Zuamí Villagrán

Bryophillin C (BRYOC), a bufadienolide present in plants of the Kalanchoe genus, has been scarcely explored in scientific literature, and its interaction with proteins involved in breast cancer (BCa) pathophysiology is yet to be understood. This study aimed to explore BRYOC’s anticancer potential in BCa using computational methods. Density functional theory (DFT) analysis revealed a HOMO–LUMO gap of 4.59 eV, suggesting moderate chemical reactivity and polarizability. The predicted ADMET profile suggested good oral bioavailability and limited distribution potential in the body. Databases helped identify BRYOC targets and genes linked to BCa, which are mainly involved in protein autophosphorylation and transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase activity. A protein–protein interaction network was constructed to identify the main targets connecting BRYOC and BCa. Molecular docking studies indicated that SRC, PIK3CA, and ESR1 exhibited the most favorable binding affinities. To assess complex stability, a 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation was conducted, followed by a detailed examination of key structural parameters, such as the root-mean-square deviation and radius of gyration. MM/GBSA calculations predicted favorable binding free energies for SRC and ESR1 ligands. These results emphasize the importance of these proteins as therapeutic targets in the pathophysiology of BCa and serve as a precedent for future studies focused on BRYOC and its possible anticancer effects.

The demand for sustainable nutrients and bioactive compounds has increased interest in underutilized wild plants. Forestiera tomentosa, a Mexican drupe-bearing species, is largely unexplored. This study evaluated the proximate composition, physicochemical and functional properties, phenolic profile, antioxidant capacity, and toxicological safety of F. tomentosa fruit. The fruit showed high carbohydrate content [71.94% dry weight (DW)], with notable crude fiber (7.90% DW), protein (7.39% DW), and lipid (4.30% DW) contents. Analysis revealed a mildly acidic pH (5.66), titratable acidity of 0.32%, and total soluble solids of 2.33 °Brix. The fruit powder had a low water activity (0.42) and a favorable water solubility index (56.10%), oil absorption (4.54%), and foaming capacity (19.71%). The fruit contained high levels of soluble phenols (280.42 mg GAE/g DW), flavonoids (98.89 mg CE/g DW), anthocyanins (54.53 mg C3G/g DW), and condensed tannins (94.05 mg CE/g DW). High-performance liquid chromatography identified 20 phenolic compounds, with 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl) propionic acid, syringic acid, catechin, epicatechin, and gallocatechin being predominant. The fruit showed significant radical scavenging and reducing potential (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP). Toxicological evaluation using the Artemia salina bioassay showed a 100% survival rate across all concentrations, indicating no acute toxicity. In silico ADMET predictions revealed favorable pharmacokinetic properties, including high intestinal absorption and compliance with Lipinski’s rule of five. These findings position F. tomentosa as a promising, non-toxic source of functional ingredients for the food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries, supporting biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource utilization. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential health benefits of this fruit in vitro and in vivo.

The genus Serjania (family Sapindaceae) comprises more than 240 species, primarily distributed in Brazil and Mexico, and it exhibits considerable ethnobotanical and therapeutic potential. Ethnobotanical evidence documents the widespread use of decoctions prepared from the leaves, stems, and roots of Serjania species for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, renal pain, inflammatory conditions, and infections. Among the most extensively studied species are S. marginata, S. erecta, S. lethalis, S. caracasana, S. goniocarpa, S. schiedeana, S. yucatenensis, S. triquetra, and S. racemose. Phytochemical research has identified a diverse array of bioactive secondary metabolites, including saponins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, and terpenoids. Significant experimental evidence supports the broad spectrum of biological activities of these Serjania species, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, gastroprotective, antihypertensive, analgesic, antivenom, cytotoxic, antimutagenic, anti-ulcer, photoprotective, antiparasitic, and vasorelaxant effects, as demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo models. Although preliminary toxicity assessments of extracts from some Serjania species in murine models, Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia), and Artemia salina suggest a favorable safety profile, significant research gaps remain. Additionally, several Serjania species have shown potential as natural pesticides and bioherbicides, highlighting their relevance in agricultural applications. Future studies should prioritize the isolation and structural characterization of individual bioactive compounds, as well as the elucidation of their molecular mechanisms of action, moving beyond crude extract-based screening approaches. Overall, this review summarizes current knowledge on traditional uses, phytochemical composition, biological activities, and biotechnological applications of Serjania species.

