged from 30,066.67 ± 873.69 to 1,433.33 ± 115.47 µg GAE g ^-1 DW, while antioxidant capacity reached 42.85 ± 0.20 μmol TE g ⁻¹ DPPH, 51.46 ± 0.08 μmol TE g ⁻¹ ABTS, 264.15 ± 14.08 μmol TE g ⁻¹ FRAP and 1,444.69 ± 60.11 μmol TE g ⁻¹ ORAC. Acrocomia aculeata , Brosimum alicastrum and Struthanthus quercicola exhibited the highest phenolic content and antioxidant activities, whereas Physalis gracilis displayed the most balanced combination of antioxidant capacity, digestive enzyme inhibition and favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics. Several infusions inhibited α-amylase (64.69% ± 0.86%–78.20% ± 0.57%) and pancreatic lipase (73.24% ± 1.96% – 96.26% ± 5.25%) while no acute toxicity was detected in the preliminary Artemia salina screening assay at concentrations up to 10,000 ppm. Comparative ADMET analysis revealed pronounced pharmacokinetic differences between parental phenolics and their predicted gut microbial metabolites. Most native polyphenols exhibited low gastrointestinal absorption because of their high molecular weight and polarity, whereas microbiota-derived metabolites—including urolithins, γ-valerolactones and hydroxyphenyl derivatives—showed markedly improved intestinal absorption, lower molecular complexity, reduced P-glycoprotein substrate liability and enhanced systemic distribution potential, with several metabolites also predicted to permeate the blood–brain barrier. Overall, these findings suggest that gut microbial biotransformation may be a key determinant of the systemic bioavailability of ethnofloristic polyphenols. Integrating phytochemical profiling, bioactivity evaluation and ADMET prediction proposes a bioprospecting framework for prioritizing traditionally consumed medicinal plants as promising sources of bioactive compounds for future functional food and nutraceutical development, while supporting future metabolomic, physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) and clinical validation studies.

This study evaluated spray-dried microcapsules as a strategy for preserving the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of purified phytochemicals from Hamelia patens. Maltodextrin, whey protein, and pectin were screened as wall materials, and whey protein produced the highest encapsulation efficiency (96.33%). A 3² full factorial design was then used to evaluate the effects of the amounts of phytochemicals (1.0–3.0 mg) and whey protein (0.5–1.5 g). The formulation containing 1.0 mg of phytochemicals and 0.5 g of whey protein achieved the highest efficiency (92.30 ± 0.53%). Scanning electron microscopy showed aggregated, irregular-to-quasi-spherical particles with apparent micrometric dimensions. During four weeks of storage, the microcapsules retained activity against lipid peroxidation and maintained reducing capacity, although DPPH radical inhibition and total polyphenol content decreased. Antimicrobial activity was detected from weeks 7 to 10 against Escherichia coli β (−), Enterococcus faecalis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae at microcapsule concentrations of 12,500–25,000 µg/mL. Overall, whey protein was an effective wall material for retaining H. patens phytochemicals, although the assay-dependent changes observed during storage indicate that further studies of release behavior and application-specific stability are required.

