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Leafcutter ants (Atta spp.) are one of the mos t economically harmful pests in agriculture, considered dominant in the Neotropics and South America. Mature colonies of A. mexicana have a great economic impact on Mexico's agriculture. Microbial agents in the form of biopesticides are an effective component of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and may present a better alternative to synthetic insecticides. Among the fungi most used as biological insecticides there are Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of the entomopathogenic fungi B. bassiana and M. anisopliae of commercial origin and a native strain of B. bassiana from México (MA-Bb1) on adults of Atta mexicana under controlled conditions. In the bioassay, five formulations and a control group were tested (B. bassiana MA-Bb1, B. bassiana MA-Bb1+ Diatomin®, B. bassiana®, M. anisopliae®, Diatomin®, and Tween 80 (0.01%). The MA-Bb1+ Diatomin® biopreparation induced the highest mortality (100%) in four-week-old A. mexicana, followed by the MA-Bb1, M. anisopliae®, and B. bassiana® biopreparations, which caused mortality of 83.33%, 73.98%, and 68.70%, respectively. Treatments containing B. bassiana and M. anisopliae were efficient in controlling A. mexicana under controlled conditions. The most efficient biological control was achieved with the B. bassiana fungus and Diatomin®, which presented the highest total death rate in A. mexicana 96 h post infection, in contrast to the control group (Tween 80), which attained the lowest speed of death in the present investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Based on our results, the studied edible resources may be included in the local eat-well plate through diets to ameliorate some disorders of the metabolic syndrome. Herein, we present an integrative investigation of the nutritional and nutraceutical potential of Lactarius indigo, Clitocybe nuda, Clitocybe subclavipes, Russula delica, Russula brevipes, Clitocybe squamulosa, and Amanita jacksonii, which are edible mushrooms consumed in the northeastern highlands of Puebla, Mexico. The content of protein oscillated from 4.8 to 10.9 g 100 g−1 fresh weight (FW) whereas that of fiber ranged from 8.8 to 19.7 g 100 g−1 FW. The edible species presented low amounts of fat (1.5–3.4 g 100 g−1 FW) and reducing sugars (0.8–2.9 g 100 g−1 FW), whereas the content of vitamin C oscillated from 6.5 to 84.8 mg 100 g−1 dry weight (DW). In addition, four vitamins of B complex (thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6, and folate) were determined in different concentrations. A high abundance of potassium (92.3–294.3 mg 100 g−1 DW), calcium (139.1–446.9 mg 100 g−1 DW), and magnesium (81.3–339.1 mg 100 g−1 DW) was determined in most of the edible mushrooms, as well as detectable levels of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (2.2–48.7 mg 100 g−1 DW), protocatechuic acid (0.5–50.8 mg 100 g−1 DW), oleic acid (14.2–98.3 mg 100 g−1 DW), linoleic acid (748–1549.6 mg 100 g−1 DW), and linolenic acid (from 9.1 to 83.6 mg 100 g−1 DW). The total phenol content and antioxidant capacity significantly (p < 0.05) varied among the studied species, and their capacity to inhibit enzymes involved in glucose, lipid, and polyamine metabolism. Nevertheless, the hydroalcoholic extracts from A. jacksonii and L. indigo efficiently inhibited alpha-glucosidase and ornithine decarboxylase (IC50 < 50 µg mL−1), respectively. The evaluation of the same extracts on microorganisms associated with the gastrointestinal tract showed negligible toxicity on probiotics (MIC > 500 µg mL−1) and moderate toxicity against pathogenic bacteria (MIC < 400 µg mL−1). Based on the studied parameters, principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis clustered these edible mushrooms into two main groups with similar biological or chemical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resveratrol (RV), carnosic acid (CA) and hernandulcin (HE; a non-caloric sweetener) are envisioned as promising nutraceuticals to design new functional foods for improving lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro inhibitory effect of these molecules on specific enzyme targets and their capacity to improve distinctive markers associated to carbohydrate and lipid metabolism in murine model. The enzymes explored were alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, and