Kalanchoe daigremontiana, a succulent herbaceous plant in the Crassulaceae family from Madagascar, has gained global popularity as an ornamental and medicinal species. This review examines the traditional uses, phytochemical composition, biological properties, toxicological aspects, and regulatory challenges of K. daigremontiana. The traditional medicinal uses of its leaves and roots include treating burns, rheumatic disorders, hypertension, diabetes, kidney pain, diarrhea, cough, fever, gastric issues, anxiety, inflammation, and cancer. Chemical compounds identified include phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, sterols, terpenes, and fatty acids, with phenolic compounds and bufadienolides being predominant. In vitro studies of the crude extracts, bufadienolide-rich fractions, and isolated compounds have shown antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant, anti-aging, cytotoxic, antitumoral, and antiproliferative properties. In vivo studies have demonstrated hepatoprotective, skincare, and cardiac-glycoside-like effects. While crude extracts and bufadienolide-rich fractions have shown toxic effects in 2-week-old chicks, guinea pigs, and Artemia salina, no toxicity has been reported in goats, broiler chickens, laying hens, or human erythrocytes. Although K. daigremontiana-based products are commercially available as dietary supplements with various health claims, these lack scientific validation. Despite the potential pharmaceutical applications of K. daigremontiana, further research is needed to determine its effects, dosage, mechanisms, long-term safety, and side effects, with clinical studies essential to validate its therapeutic potential.

Introduction. Tejuino is an artisanal Mexican fermented corn beverage with limited shelf life, challenging industrial production. Research on microbial safety methods remains scarce despite their cultural importance. Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Ultrasound-assisted thermal processing (USTP) on microbial safety and physicochemical properties on tejuino beverage. Materials and Methods. Commercial tejuino samples (200mL) underwent ultrasonic treatment at 0.5 kJ/mL at 20 °C, followed by thermal treatment at 45-65°C (USTP– USTP 65). Fresh, pasteurized (65°C/30 min), and ultrasound-treated samples served as controls. Analyses included microbiological [aerobic mesophilic bacteria (AMB), coliform bacteria (CB), molds and yeasts (MY), lactic acid bacteria (LAB)] and physicochemical parameters (pH, acidity, soluble solids, browning index, density, viscosity, conductivity, turbidity, color), as well as antioxidants [total soluble phenols (TSP), DPPH, ABTS, FRAP]. Results. AMB, CB, and MY counts decreased under USTP treatments while maintaining substantial LAB concentrations in a temperature-dependent response (USTP45–USTP65) compared to controls. All physicochemical properties except density were altered by USTP treatments in a temperature-dependent manner compared to fresh control. USTP45, USTP50, and USTP55 treatments showed similar TSP content and antioxidant activity by DPPH and ABTS compared to ultrasound-treated and fresh controls, while FRAP values decreased significantly in temperatures of >50°C. Conclusions. The ultrasound-assisted thermal processing can be a viable alternative for the industrial manufacturing of tejuino.

Glyphosate (GLYP) is an effective and low-cost broad-spectrum herbicide. However, this herbicide and its primary degradation product, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), have been linked with adverse human health effects. The global use of glyphosate has significantly increased in recent years, resulting in more direct and indirect human exposure. In this context, GLYP and AMPA are often detected in fresh and processed foods for adults and infants, as well as in drinking water worldwide. Diverse extraction and quantification methods for GLYP and AMPA from foods have been developed. Solid-phase extraction and QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) are the most frequently employed cleanup strategies, while LC-MS/MS is one of the most sensitive and selective techniques for detecting GLYP and AMPA in food products. Although most studies show that GLYP and AMPA concentrations in foods remain within established maximum residue limits, occasionally they exceed legal limits. Thus, the widespread presence of GLYP and AMPA in foodstuffs is a public concern that may lead to consumers exceeding the acceptable daily intake due to prolonged dietary exposure, even if levels remain within thresholds. Therefore, this review explores the different approaches and techniques used in the extraction, detection, and quantification of GLYP and AMPA in foods.

This research focused on the development of an edible coat made of corn waste arabinoxylan enriched with nanohybrids of zinc layered hydroxide salt and thymol (ZnHSL, ZnHSL-T). The crystallographic phase was confirmed with XRD (ICDD card 07-0155) and SEM. Filmogenic solutions prepared with the polysaccharide (AX) containing thymol (T), ZnHSL, and ZnHSL-T (AXT, AXH, and AXHT, respectively) were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, color, thickness, transparency, and moisture content, where AXHT exhibited the thinnest layer. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the coatings was evaluated by the inhibition of ABTS radical, proving that thymol was present in the filmogenic solutions with inhibitions of 90%. Also, edible coatings were applied on cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum var. cerasiforme) and stored for 12 days, a period during which physicochemical properties (weight loss, color, lycopene content, soluble solids, pH, and titratable acidity) and Salmonella survival (serovar Enteritidis, Typhimurium, and Montevideo) were evaluated. Results demonstrated that AXHT had less weight loss than the control, and the other physicochemical properties of tomatoes were preserved. Regarding pathogen adherence, AXHT reduced the bacterial survival for Salmonella Enteritidis, S. Typhimurium, and S. Montevideo in 25, 30, and 45%, respectively, by day 12. The findings of this research demonstrate the application of nanotechnology to biopolymers, enabling the production of safer foods with acceptable quality parameters for consumers.

