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Bioactive Compounds from Plants: Identification, Characterization, and Pharmacological Activity

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A Special Issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049) belonging to the section "Natural Products Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2026 | Viewed by 8889

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Editors

Prof. Dr. José Ángel López-Valenzuela

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Guest Editor

Facultad de Ciencias Quimicos Biologicas, Universidad Autonoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, Mexico
Interests: metabolomics; bioactive compounds; biological activities of bioactive compounds; proteomics; molecular genetics; quality traits

Dr. María Fernanda Quintero-Soto

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Guest Editor Assistant

Departamento de Ingenieria en Alimentos, Universidad Politécnica del Mar y la Sierra， Elota, Mexico
Interests: phytochemistry; peptides; food chemistry; antioxidants; functional foods; food processing; medicinal plants; bioactive compounds

Dr. Nancy Yareli Salazar-Salas

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Guest Editor Assistant

Facultad de Ciencias Quimicos Biologicas, Universidad Autonoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, Mexico
Interests: proteomics; metabolomics; biological activities of bioactive compounds; peptide activities

Dr. Karen V. Pineda-Hidalgo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant

Facultad de Ciencias Quimicos Biologicas, Universidad Autonoma de Sinaloa, Culiacán, Mexico
Interests: omics science; omics analysis; functional foods; postharvest; primary crops; nutraceuticals; breeding; bioactive compounds

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plants are essential sources of a wide variety of bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, carotenoids, vitamins, and glucosinolates, which are essential for maintaining human health. These compounds are known for their diverse functional properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects, among others, which contribute to the prevention of chronic diseases. Interest in these substances has driven the need for advanced methodologies for their precise identification and characterization, as well as for understanding their mechanisms of action at the molecular level.

This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of bioactive compounds derived from plants. We invite submissions of original research articles and reviews addressing topics such as the identification of new compounds, the development of innovative analytical techniques for their characterization, the evaluation of their in vitro and in vivo pharmacological activity, their bioavailability, and their impact on health. We seek to gather papers that enrich knowledge about the therapeutic and functional potential of these important natural components.

Prof. Dr. José Ángel López-Valenzuela
Guest Editor

Dr. María Fernanda Quintero-Soto
Dr. Nancy Yareli Salazar-Salas
Dr. Karen V. Pineda-Hidalgo
Guest Editor Assistants

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Keywords

antioxidants
medicinal plants
bioactive compounds
phytochemicals
peptides
chemical characterization
bioavailability
biological activities
functional properties
mechanisms of action
therapeutic potential
pharmacological properties

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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21 pages, 8788 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Rosifoliol/Agarospirol and 7α-Hydroxysandaracopimaric Acid from Salvia elegans Vahl on Local Inflammation and LPS-Activated RAW-Blue Cells

by Maribel Herrera-Ruiz, Manasés González-Cortazar, Verónica Sánchez-Sánchez, Gabriela Belen Martínez-Hernández, Alejandro Zamilpa, Yury Maritza Zapata-Lopera and Enrique Jiménez-Ferrer

Molecules 2026, 31(18), 3180; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31183180 - 10 Sep 2026

Viewed by 214

Abstract

Salvia elegans Vahl. is used to treat inflammatory conditions; however, its direct anti-inflammatory activity has been scarcely investigated. This study evaluated the ethyl acetate extract (SeAcOEt) in vivo and in vitro, using the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced mouse ear edema model, and the effects of selected isolated metabolites on inflammatory signaling by measuring NF-κB/AP-1-dependent SEAP reporter activity in LPS-stimulated RAW-Blue™ macrophages. Phytochemical characterization was performed using thin-layer chromatography, column chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrometry, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). SeAcOEt yielded the following three fractions: SeFA, containing the terpene mixture rosifoliol (1)/agarospirol (2); SeFB, ursolic acid (3) and 7α-hydroxysandaracopimaric acid (4); and SeFC, jaceosidin (5) and isosakuranetin-5-O-rutinoside (6). SeAcOEt inhibited TPA-induced ear edema by 87.3%, whereas SeFB showed the highest activity (97.4%), comparable to indomethacin. The terpene mixture and 7α-hydroxysandaracopimaric acid reduced NF-κB/AP-1-dependent SEAP reporter activity in LPS-stimulated RAW-Blue™ macrophages. The anti-inflammatory activity of S. elegans could be associated with the combined contribution of phytochemicals enriched in the bioactive fraction SeFB rather than with a single active constituent. This study expands the phytochemical knowledge of S. elegans by reporting 7α-hydroxysandaracopimaric acid and provides pharmacological evidence supporting the traditional use of this species for inflammatory conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Plants: Identification, Characterization, and Pharmacological Activity)