pancreatic lipase whereas ICR male mice were used for in vivo testing. Saturation curves (10-200 μM mL-1) and Lineweaver-Burk regressions suggested that RV, CA and HE exerts non-competitive inhibition on pancreatic lipase, alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase but, CA produced a strong competitive activity on alpha-amylase. RV was more effective to inhibit alpha-glucosidase (IC50, 22.1 μM) whereas CA was the most effective to inhibit both alpha-amylase (IC50, 11.7 μM) and pancreatic lipase (IC50, 31.5 μM). The effects of the oral administration of RV (300 mg/kg) HE (100 mg/kg) and CA (100 mg/kg) as well as the simultaneous administration of the three compounds at the same concentration was also explored in normoglycemic and diabetic mice. In addition, the prolonged administration of these substances combined with hypercaloric/atherogenic diet for 30 days was performed. Our results revealed a clear modulatory activity in both postprandial glucose and triglyceride levels as well an improvement in biochemical markers of mice treated with hypercaloric/atherogenic diet. The administration of HE produced a notable change (p < 0.01) in postprandial glucose assimilation at 60 min post-treatment in diabetic mice, whereas the other two compounds exerted a stronger depletion of glucose levels from 30 to 120 min post-treatment. A similar trend was recorded by RV and CA in postprandial triglyceride content, however, the latter compound was more effective (p < 0.05) at lower doses than RV. The simultaneous administration of the three compounds produced a significant improvement (p < 0.01) in biochemical parameters associated to carbohydrate (insulin and glucose) and lipid metabolism (total cholesterol, LDL-c, HDL-c, triglycerides, leptin, and adiponectin). Outstandingly, the mixture of the three compounds was more effective (p < 0.01) than the administration of sole compounds to ameliorate the side effects of the hypercaloric/atherogenic diet. Finally, the body weight of treated mice significantly decreased (from 5 to 20%; p < 0.05) in comparison with mice only fed with hypercaloric/atherogenic diet. Our results suggest that mixtures of RV, HE and CA may work better than their sole administration in mice and part of their biological activity could be associated with their inhibitory properties on the enzyme targets evaluated in this investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are several by-products obtained in agricultural systems that can contribute to small-scale production systems within backyards, in this sense, the production of oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) has been integrated into the rural family economy in Mexico. After harvesting the fruiting bodies, the remainder is known as sold-out substrate, this by-product has been destined for other agricultural uses such as: medium for seedlings, vermiculture or fertilizer; however, there are studies where it has been used in the diet of bovine cattle. In this study, the effects of sold-out substrate (corn stubble) of P. ostreatus in the diet of broilers with different percentages of protein, on feed conversion ratio, carcass yield, and broiler meat quality were evaluated. A total of 120 broilers Ross 308 were randomly assigned in 12 pens with concrete floor and curly shaving with an area of 3 m2. During the initial period (1 to 28 days), all broilers were fed commercial feed® mixture. On day 29, the broilers were weighed and divided into four treatment groups and fed diets with different percentages of protein until the end of the experiment. Feed conversion ratio was significantly higher in treatment control (TC) compared to the other treatments; however, the performance parameters were not affected by the diet supplemented with sold-out substrate, likewise, the color and quality of the meat were in a normal range (48 < L* < 51) and with a good amount of crude protein. Sold-out substrate of P. ostreatus from corn stubble presented a high mineral content of Mg, Na, K, Fe, Cu, and Mn suitable to be considered in diets for feeding backyard broilers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hairy root cultures of Centella asiatica–based coupled with exogenous application of methyl-jasmonate and coronatine are suitable bioproduction platforms to overproduce this plant-occurring high-valuable metabolite. These two molecules orchestrate cellular