Search Results (249)

Corn is one of the most consumed cereals in the Mexican diet. In this country, there are multiple varieties that exhibit nutraceutical potential due to their content of different metabolites with biological activity, such as blue corn. Another variety that has received little study is the red pigmented corn variety Chilac from Puebla, Mexico, which is being studied for its nutraceutical potential. A differential extraction using the Soxhlet method was carried out to evaluate the phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and monomeric anthocyanins, and free radical scavenging test was performed using the DPPH reagent. A proximate analysis was also conducted to identify the main macronutrients. The results of the proximate analysis were comparable to those of other traditional corn varieties, with carbohydrates being the macronutrient present in the highest amount at 77.9%. Regarding phenolic content and the presence of anthocyanins, the best extractions were obtained using alcoholic solvents; for example, ethanol for phenols, yielding 1368.420 ± 104.094 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/kg plant. In contrast, the flavonoid content was higher in the aqueous extract, with 833.984 ± 65.218 mg QE/Kg. In the case of the DPPH assay, the best result was obtained with ethyl acetate (73.81 ± 5.31%). These findings provide a foundation for expanding the use of corn varieties with nutraceutical potential, opening the possibility of studies focused on deeper characterization. Full article

Background: Cardiovascular diseases, particularly hypertension, and gastrointestinal disorders represent major public health concerns in Mexico. Although a range of pharmacological treatments exists, their use is associated with adverse effects, highlighting the need for safer therapeutic alternatives. Species of the Ipomoea genus are widely employed in Mexican traditional medicine (MTM) for their purgative, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and sedative properties. Particularly, Ipomoea purpurea is traditionally used as a diuretic and purgative; its leaves and stems are applied topically for their anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. This study aimed to determine their phytochemical composition and to evaluate the associated vasodilatory activity, modulatory effects on intestinal smooth-muscle motility, and toxicological effects of the methanolic (ME-Ip) and dichloromethane (DE-Ip) extracts obtained from the aerial parts of I. purpurea. Methods: The phytochemical composition of the ME-Ip and DE-Ip extracts of I. purpurea was assessed using UPLC-QTOF-MS and GC-MS, respectively. For both extracts, the vasodilatory activity and effects on intestinal smooth muscle were investigated using ex vivo models incorporating isolated rat aorta and ileum, respectively, whereas acute toxicity was evaluated in vivo. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed, for the first time, the presence of two glycosylated flavonoids within the Ipomoea genus; likewise, constituents with potential anti-inflammatory activity were detected. The identified compounds in I. purpurea extracts may contribute to the vasodilatory, biphasic, and purgative effects observed in this species. The EC₅₀ values for the vasodilatory effects of the methanolic (ME-Ip) and dichloromethane (DE-Ip) extracts were 0.80 and 0.72 mg/mL, respectively. In the initial phase of the experiments on isolated ileal tissues, both extracts induced a spasmodic (contractile) effect on basal motility, with ME-Ip exhibiting higher potency (EC₅₀ = 27.11 μg/mL) compared to DE-Ip (EC₅₀ = 1765 μg/mL). In contrast, during the final phase of the experiments, both extracts demonstrated a spasmolytic effect, with EC₅₀ values of 0.43 mg/mL for ME-Ip and 0.34 mg/mL for DE-Ip. In addition, both extracts exhibited low levels of acute toxicity. Conclusions: The phytochemical profile and the vasodilatory and biphasic effects of the I. purpurea extracts explain, in part, the use of I. purpurea in MTM. The absence of acute toxic effects constitutes a preliminary step in the toxicological safety assessment of I. purpurea extracts and demonstrates their potential for the development of phytopharmaceutic agents as adjuvants for the treatment of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders. Full article