Maize plays a crucial role in global nutrition and food security, with Mexico making a significant contribution through its diverse native corn genotypes. However, research on flours derived from these native maize genotypes remains limited, hindering their potential applications in food manufacturing. This study aimed to determine the nutritional, physicochemical, techno-functional, structural, and antioxidant properties of corn kernel flours from nine native Mexican maize accessions cultivated in the highlands of Jalisco. Enough cobs for each maize accession were randomly selected to yield 1000 g of corn kernels. Data analysis was conducted by analysis of variance and Kruskal–Wallis tests (α = 0.05). Moreover, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) were performed. Native corn kernel flour (NCKF) demonstrated higher protein and fat content compared to white hybrid corn flour (WHF). While both flours showed similar pH, titratable acidity, and water activity levels, NCKF exhibited higher total soluble solids. Additionally, NCKF showed superior techno-functional properties, including water solubility, water absorption index, swelling power, emulsifying capacity, and foaming capacity, while its oil absorption index was comparable to that of WHF. Moreover, NCKF contained higher levels of bioactive compounds, such as soluble phenols, condensed tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids, along with enhanced antioxidant properties, as measured by FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays. FTIR analysis revealed that all NCKF samples exhibited patterns similar to those of WHF with differences in transmittance intensities. Notably, spectral differences were identified by PCA, while HCA demonstrated that corn flours exhibited similitudes and differences among them, which can be categorized into four groups based on their nutritional, physicochemical, and technological–functional properties, as well as antioxidant compound contents. Overall, the evaluated corn flours displayed nutritional, physicochemical, techno-functional, and antioxidant properties for the potential development of functional or nutraceutical food and beverage products.

Vacuum impregnation (VI) of natural extracts is often used as a pretreatment for fruit dehydration. Apple slices were subjected to VI [X_VP: vacuum pressure (−0.4 to −0.2 mbar), X_IT: impregnation time (2–10 min), and X_RT: restoration time (1–3 min)] of Hibiscus sabdariffa (HS) calyces aqueous extract and optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Total soluble phenols (TSP) and flavonoids, antioxidant capacity, and physicochemical parameters were evaluated before and after vacuum impregnation. Also, optimized VI apple slices were heat air-dried and characterized for all the mentioned parameters. Under the experimental conditions, all vacuum-impregnated apple slices increased in TSP content, with impregnation time, restoration time, and the interaction between impregnation time and vacuum pressure being the key factors. According to RSM, the optimal VI conditions for TSP (R² = 0.99) were X_VP −0.4 bar, X_IT: 6.73 min, and X_RT 3 min. VI also improved flavonoid and antioxidant activities (DPPH and ABTS) of apple slices and promoted changes in total soluble solids, pH, titratable acidity, water activity, moisture, and color (luminosity, a*, and b*) parameters. Additionally, vacuum-impregnated apple slices (under optimized conditions) were further dehydrated, resulting in an increase in soluble phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity. VI with HS extract is an effective alternative for developing dehydrated apple slices with an increase in antioxidant compounds.

This study focused on optimizing ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) conditions (X_PC: pulse cycle of 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 s on/off; X_UP: ultrasound power of 80, 90, and 100%; and X_ET: extraction time of 2, 4, and 6 min) for maximizing the content of soluble phenols (TSPs) and flavonoids (FLAs) from a native Mexican pigmented corn kernel powder through response surface methodology (RSM). Under the Box–Behnken design conditions, the UAE of TSPs ranged from 27.72 to 34.87 mg/g, while FLA content ranged from 16.59 to 27.28 mg/g. The highest content for TSPs was under 4 min X_ET, 1:1 s on/off X_PC, and 100% X_UP, while for flavonoids it was under 6 min X_ET, 2:1 s on/off X_PC, and 80% X_UP. According to RSM analysis, the optimal UAE conditions for TSPs were found to be X_ET 3.15 min, 1.58 s on/off X_PC, and 100% X_UP, and an X_ET of 4.18 min, 3 s on/off X_PC, and 80% X_UP were the best experimental conditions for FLAs with a predictive TSP of 35.07 mg/g and FLA of 27.51 mg/g. These data were adjusted in a second-order polynomial model and experimentally validated (TSP = 34.06 mg/g and 27.04 mg/g). Furthermore, the extracts demonstrated antioxidant activity (ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH methods) for optimal UAE for TSPs and FLAs. The antioxidant extract from the native Mexican pigmented corn kernel powder can be used for diverse industrial applications. Thus, the UAE is an effective and sustainable technology for recovering bioactive compounds from maize-based materials.