responses in metabolism that have not been yet deeply explored in hairy roots of this plant. The exploration of metabolic changes is crucial since the biotechnological system productivity depends on the knowledge of the biosynthetic machinery of the culture. To understand how methyl-jasmonate and coronatine cause changes in the metabolism of hairy roots of C. asiatica, the metabolic responses to these molecules were monitored through a nuclear magnetic resonance time-series metabolomics approach. The acquired data was analyzed to perform untargeted and targeted metabolomics approaches. Multivariate data analysis statistical models revealed that coronatine caused an early and superior reprogramming effect on the metabolome compared to methyl-jasmonate. We identified 40 compounds from primary and specialized metabolism. The relative production kinetics of these metabolites in the two treatments and their possible links in the metabolic pathways of the plant were discussed. We were able to observe that in coronatine-treated cultures, phenolic specialized pathways were activated 8 d after treatment exposure while the pool of carbohydrates and nitrogen-carrier amino acids were consumed at early stages. This evidenced the clear and high reprogramming effect in the metabolism of C. asiatica hairy roots in response to coronatine. These findings provide important insights on the metabolic alterations caused by methyl-jasmonate and coronatine and on the possibility to redirect the metabolism of hairy root cultures of C. asiatica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lepidopterism caused by caterpillar contact is considered a public health problem around the world. The local and systemic responses of this pathology include short- and long-term inflammatory events. Although the proteolytic activity of the venoms from caterpillars is strongly associated with an inflammatory response in humans and murine models, fast and acute symptoms such as a burning sensation, itching, and pain should be related to the presence of low-weight hydrophilic molecules which easily influence cell metabolism. This investigation reports on the 1H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) profiling of the venom from the larva of Hylesia continua, a caterpillar linked to frequent cases of lepidopterism in the northern highlands of Puebla, Mexico. According to one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) NMR data, the venom of H. continua contained 19 compounds with proven pain-inducing activity (i.e., acetic acid, lactic acid, formic acid, succinic acid, 2-hydroxyglutaric acid, ethanol, and glutamate), inflammatory activity (i.e., cadaverine, putrescine, and acetoin), as well as natural immunosuppressive activity (i.e., O-phosphocholine and urocanic acid). The levels of the 19 compounds were calculated using quantitative-NMR (qNMR) and extensively discussed on the basis of their toxic properties which partially explain typical symptoms of lepidopterism caused by the larvae of H. continua. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation reporting a complex mixture of small molecules with inflammatory properties dissolved in the venom of a lepidopteran larva. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The northern highlands of Puebla harbor several plant foods consumed since pre-Columbian times. Most of the native vegetables from this geographical region are still uncharacterized at the nutraceutical level. This investigation was focused on the elucidation of chemical and biochemical properties of the edible organs from Rhamnus pompana, Solanum nigrescens, Sechium edule, Yucca aloifolia, Piper auritum, Amaranthus hybridus and Rumex obtusifolius, which are used as traditional foods in this region. The content of basic nutrients (including vitamins of the B complex), nutraceuticals (carotenoids, flavonoids, and fatty acids), phenolics (including antioxidant capacity), and inhibitory properties of these plants on specific enzymes linked to carbohydrate and lipid metabolism were determined. In addition, extracts of these plants were evaluated against pathogenic microorganisms of the gastrointestinal tract. Our results demonstrated statistically significant divergences (p < 0.05) in the content protein (12.5 g/100 g), fiber (9.8 g/100 g), fat (81.2 mg/100 g), beta-carotene (2.48 mg/100 g), beta-cryptoxanthin (1.24 mg/100 g), thiamine (159.6 µg/100 