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24 pages, 3302 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Characterization of Freeze-Dried Stenocereus stellatus Seeds and Their Antihyperglycemic Activity in Experimental Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes

by Víctor Hugo Oidor-Chan, Fernando Díaz de León-Sánchez, Leonardo del Valle-Mondragón, Raúl Martínez-Memije, Juan Carlos Torres-Narváez, Francisco Cruz-Sosa, Mariana Patlán, Manuel Miranda, Melani León-Martínez, Victoria López-Olmos, Luz Ibarra-Lara and Vicente Castrejón-Téllez

Molecules 2026, 31(17), 2964; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31172964 - 25 Aug 2026

Viewed by 308

Abstract

Background: Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are characterized by progressive impairment of glucose homeostasis. This study aimed to expand the phytochemical profile of freeze-dried Stenocereus stellatus (red tunillo) seeds and evaluate their antihyperglycemic activity in experimental models of prediabetes (PDB) and T2D. Results: Phytochemical screening and UPLC-QTOF-MSE revealed a chemically diverse profile. Six chromatographic features were putatively annotated on the basis of accurate mass, elemental composition, isotopic pattern, and high-energy data; the confidence of these annotations varied among features because authentic standards were not analyzed. Fourteen-day oral administration of freeze-dried seeds reduced blood glucose and improved glucose tolerance in prediabetic rats. In T2D rats, treatment reduced hyperglycemia and enhanced the glucose-lowering response to exogenous insulin, although the overall glucose excursion during the OGTT was not significantly improved. Methods: Female rats with PDB and male rats with T2D were fed freeze-dried S. stellatus seeds at 100 and 200 mg kg⁻¹, respectively, for 14 consecutive days. Conclusions: Freeze-dried S. stellatus seeds showed antihyperglycemic activity in both experimental models. Further quantitative, mechanistic, and long-term studies are required to define the contribution of individual metabolites and assess translational relevance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Plants: Identification, Characterization, and Pharmacological Activity)

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23 pages, 14321 KB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Forestiera tomentosa Fruit: Proximate Composition, Physicochemical Parameters, Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Capacity, and Toxicological Assessment

by Salvador Hernández-Estrada, Luis Antonio Ramirez-Contreras, Luis Alfonso Hernández-Villaseñor, Jorge Manuel Silva-Jara, Efigenia Montalvo-González, Zuamí Villagrán, Noé Rodríguez-Barajas, Jorge L. Mejía-Méndez, Carlos Arnulfo Velázquez-Carriles, Martin Zermeño-Ruiz and Luis Miguel Anaya-Esparza

Molecules 2026, 31(14), 2542; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31142542 - 22 Jul 2026

Viewed by 938

Abstract

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Plants: Identification, Characterization, and Pharmacological Activity)

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21 pages, 773 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phytochemical Characterisation of Naranjilla (Solanum quitoense Lam.) Segregants from Interspecific Crosses Within Section Lasiocarpa

by William Viera-Arroyo, Iván Samaniego, Joseph Salazar, Michelle Noboa, Wilson Vásquez-Castillo and Jorge Merino

Molecules 2026, 31(13), 2217; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31132217 - 24 Jun 2026

Viewed by 479

Abstract

Naranjilla (Solanum quitoense Lam.) is an Andean fruit crop of high economic and nutraceutical value, appreciated for its acidic-aromatic flavour and its contents of carotenoids, vitamin C and phenolic compounds. However, naranjilla production is constrained by susceptibility to pests and diseases, which has promoted the use of wild relatives from section Lasiocarpa in breeding programmes. The objective of this study was to characterise the physical, chemical, mineral and antioxidant attributes of 21 naranjilla materials developed in Ecuador and to identify elite segregants using multivariate approaches. Significant differences were observed among segregants for all evaluated variables. Antioxidant capacity, together with polyphenols and flavonoids, explained the largest proportion of total variation, whereas soluble solids and acidity were associated with organoleptic quality. Segregant P40 stood out due to its high antioxidant activity, soluble solids content and fruit weight; hence, it was identified as the most outstanding elite material. These results confirm the potential of naranjilla breeding in improving both yield and fruit quality. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Plants: Identification, Characterization, and Pharmacological Activity)