The role of the gut microbiota in obesity has been extensively studied worldwide, but research in Mexican populations is still limited. This is particularly important given the high obesity rates in Mexico, despite a traditional diet rich in diverse, plant-based foods. We conducted a systematic review of studies examining the gut microbiota in obese Mexican children and adults. The literature search was conducted in the Medline, CINAHL, SciELO, Redalyc and Web of Science databases. The included studies addressed topics such as obesity in different Mexican subgroups (e.g., adults, children, rural communities), dietary behaviors and interventions, traditional dietary patterns, and gut microbiota composition. Of the 2332 datasets, 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. These studies indicated that obesity in Mexican individuals is associated with specific changes in the gut microbiota, including decreased bacterial diversity and shifts in the abundance of key microbial genera. Differences were found between age groups and regions. This review highlights a clear association between gut microbiota composition and obesity in the Mexican population. Further research is essential to investigate how the traditional Mexican diet may influence gut health and serve as a potential tool to treat obesity. Full article

The efficacy of two selected Metarhizium rileyi Mexican isolates (T9-21 and L8-22) against Spodoptera frugiperda was evaluated under greenhouse conditions. To this end, a suspension (1 × 10⁸ conidia/mL) of these isolates was sprayed on maize plants previously infested with six second-instar larvae. No significant differences were observed between the survival curves of the T9-21 and L8-22 isolates. Cadaver sporulation was significantly higher, and the lethal time was significantly lower with the T9-21 isolate compared with those of the L8-22 isolate (97% and 8 days vs. 70% and 10 days, respectively). Based on these results, a small-scale field trial on maize was performed to evaluate the degree of pest control achieved by the T9-21 isolate and compare it with the insecticide spinetoram, applied at a rate of 1 × 10¹³ conidia/ha and 75 mL/ha, respectively. No significant differences were observed in the proportion of larval mortality between the T9-21 isolate (0.49) and spinetoram (0.72). However, spinetoram significantly reduced natural enemies and phytophagous insect populations compared with the fungus and the control. In conclusion, M. rileyi T9-21 isolate could be a promising alternative for the control of S. frugiperda larvae. Full article

A previously pyrometallurgical process, developed to obtain a Pb-Ag alloy and a slag rich in sulfur from the recycling of a mixture of industrial wastes of jarosite and lead paste, was thermodynamically assessed at 1200 °C. The industrial jarosite sourced from a Mexican zinc hydrometallurgical plant corresponded to an ammonium jarosite with a measurable silver content. The specific heat capacity (Cp) of the ammonium jarosite was obtained from TGA and DSC measurements, as well as the thermodynamic functions of enthalpy, entropy, and Gibbs free energy. The Cp was successfully modeled using polynomial regression, with a second-degree polynomial employed to describe the low-temperature behavior. The thermodynamic data generated were input into the thermodynamic software FactSage 8.2 for modeling of the lead paste–ammonium jarosite-Na₂CO₃-SiC system and represented by stability phase diagrams. The thermodynamic assessment of the pyrometallurgical process predicted compounds formed at high temperatures, showing that a Pb-Ag alloy and a slag rich in Na, S, and Fe (NaFeS₂ and NaFeO₂) were obtained. The compounds formed evidence of the effective sulfur retention in the slag, which is crucial for mitigating SO₂ emissions during high-temperature treatments. The experimental compounds, after solidification, were determined by X-ray diffraction measurements to be Na₂Fe(SO₄)₂ and Na₂(SO₄), which reasonably match the thermodynamic assessment. The heat capacity of the ammonium jarosite provides essential thermodynamic insights into the compositional complexities of industrial waste, which are particularly relevant for thermodynamic modeling and process optimization in pyrometallurgical systems aimed at metal recovery and residue valorization. Full article

The growing threat of antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria highlights the urgent need for innovative, non-bactericidal therapeutic strategies. Quorum-sensing (QS) inhibition has emerged as a promising approach to attenuate bacterial virulence without exerting selective pressure. This study evaluated the antimicrobial, anti-QS, and antibiofilm properties of aqueous extracts from five medicinal plants native to northeastern Mexico: Gymnosperma glutinosum, Ibervillea sonorae, Larrea tridentata, Olea europaea, and Tecoma stans. Disk diffusion and violacein quantification assays using Chromobacterium violaceum demonstrated significant QS inhibition by G. glutinosum and T. stans, with violacein reductions of 60.02% and 52.72%, respectively, at 40 mg/mL. While L. tridentata and O. europaea exhibited antibacterial activity, I. sonorae showed no growth or pigment inhibition but achieved the highest biofilm disruption (89.89%) against Salmonella typhimurium. UPLC-MS analysis identified chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, and D-(−)-quinic acid as major constituents, compounds previously associated with QS modulation. These findings highlight the potential of traditional Mexican plant species as sources of QS inhibitors and bio-film-disrupting agents, supporting their further development as alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Full article

Heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems is a critical environmental issue worldwide. In these ecosystems, the seston adsorbs heavy metals from the water and introduces them into the food web, causing potential environmental and health risks. This study analyses how heavy metals (Cd, Hg, Cr, Cu, Pb, Fe, and Mn) are distributed in the water and seston of the Tampamachoco Lagoon, an ecosystem affected by pollution from a thermoelectric plant and by hydrometeorological variability, both of which influence their concentrations. The relationships among metal distribution, physicochemical variables, and the influence of plant emissions in three seasons (rainy, northerly windstorms, and dry) were analyzed. The metal concentrations in seston (Fe > Mn > Pb > Cu > Cr > Hg) were up to four times higher than in the water column (Fe > Mn > Cr > Cd > Pb > Cu > Hg), emphasizing the key role of particulate matter in metal transport and bioavailability. Particularly, the Cd concentrations exceeded WHO thresholds by 527.6% in the water column during the rainy season, while Hg and Pb exceeded the thresholds of the Mexican criteria for the protection of marine aquatic life by 4.05% and 41.6%, respectively. Principal Component Analyses revealed distinct spatiotemporal distribution patterns for metals in water and seston, reflecting the combined effects of natural variability and anthropogenic inputs. The strong association between metals and seston indicates continued contamination and potential risks to aquatic ecosystems. These findings highlight the environmental impact of metals on seston and the need for monitoring to assess aquatic ecosystems’ health. Our results highlight the importance of understanding how metals are distributed between seston and water, and how climate variability affects pollutant redistribution patterns. We propose that water quality regulations need to be rethought and redirected towards the achievement of new strategic objectives that truly integrate the different pollutant sources whose final destination is water bodies, so as to protect and conserve biodiversity and aquatic ecosystems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance represents a critical global health challenge that has been exacerbated by the significant decline in antibiotic development. Natural product-based drugs, particularly plant-derived phenolic compounds, offer promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics. This study aimed to isolate and characterize a novel phenolic compound from Bacopa procumbens, a Mexican perennial repent plant that is widespread in the Mexican valley and produces a variety of saponins, gastrodin derivatives, and phenolic acids, and to evaluate its antibacterial potential against clinically relevant pathogens. Methods: The hydroalcoholic extraction of B. procumbens was followed by liquid–liquid partitioning with ethyl acetate. The resulting fraction underwent chromatographic separation and purification. The structural elucidation of the isolated compound was performed using thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrometry (MS-EI), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. Antimicrobial activity was assessed via a microdilution assay against five bacterial strains, including drug-resistant Staphylococcus species and Gram-negative pathogens. Results: A novel phenolic compound, 5-(p-hydroxybenzoyl) shikimic acid (5pHSA), was isolated and characterized. The compound demonstrated moderate antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Escherichia coli (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) = 100 μg/mL) but showed limited efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, and Klebsiella pneumoniae (MIC > 100 μg/mL). Comparative analysis with the previously isolated compound ProcumGastrodin A revealed structure–activity relationships where the higher lipophilicity of PG-A was correlated with enhanced antimicrobial activity. Conclusions: This study establishes 5pHSA as a novel phenolic compound with moderate antibacterial properties. The findings highlight the importance of molecular polarity and structural complexity in determining antimicrobial efficacy, offering valuable insights into the development of phenolic, acid-based antimicrobial agents to address the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance. Full article