g), riboflavin (106.4 µg/100 g), and vitamin B6 between Y. aloifolia and other plants studied. All plants showed low amounts of reducing sugars (<150 mg/100 g) and sodium (<70 mg/100 g), but the berries of R. pompana exhibited substantial differences (p < 0.05) in the levels of vitamin C (14.6 mg/100 mg). The edible leaves of R. obtusifolius were particularly rich in quercetin (4.38 mg/100 g), kaempferol (2.38 mg/100 g) and lutein (2.52 mg/100 g), whereas the aerial parts of S. edule contained high concentrations of folate (50.6 µg/100 g). All plants showed variable phenolic content and antioxidant capacity; however, Y. aloifolia had the highest values (23 GAE/mg/g and 440 TEAC/µM/g). The ethanolic extracts from Y. aloifolia efficiently inhibited pancreatic lipase (IC50, 43.76 µg/mL) and alpha-glucosidase (IC50, 60.04 µg/mL), whereas those from S. edule inhibited alpha-glucosidase (IC50, 47.4 µg/mL) and HMG-CoA reductase (IC50, 33.6 µg/mL). Only the ethanolic extracts of R. pompana (IC50, 35.36 µg/mL) and Y. aloifolia (IC50, 53.28 µg/mL) inhibited ornithine decarboxylase. All plant extracts exerted moderated antimicrobial activity in at least one species associated with the gastrointestinal tract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The manzano pepper (Capsicum pubescens) is an exportation product that generates substantial earnings for local producers in Mexico. Herein we report on the most relevant metabolic changes that occur during the postharvest rot of manzano peppers caused by Fusarium temperatum. Simultaneously, we describe the effect of the Zanthoxylum limoncello leaf essential oil (ZlEO) and its major volatiles on the control of this devastating disease. According to our results, ZlEO, 2-undecanone (34%), 2-undecenal (32%), and 2-dodecenal (8%) exerted in vitro fungicide activity on F. temperatum (MIC, 104.6–218.3 mg L−1) and a strong in situ fungistatic effect in manzano peppers previously infected with F. temperatum. A differential fungistatic activity was observed for the natural agents assayed. However, the best results were confirmed with 2-dodecenal, which improved the shelf life of infected peppers up to 16 d post-inoculation. The protective effect of ZlEO and its major volatiles resulted in the conservation of fruit firmness, pH, protein, fat, fiber, ascorbic acid, and nutraceuticals of manzano peppers (carotenoids and capsaicinoids). Our findings endorse the potential use of ZlEO and its major volatiles as natural antifungals to prevent the soft rot triggered by F. temperatum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to synthesize isoflavone-enaminones 3a-c and 7-alkoxy-isoflavones 4a-c, evaluate their inhibition of α-glucosidase, and analyze the bioisosteric effect of the presence versus absence of aromatic moieties in these benzopyran derivatives. All the test compounds exhibited greater inhibition of α-glucosidase than the positive control acarbose. The series of isoflavones 3a-c and 4a-c showed higher inhibitory activity (IC50 = 6.3–87.6 µM) than the parental 7-hydroxyisoflavones 2a-c (IC50 = 109.4–173.2 µM), suggesting that the attachment of a 4'-chloroacetophenone moiety to the 7-hydroxyl group of 2a-c is an efficient way to increase the inhibition of α-glucosidase. Furthermore, the aromatic moieties of the series of compounds 3 and 4 enhance inhibitory activity by hydrophobic effects, according to docking calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hass avocadoes are one of the most popular fruits consumed worldwide because of their nutritional and nutraceutical content. Nevertheless, these fruits are susceptible to phytopathogen attacks that decrease fruit quality during the postharvest period. Herein we present the results of the in situ fungistatic activity of four hybrid films (FT1–FT4) manufactured with chitosan and different concentrations of the essential oil of thyme (TvEO). The films were evaluated as biodegradable materials to prevent fruit decay triggered by Clonostachys rosea which is considered an emergent phytopathogen of this crop. The in situ fungistatic strength, spectroscopic properties (FT-IR), optical features (transmittance/opacity), and consistency obtained by microscopic analysis (SEM), indicated that the films FT3 and FT4 possessed the best physicochemical properties to protect Hass avocadoes against the soft rot produced by C. rosea. Avocadoes treated with the films FT3 and FT4 