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22 pages, 3029 KB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolomic Analysis of Heliopsis longipes Roots Across Phenological Stages

by Victoria Ruiz-Castillo, Ramón Gerardo Guevara-González, César Ibarra-Alvarado, Pedro Alberto Vázquez-Landaverde, Eduardo Rodríguez de San Miguel, Pablo Aguilar-Rodríguez, Martha Elena García-Aguilera, Nuria Esturau-Escofet and Alejandra Rojas-Molina

Molecules 2026, 31(12), 2114; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31122114 - 16 Jun 2026

Viewed by 641

Abstract

Heliopsis longipes, commonly known as chilcuague, is a Mexican medicinal plant recognized for its diverse biological activities, largely attributed to its alkamide content, particularly affinin. However, metabolic variations associated with plant development remain poorly understood. This study evaluated the influence of phenological stage on the phytochemical profile and vasodilatory activity of H. longipes roots. Dichloromethane root extracts from plants at different developmental stages were analyzed using metabolomics based on ¹H NMR spectroscopy, complemented by GC–MS profiling. Major alkamides were isolated and structurally characterized as analytical standards. Notably, three alkamides, N-isobutylundeca-2(E)-en-8,10-diynamide, N-isobutylundeca-3(E)-en-8,10-diynamide, and N-isobutyl-2(E),4(Z)-undecadiene-8,10-diynamide, are reported for the first time in H. longipes roots. Multivariate analyses (PCA and OPLS-DA) revealed significant stage-dependent metabolic variation, particularly in affinin. The lack of correlation between valine decarboxylase activity and affinin levels suggests additional regulatory steps in its biosynthesis. Vasodilatory activity increased during development, reaching maximum effect during fructification and defoliation stages, with no significant differences between them. These findings highlight the impact of phenological stage on alkamide production and bioactivity, providing a basis for optimizing cultivation and harvest timing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Plants: Identification, Characterization, and Pharmacological Activity)

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27 pages, 1284 KB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Harvesting Method on Essential Oil Composition, Antioxidant Activity, and Operational Efficiency in Anatolian Sage (Salvia fruticosa Mill.)

by Sadiye Ayşe Çelik

Molecules 2026, 31(12), 2023; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31122023 - 9 Jun 2026

Viewed by 349

Abstract

Salvia fruticosa Mill. (Anatolian sage) is an important medicinal and aromatic plant widely valued for its essential oil and phenolic compounds. Harvesting practices may influence both biomass yield and the chemical quality of plant raw materials. This study evaluated the effects of manual and machine harvesting on selected physical characteristics, essential oil composition, mineral content, and antioxidant-related phytochemical properties of S. fruticosa cultivated under Central Anatolian conditions, together with the operational performance of both harvesting methods. Manual harvesting resulted in higher fresh and dry biomass yields and a greater essential oil content (2.03%) compared with machine harvesting (1.57%). Mineral analysis showed that Ca, Zn, Cu, and B concentrations were higher in manually harvested samples, whereas K and Mg contents were slightly higher in machine-harvested plants. Essential oil characterization demonstrated that 1,8-cineole was the dominant compound and its proportion differed markedly between harvesting methods, reaching 43.07% in manual harvesting and 21.77% in machine harvesting. Antioxidant activity determined by the DPPH assay was 0.093 mg TE mL⁻¹ for manual harvesting and 0.096 mg TE mL⁻¹ for machine harvesting. Additional phytochemical analyses revealed total phenolic contents of 134.6 and 129.3 mg GAE g⁻¹ extract, total flavonoid contents of 22.7 and 25.2 mg QE g⁻¹ extract and FRAP values of 382 and 336 µmol Fe²⁺ g⁻¹ extract for manual and machine harvesting, respectively. These findings indicate that harvesting technique affects certain compositional parameters but causes only limited changes in the overall antioxidant potential of S. fruticosa extracts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Plants: Identification, Characterization, and Pharmacological Activity)

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21 pages, 1315 KB

Open AccessArticle

Phenolic Profile, Antioxidant Capacity, and Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity of High-Oil Corn Doubled-Haploid Hybrids from Mexico

by Cynthia A. López-Torres, Nancy Y. Salazar-Salas, Gabriela López-Angulo, Francisco Delgado-Vargas, Karen V. Pineda-Hidalgo, Alicia Navarro-Leyva, Ricardo E. Preciado-Ortíz, Luis A. Peinado-Fuentes and José A. López-Valenzuela

Molecules 2026, 31(10), 1654; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31101654 - 14 May 2026