Background/Objectives:Bougainvillea x buttiana is used in traditional Mexican medicine to treat various diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated its anti-inflammatory properties, which are associated with its chemical composition. This study evaluated the effect of ethanol concentration on the yield and anti-inflammatory activity of its extracts. Additionally, an in silico analysis of the plant’s previously identified phytochemicals was conducted. Methods: Four extracts of B. x buttiana (var. Rose) (labeled as BxbREE) were prepared with increasing concentrations of ethanol (0%, 50%, 80%, and 100%). Their anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using different in vitro assays. The in silico prediction, performed with SwissADME, included the physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and drug-like properties of the compounds. Results: The findings indicated that varying the ethanol concentration in the preparations of BxbREE-0%, BxbREE-50%, BxbREE-80%, and BxbREE-100% significantly impacted the extraction yield, with BxbREE-0% and BxbREE-50% exhibiting the highest recovery. All four extracts demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity, with BxbREE-50% and BxbREE-80% showing the most important effects on the denaturation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and trypsin, inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes (cyclooxygenase and phospholipase A2), and increased stability of the erythrocyte membrane. The in silico analysis revealed that most phytochemicals identified in the extracts had good drug-likeness and bioavailability for oral administration and an adequate ADME profile. Conclusions: These findings reaffirm the anti-inflammatory potential of B. x buttiana (var. Rose) ethanolic extracts and the favorable pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of its phytochemicals. Further structural exploration of the interactions of these bioactive compounds could contribute to the design of new drugs. Full article

This work reports the synthesis of two monometallic catalysts, Cu/Al₂O_3, and Pd/Al₂O₃, using a green approach based on Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens), a common food condiment. Its extract has been largely overlooked as a high-technology reactive for synthesizing catalysts, metallic or oxide nanoparticles, unlike other green leaf plants. The green synthesis was compared with a conventional catalyst synthesis methodology using commercial chemical reducing agents. Oregano extract shows promise for novel applications extending beyond its culinary use, valorizing it as a chemical reducer to produce catalysts. Thus, this kind of application could significantly elevate the value of oregano, empowering communities that rely on its cultivation for economic benefit and transforming the plant from a low-profit agro-industrial product to a high-added-value crop. The reduction kinetics involved in the formation of nanoparticles were monitored up to the first stage of nucleation and a first-order model adequately described the data. Activation energy analysis showed that the chemical reaction mechanism has a dominant role in controlling the reaction, compared to mass transfer effects. Notoriously, the Pd/Al₂O₃ green synthesis catalyst showed the smallest mean particle size (4.85 ± 1.30 nm). These findings underscore the potential of green synthesis as an economically viable and environmentally friendly alternative for producing catalysts. Concerning the 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid (HMFCA) as a biomass-derived molecule, its oxidation with H₂O₂ using both Pd/Al₂O₃ catalysts (by green and chemical synthesis methods) exhibited significantly higher selectivity toward 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF) compared to Cu/Al₂O₃ catalysts, suggesting a possible inhibitory effect. Full article

Amphipterygium adstringens (cuachalalate) is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional Mexican medicine for its anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, and antimicrobial properties. In this study, we applied qualitative and quantitative NMR-based metabolomics profiling, combined with multivariate statistical analyses, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA), and S-plots, to evaluate the chemical composition and authenticity of A. adstringens samples collected from different commercial sources sold in Mexico City. Metabolomic profiles in organic and aqueous extracts revealed highly similar spectral patterns among all collected samples, supporting the consistency of commercially available A. adstringens in Mexico. The presence of 3α-hydroxy-masticadienoic acid (3α-HMDA) and anacardic acids, biomarkers of the genus, was confirmed by ¹H NMR in hexane extracts; in the aqueous extract they were not observed with the same analytical platform. These findings suggest that the traditional infusion method may not effectively extract the above-mentioned key bioactive compounds. This approach enhances quality control and ensures the reliability of A. adstringens products in the commercial market. Full article

