Juan Luis Morales-Landa

The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria highlights the need for alternative membrane-active compounds with favorable safety profiles. β-Caryophyllene (BCP), a bicyclic sesquiterpene, has demonstrated antimicrobial effects; however, its biological responses in Gram-negative bacteria and associated membrane interactions remain insufficiently characterized. In this study, the growth inhibitory effect of BCP against E. coli ATCC 25922 was evaluated through OD595 growth kinetics, while hemocompatibility was assessed using sheep erythrocytes, and cannabidiol (CBD) was included as a comparative control. To investigate membrane-associated effects, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was performed using DPPE/DPPG (8:2) bilayers as a simplified phospholipid membrane model. BCP inhibited bacterial growth with an IC₅₀ of 0.83 mg/mL and exhibited low hemolytic activity (2.92% at 1 mg/mL). DSC analyses revealed concentration-dependent shifts in phase transition temperature and reductions in transition enthalpy (ΔH kJ/mol) 36% and 82% for BCP-5 and CBD-10 according to the control, indicating alterations in lipid organization and membrane thermotropic behavior. In contrast, CBD showed greater growth inhibitory potency (IC₅₀ of 0.042 mg/mL) but more pronounced disruption of membrane organization. Overall, these findings suggest that BCP exhibits moderate growth inhibition associated with membrane related effects and low hemolytic activity, providing insights into the relationship between physicochemical properties, membrane interactions, and biological responses.

El sobrepeso está asociado con inflamación crónica de bajo grado y riesgo metabólico. En este contexto, el aceite de nuez pecanera constituye una alternativa nutraceútica por su contenido de ácidos grasos insaturados. Sin embargo, el proceso de obtención puede afectar su calidad y composición. Este estudio evaluó el efecto de dos métodos de extracción prensado en frío y utilizando hexano y tres tamaños Granzón (Gz) Granillo (Gr) y Pawnee (Pw) sobre el rendimiento, calidad fisicoquímica, color, inocuidad microbiológica y perfil de ácidos grasos de aceites obtenidos. Gz presentó el mayor rendimiento con hexano (p<0.05) con 74.1%, mientras para prensado fue de 51%. En la calidad fisicoquímica para Pw, el índice de peroxidación y acidez fue de 2.3 meq O₂/kg, y 0.45 mg KOH/g; 4.6 meq O₂/kg y 0.91 mg KOH/g para el primero y segundo respectivamente. También mostró mayor luminosidad con 6.3 y tono verdoso con -0.8. Ambos métodos produjeron aceites con perfiles ricos en ácidos grasos insaturados superiores al 80%, con oleico, linoleico y linolénico de hasta 65.05, 35.85 y 1.98% respectivamente mediante prensado, sin crecimiento microbiano. Por lo anterior, el prensado favorece la calidad fisicoquímica, inocuidad y el potencial nutraceútico del aceite para aplicaciones clínicas.

Background: The pecan nutshell contains phytochemicals with various biological activities that are potentially useful in the prevention or treatment of diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and metabolic imbalances associated with heart diseases. Objective: The aim of this study is to update this topic by means of a literature review and include those studies that contribute to the knowledge of the chemical composition and biological activities of pecan nutshell, particularly those related to the therapeutic potential against some chronic degenerative diseases associated with oxidative stress. Method: Exhaustive and detailed review of the existing literature was conducted using electronic databases. Conclusion: The pecan nutshell is a promising natural product with pharmaceutical uses in various diseases. However, additional research related to the assessment of efficient extraction methods and characterization, particularly the evaluation of the mechanisms of action in new in vivo models, is necessary to confirm these findings and development of new drugs with therapeutic use.

Background: Allium sativum L., or garlic, is one of the most studied plants worldwide within the field of traditional medicine. Current interests lie in the potential use of garlic as a preventive measure and adjuvant treatment for viral infections, e.g., SARS-CoV-2. Even though it cannot be presented as a single treatment, its beneficial effects are beyond doubt. The World Health Organization has deemed it an essential part of any balanced diet with immunomodulatory properties. Objective: The aim of the study was to review the literature on the effects of garlic compounds and preparations on immunomodulation and viral infection management, with emphasis on SARS-CoV- -2. Method: Exhaustive literature search has been carried out on electronic databases. Conclusion: Garlic is a fundamental part of a well-balanced diet which helps maintain general good health. The reported information regarding garlic’s ability to beneficially modulate inflammation and the immune system is encouraging. Nonetheless, more efforts must be made to understand the actual medicinal properties and mechanisms of action of the compounds found in this plant to inhibit or diminish viral infections, particularly SARS-CoV-2. Based on our findings, we propose a series of innovative strategies to achieve such a challenge in the near future.