Viewed by 606

Abstract

High-oil corn (HOC, >6% oil) is associated with increased germ size, which can be accompanied by greater accumulation of bioactive compounds such as phenolics. This study compared the phenolic content, antioxidant capacity (AC), and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (αGI) of HOC and commercial corn hybrids. Twelve HOC hybrids (eight white, four yellow) obtained from doubled haploid lines and three normal corn hybrids (white) were used. Methanolic extracts were analyzed for total phenolics (Folin–Ciocalteu), flavonoids (AlCl₃), AC (ABTS, DPPH), phenolic profiles by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, and αGI. All HOC hybrids met the test weight (≥73 kg/hL) required for nixtamalized products. They showed great variability in total phenolics, total flavonoids, and AC; the white HOC hybrid NWP19xNWP81 showed the highest values, significantly higher than those of commercial hybrids. Phenolic profiles showed 19 compounds, mostly ferulic acid derivatives; the NWP19xNWP81 hybrid showed the highest content of most of them. The levels of 15 compounds correlated positively with the AC. Eight HOC hybrids showed higher αGI than the commercial hybrids, highlighting BYP103xNYP135 (yellow). Some compounds (e.g., dehydrodiferuloyl diarabinofuranoside and dimethyl dehydrodiferuloyl diarabinofuranoside) showed high affinity for α-glucosidase. These results suggest that some HOC hybrids have superior nutraceutical quality, and their use as food or feed could provide better health benefits than normal corn. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Plants: Identification, Characterization, and Pharmacological Activity)

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23 pages, 3152 KB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Cytotoxic Activity of Coleus hadiensis Methanolic Extract: Metabolic and Transcriptomic Effects in Lung Cancer Cell Line

by Ana L. Valdez-Arellanes, Mónica A. Ramírez-Cabrera, Eder U. Arredondo-Espinoza, Emanuel Hernández-Núñez, Monica N. Sanchez-González, Isaias Balderas-Rentería and Karla Ramirez-Estrada

Molecules 2026, 31(7), 1074; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31071074 - 25 Mar 2026

Viewed by 955

Abstract

Cancer cells resort to metabolic reprogramming to sustain proliferation. Lung cancer has one of the highest mortality rates of all types of cancer. An important factor in its high mortality rate is its tumors’ ability to undergo significant metabolic reprogramming. Phytochemicals can counteract this altered metabolism and exhibit anticancer properties. Coleus hadiensis, a plant used in traditional medicine, has shown such potential. This study evaluated the in vitro cytotoxic activity of its methanolic extract and its effects on the metabolism of HTB-177 lung cancer cells. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis of this extract was performed to characterize its main constituents. Lung cancer cells were treated with different extract concentrations to evaluate their response to the extract. Cytotoxicity was determined using an MTT assay, and metabolites were analyzed through ¹H-NMR spectroscopy combined with multivariate statistical analysis. Transcriptomic profiling was also conducted to assess gene expression changes in metabolic pathways. Three main phenolic compounds were identified in the extract. The HPLC profile revealed peaks corresponding to gallic acid (GA), ferulic acid (FA), and rosmarinic acid (RA). The extract exhibited cytotoxic activity with an IC₅₀ of 192.85 µg/mL. Metabolic alterations were observed mainly in glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and lipid metabolism—key pathways for tumor growth. Transcriptomic data revealed altered metabolism-related genes. The upregulation of ME1 correlated with the observed increase in pyruvate levels, while the downregulation of ALDH7A1 and ASRGL1 was linked to altered amino acid catabolism. Furthermore, transcriptomic data revealed the upregulation of the pro-apoptotic gene HRK. These results indicate that the methanolic extract of C. hadiensis possesses cytotoxic activity against lung cancer cells by modulating central metabolic routes and gene expression linked to cancer cell survival and proliferation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Plants: Identification, Characterization, and Pharmacological Activity)

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18 pages, 2275 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Phytochemical Analysis of Plant Nanophyton iliense U.P. Pratov from Kazakhstan Using LC-MS

by Kudaibergenova Moldir K., Datkhayev Ubaidilla M., Bharathi Avula, Kumar Katragunta, Kiran Kumar Tatapudi, Jennyfer A. Aldana-Mejía, Ikhlas A. Khan, Akhtayeva Nursulu Z., Mukhametzhan Ayala S., Kiyekbayeva Lashyn N. and Samir A. Ross

Molecules 2026, 31(6), 918; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31060918 - 10 Mar 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1536