Medicinal plants are a valuable source of bioactive compounds with a broad range of therapeutic properties. In Mexico, the bioactive potential of Flourensia cernua, Artemisia ludoviciana, and Phoradendron californicum continues to be investigated; however, conventional extraction approaches often result in low yields of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to optimize the extraction process using the Taguchi methodology coupled with ultrasound-assisted extraction. An L9 (3³) orthogonal array was employed to evaluate extraction time, ethanol concentration, and solid-to-liquid ratio, using total phenolic content as the response variable. Under the optimal conditions predicted by the software, condensed tannins, total flavonoids, and antioxidant, antiparasitic, and antibacterial activities were subsequently determined. The compounds present in the extracts were tentatively identified by HPLC–MS. P. californicum exhibited the highest levels of total phenolic content and total flavonoids, with 106.07 ± 4.16 GAE mg∙g⁻¹ and 9.04 ± 0.31 CE mg∙g⁻¹, respectively. F. cernua showed the highest content of condensed tannins, reaching 6.71 ± 0.10 CE mg∙g⁻¹. ABTS radical-scavenging activity was highest for A. ludoviciana (IC₅₀ = 19.37 ± 4.23 μg∙mL⁻¹), whereas F. cernua exhibited the highest DPPH radical-scavenging activity (IC₅₀ = 755.92 ± 70.60 μg∙mL⁻¹). Furthermore, A. ludoviciana showed the highest antiparasitic activity (IC₅₀ = 0.51 ± 0.20 mg∙mL⁻¹) and antibacterial activity against the pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli (89.59%) and Staphylococcus aureus (91.55%). These findings support the potential of UAE-optimized extracts as sources of bioactive ingredients for industrial applications.

Spondias mombin fruit is a seasonal product with limited valorization in Mexico, mainly because of its short shelf life and scarcity of available scientific information. In this study, two drying methods—hot air-drying and freeze-drying—were evaluated for the dehydration of S. mombin pulp. Freeze-dried samples presented a higher content of hydrolysable polyphenols (18.92 ± 5.31 mg GAE/g), whereas no significant differences were detected in condensed polyphenols. The total flavonoid content was significantly greater in the freeze-dried pulp (11.32 ± 1.27 mg CE/g). Antioxidant activity assessed by the ABTS and DPPH assays did not differ between treatments; however, the reducing power of the freeze-dried samples was greater than that of the control samples, as determined by the FRAP assay (14.40 ± 1.07 mg TE/g). HPLC–ESI–MS analysis enabled the identification and quantification of polyphenols, organic acids, and monosaccharides, highlighting the presence of compounds belonging to the methoxycinnamic acid family and ascorbic acid. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights that can serve as a basis for future research on the processing and valorization of S. mombin, contributing to the development of advanced processing strategies to improve the stability, quality, and utilization of underexploited fruits.

Interest in fermented beverages has increased in recent years due to evidence showing their health benefits. In Latin America, corn is the most widely consumed cereal and stands out for its genetic diversity, cultural importance, and nutraceutical potential. This review evaluates the effect of grain pigmentation on its nutritional and bioactive composition, as well as its relationship with the production of traditional fermented beverages. Studies describing the composition of different corn varieties, fermentation processes, the microbiota involved, and safety-related aspects are considered. Evidence indicates that varieties differ in their carbohydrate, protein, mineral, and bioactive compound content, which influences the functional properties and microbiological and sensory characteristics of the resulting beverages. These beverages are produced through spontaneous or semi-controlled fermentation by lactic acid bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, which produce metabolites such as organic acids and bacteriocins that increase the nutritional and functional value and safety of the product. However, good manufacturing practices must be applied to ensure their safety. Even so, there are still gaps in our knowledge about the influence of different corn varieties on the final composition and acceptance of these beverages, highlighting the importance of further research.

Medicinal plants are widely used in traditional medicine because of their bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. The semidesert Mexican species Flourensia cernua, Artemisia ludoviciana, and Phoradendron californicum have been traditionally employed as infusions for gastrointestinal disorders. In this study, chemical composition, infusion extraction, phytochemical profiling, antioxidant capacity, and antiparasitic and antibacterial activity were evaluated. The extracts were characterized via HPLC–MS, encapsulated in agar–agar beads, and subjected to in vitro simulated digestion. A. ludoviciana presented the highest content of hydrolysable and condensed tannins (5473.33 ± 305.5 mg GAE/100 g; 959.58 ± 14.6 mg CE/100 g, respectively). F. cernua presented the highest flavonoid concentration (582.67 ± 16.90 mg CE/100 g). The highest antioxidant activity was observed in P. californicum (IC₅₀ 74.18 ± 18.43 μg TE/mL in DPPH; IC₅₀ 333.38 ± 56.36 μg TE/mL in ABTS). In terms of antiparasitic effects, A. ludoviciana extracts presented the lowest IC₅₀ value (0.51 ± 0.01 mg/mL), indicating the highest antiparasitic activity. Antibacterial assays revealed that F. cernua had the greatest inhibitory effect on E. coli (79.60%) and S. aureus (78.40%). Encapsulation preserved extract integrity, although simulated digestion resulted in limited compound release, with hydrolysable tannins being the most released. Overall, P. californicum presented the strongest antioxidant response, and encapsulation was confirmed as an effective strategy to preserve extract integrity.

The SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) is a microbial consortium composed of a diverse range of bacteria and yeasts that coexist symbiotically. The most commonly identified microorganisms include Gluconobacter, Acetobacte, Saccharomyces and Zygosaccharomyces. Its primary objective is to utilize sucrose as a substrate. SCOBY requires specific conditions for its multiplication, such as temperature, pH, and a suitable carbon source. Through its microbial dynamics and proper management, this consortium develops functional properties that are beneficial to health. This microbial consortium has been the subject of numerous studies due to the wide range of benefits it can offer through fermentation-derived products. Among the most frequently mentioned are organic acids, phenolic compounds, and a high concentration of probiotics. Originally, the SCOBY was used as a started culture in the production of the beverage “Kombucha”. However, due to the growing public interest, its use has diversified into fruit-based, dairy-based, and cereal-based beverages. Furthermore, its application has expanded to unconventional substrates. Its potential uses in other fields, such as medicine, as well as its antimicrobial activity, should also be noted.

Background: Pomegranate peel (Punica granatum L.) is a rich source of phenols, particularly ellagitannins, highlighting punicalagin, a bioactive compound with recognized antioxidant potential. However, efficient recovery and purification methods are required to enable its application in food and health-related products. This study aimed to obtain a partially purified fraction of punicalagin from pomegranate peel using optimized extraction and purification strategies. Methods: A Taguchi L9 (3)³ experimental design was employed to optimize ultrasound-assisted extraction, evaluating extraction time (10, 20, 30 min), ethanol concentration (20, 40, 80%), and solid-to-solvent ratio (1:12, 1:14, 1:16). Total polyphenol content was quantified using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Extracts obtained under optimized conditions were concentrated by rotary evaporation and subjected to semipurification using flash chromatography with Amberlite XAD-16 resin. Subsequently, the fractions were lyophilized and analyzed by HPLC/ESI/MS. Results: The Statistica software determined the optimal conditions for polyphenol extraction (20 min, 40% ethanol, 1:12), with the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio reaching 88.43 ± 0.66, surpassing the predicted value of 77.42. Flash chromatography yielded four fractions, and HPLC/ESI/MS analysis revealed the presence of ellagitannins in all of them, with fraction number 2 showing the highest relative abundance of punicalagin (89.25%). Conclusions: The combination of ultrasound-assisted extraction and flash chromatography proved effective for obtaining punicalagin-rich fractions from pomegranate peel, supporting its potential for nutraceutical applications.

Ellagitannins are bioactive phenolic acids found in various fruits, plants, and beverages such as wine and spirits. This review aims to discuss the metabolism, absorption, and some health benefits related to the intestinal activity of these molecules, as well as some supplements developed from them. Ellagitannins are first biodegraded to ellagic acid and then to urolithins, which are more easily absorbed. This process is mediated by specific enzymes and intestinal microbiota. Not all individuals can metabolize ellagitannins into urolithins due to differences in the composition of the intestinal microbiota, resulting in three phenotypes: metabotypes A, B, and 0. In recent decades, ellagitannins and their derivatives (ellagic acid and urolithins) have gained significant attention for their potential benefits against various digestive diseases, including irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcers, gastritis, colon cancer, esophageal cancer, and pancreatic cancer. As a result, nutraceutical supplements have been developed to treat these conditions, representing significant and promising applications of these compounds in digestive health.