Hybridization is frequent in oaks and may drive various evolutionary and ecological effects on involved plant populations and their associated species. Quercus castanea is a species of Mexican red oak that has served as a valuable model for examining the effects of hybridization events. We used a multimarker approach to characterize the morphological expression patterns and chemical production in parental and hybrid genotypes of the Q. castanea × Q. crassipes complex in a hybrid zone in central Mexico. Leaf macro- and micro-morphological (stomata) characters were measured in 27 trees previously recognized as Q. castanea, Q. crassipes, and hybrids (nine trees/taxon). The expression of foliar shape and the production of secondary metabolites and nutritional chemicals between hybrids and parental species were also evaluated. We found that hybrids exhibit a mosaic of macro- and micro-morphological characters, including the expression of intermediate, parental, and transgressive attributes. Parental species were well differentiated based on foliar shapes, with hybrids overlapping in both species, having a greater affinity with Q. crassipes. Chemical analysis also supports three chemical groups, with hybrids producing new metabolites. This multimarker approach evidences the formation of ecological islands in this hybrid oak complex in which Q. castanea is involved, a fact that has consequences at higher levels of organization in ecology. Full article

COP21 represents a starting point for several nations to develop and implement energy transition strategies to face and mitigate climate change, making the electrical power sector crucial in achieving the established goals and commitments. This research presents an analysis to identify the key factors in power system planning by integrating an economic dispatch model (ED) based on linear programming to determine vulnerable aspects of power generation and transmission in strategic planning scenarios that could jeopardize the country’s energy transition. The analysis is illustrated through a case study of the Mexican Electrical Power System (SEN) during the year 2025. The case study shows that the reserve margin fluctuated due to the variable renewable energy installed despite having a vast installed capacity to supply the country’s total demand. In addition, the results showed that most of the transmission lines had a congestion frequency higher than 90% of their capacity during most of the year. Two regions were identified as the best options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by installing new power plants. Finally, most technologies reflected an under-generation, suggesting high dependence on some fuels to supply the Mexican demand. The model’s programming is freely available in GitHub. Full article

Angelonia Bonpl. (Plantaginaceae) is a neotropical genus of ornamental interest, with some Mexican species already commercialized in the horticultural trade. Angelonia integerrima Spreng. is the only species of the genus native to Southern Brazil, and, despite its high ornamental potential, its reproductive requirements are unknown. Flower features and natural pollination were studied in the field in three localities within Southern Brazil. Pollination was recorded through pictures and videos. The breeding system was studied through controlled pollinations applied to plants excluded from pollinators. Germination was studied under controlled temperatures (20°, 25°, and 30 °C). According to our results, flowers are protandrous and keep their fresh appearance for up to nine days. The flowers produce oils in a pair of trichromes located inside the corolla. The plants are pollinator-dependent and self-compatible. The sole pollinators are oil-gathering solitary bees, Centris trigonoides Lepeletier, 1841 and Centris sp. (Apidae), that pollinate the flowers while collecting the floral oils. Germination proceeds better at 25 °C, reaching success of 50%. The domestication of this plant for horticultural purposes in Southern Brazil would be desirable not only for its ornamental characters but also for ecosystemic reasons since the species is already adapted to environmental conditions and its flowers offer resources for native, solitary bees. Full article

Prosthechea karwinskii is an endemic orchid of Mexico with significant value for its traditional uses: ornamental, ceremonial, and medicinal. The pharmacological activity of this plant has been studied using specimens recovered from religious use during Holy Week in Oaxaca, Mexico, sourced from various localities within this state. Geographical variability can influence the chemical composition of plants, as environmental factors affect the production of their secondary metabolites, which impact their biological properties. This research evaluated the variability in the chemical composition of leaves and pseudobulbs of P. karwinskii obtained from different localities in Oaxaca, comprising 95–790 g and 376–3900 g of fresh material for leaves and pseudobulbs, respectively, per locality. Compounds were identified using UHPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS following ultrasound-assisted hydroethanolic extraction. Twenty-one compounds were identified in leaves and twenty in pseudobulb. The findings revealed differences in chemical composition across localities and between leaves and pseudobulbs of the species. The Roaguia locality exhibited the highest extraction yield and pharmacological potential in leaves. For pseudobulbs, Cieneguilla specimens showed the highest yield, and El Lazo had the lowest yield but the highest pharmacological potential. This study represents the first comprehensive analysis of the variation in the chemical composition of a native Mexican orchid. In all localities, leaves and pseudobulbs contained compounds with known biological activity, validating the use of the species in traditional medicine and highlighting its potential for medical and biological applications. Full article