Abstract

To date, the phytochemical composition of the aerial parts of Nanophyton iliense U.P. Pratov has not been comprehensively investigated. In the present study, qualitative metabolite profiling of the methanolic extract of the aerial parts was performed using liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detection and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-QToF-MS) operating in both positive and negative electrospray ionization modes. A total of 81 metabolites were tentatively identified based on accurate mass measurements, MS/MS fragmentation patterns obtained in all-ion MS/MS mode, and comparison with previously reported literature data. The detected compounds included hydroxycinnamic acid amides, phenolic acids, flavonoids (including glycosides), amino acids, organic acids, sulfated derivatives, and nucleosides. Among them, the flavonoid narcissin (isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside) was isolated from the extract, and its structure was confirmed by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy supported by COSY, HSQC, and HMBC experiments. Additionally, a compound with the molecular formula C₁₇H₁₄O₅ was detected; however, its structure could not be conclusively established based on the available spectroscopic data and is therefore reported as an unidentified metabolite. The present study provides the first systematic qualitative characterization of the metabolite profile of N. iliense and establishes a foundation for future quantitative and bioactivity-oriented investigations of this species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Plants: Identification, Characterization, and Pharmacological Activity)

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16 pages, 1230 KB

Open AccessArticle

In Vitro Bioactivity of a Supercritical CO₂ Naringenin-Rich Lippia graveolens Extract on Diabetes-Related Metabolic Disturbances

by Manuel Adrian Picos-Salas, Erika Ortega-Hernández, Luis Angel Cabanillas-Bojórquez, Nayely Leyva-López, Josefina León-Félix, Miguel Angel Angulo-Escalante, José Basilio Heredia, Marilena Antunes-Ricardo and Erick Paul Gutiérrez-Grijalva

Molecules 2026, 31(5), 876; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31050876 - 6 Mar 2026

Viewed by 851

Abstract

A naringenin-rich extract was obtained from Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens Kunth) by supercritical CO₂ extraction and subjected to simulated gastrointestinal digestion to evaluate its potential to mitigate oxidative stress, reduce nitric oxide (NO) production, and enhance glucose uptake, an indicator of insulin resistance. Even after the simulated digestion, the extracts still showed activity, as the digested supercritical extract showed cellular antioxidant activity in colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells higher than 80%, increased glucose uptake in hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells with insulin resistance by 29.9% and decreased NO production in 38.1% in murine macrophages (RAW 264.7). The methanolic extract showed similar results but led to higher NO production. In general, supercritical CO₂ extraction yields higher flavonoid content in oregano extract than conventional methanolic extraction, as reflected in the biological activities; moreover, the green nature of the process supports the development of functional ingredients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Plants: Identification, Characterization, and Pharmacological Activity)

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12 pages, 905 KB

Open AccessReview

Bessera elegans (Asparagaceae): Botany, Phytochemistry, and Cytotoxic and Insecticidal Activities of an Underexplored Mexican Species

by Luz Janet Tagle-Emigdio, David Osvaldo Salinas-Sánchez, Erubiel Toledo-Hernández, Miguel Angel Mendoza-Catalán, Ana Elvira Zacapala-Gómez, Daniel Hernández-Sotelo, Anette Guadalupe Leyva-Bello, Edgar Jesús Delgado-Nuñez, Rodolfo Figueroa-Brito and César Sotelo-Leyva

Molecules 2026, 31(6), 1030; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31061030 - 19 Mar 2026

Viewed by 747

Abstract

Bessera elegans (Asparagaceae) is an endemic Mexican species that is traditionally valued for ornamental purposes and locally reported medicinal uses, yet it remains largely underexplored from phytochemical and biological perspectives. The identification of bioactive secondary metabolites from under-investigated plant species is a key step toward developing plant-derived compounds with potential biotechnological applications. Therefore, in this context, we compile and critically analyze the available information on the botany, phytochemistry, and reported cytotoxic and insecticidal activities of B. elegans. Phytochemical studies, mainly focused on the bulbs, have led to the isolation of steroidal glycosides, homoisoflavonoids, flavonoids, and norlignans. Several of these compounds exhibit cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines, including leukemia and lung adenocarcinoma models. More recent investigations of flower extracts have revealed additional classes of secondary metabolites and preliminary insecticidal activity, highlighting the species’ chemical diversity. Although the current biological evidence remains limited, the reported cytotoxic and insecticidal effects provide a biochemical basis supporting the relevance of B. elegans as a potential source of plant-derived bioactive compounds. This review highlights existing knowledge gaps and emphasizes the need for further phytochemical and biological studies to support future biotechnological applications of metabolites from underexplored endemic plant species. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Plants: Identification, Characterization, and Pharmacological Activity)

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