significantly (p < 0.01) conserved fruit firmness and nutritional composition (protein, fat, fiber, and reducing sugars) as well as the nutraceutical content (oleic, palmitoleic, linoleic, and palmitic acids) of infected avocados for 21 days. Our results validate the potential use of the films FT3 and FT4 to prevent the soft rot caused by C. rosea and to improve the shelf life of Hass avocadoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phaseolus vulgaris is the most legume cultivated in the world; in Mexico, it is considered the second most important crop after corn. The aim of this research was to determine the characteristics of Xanthomonas campestris strain "Xcf1-APJR" isolated from the leaves of bean crops, and determine the antimicrobial activity of cinnabarin on this strain. Bacterial cultures were obtained from leaves with necrotic leaf spot symptoms of bean plant variety "Flor de Mayo M38" in Puebla, Mexico. The antimicrobial activity of cinnabarin was tested at 7, 14 and 21 days on X. campestris pv. campestris. The Xcf1-APJR strain showed 100% identity with X. campestris pv. campestris as a causal agent of necrotic leaf spot. Treatment with a potato dextrose medium with a dehydrated sugar cane (PDA+C) showed a higher orange pigmentation than the other treatments after 7, 14 and 21 days of incubation and a higher concentration of cinnabarin (54.33 InU/g) with in vitro antimicrobial activity against X. campestris pv. campestris. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The synthesis of the nutraceutical resveratrol by filamentous fungi represents a new and exciting area for bioprocess research. Considering that resveratrol was initially placed as a natural phytoalexin from plants, its biosynthesis by fungi may be regulated by several factors including a broad spectrum of small molecules and enzymes involved in chemical defense. This work reports on the effect of some elicitors that promote resveratrol biosynthesis in fungi and how they can be used to produce this stilbene under controlled conditions. The chemical factors that regulate the synthesis of resveratrol (RV) in filamentous fungi are still unknown. This work reports on the RV production by Arcopilus aureus MaC7A under controlled conditions and the effect of amino acid precursors (PHE and TYR), monoterpenes (limonone, camphor, citral, thymol, menthol), and mixtures of hydrolytic enzymes (Glucanex) as elicitors for boosting fungal RV. Batch cultures with variable concentrations of PHE and TYR (50–500 mg L−1) stimulated RV production from 127.9 ± 4.6 to 221.8 ± 5.2 mg L−1 in basic cultures developed in PDB (pH 7) added with 10 g L−1 peptone at 30 °C. Maximum levels of RV and biomass were maintained during days 6–8 under these conditions, whereas a dramatic RV decrease was observed from days 10–12 without any loss of biomass. Among the tested volatiles, citral (50 mg L−1) enhanced RV production until 187.8 ± 2.2 mg L−1 in basic cultures, but better results were obtained with Glucanex (100 mg L−1; 198.3 ± 7.6 mg L−1 RV). Optimized batch cultures containing TYR (200 mg L−1), citral (50 mg L−1), thymol (50 mg L−1), and Glucanex (100 mg L−1) produced up to 237.6 ± 4.7 mg L−1 of RV. Our results suggest that low concentrations of volatiles and mixtures of isoenzymes with β-1, 3 glucanase activity increase the biosynthesis of fungal RV produced by A. aureus MaC7A in batch cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: This work was focused in the generation of six yeast lines able to produce resveratrol from p-coumaric acid. Industrial use of these strains may be contemplated. Resveratrol is a nutraceutical with relevant benefits to human health. This investigation reports on the generation and evaluation of six recombinant yeast lines that produce resveratrol from p-coumaric acid. The yeast lines contained a single p-coumaric acid-Co-A ligase from Plagiochasma appendiculatum combined with the stilbene synthases from Parthenocissus henryana, Polygonum cuspidatum, Morus alba var. atropurpurea, Rheum tataricum, Vitis vinifera and Arachis hypogaea. Codon optimized versions of these sequences were inserted in an expression vector flanked by the constitutive PGK and GPD promoters before expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Batch fermentation (60 h) revealed that yeast lines had different capacities (p < 0.01) to produce resveratrol. Slightly acidic pH (6) and concentrations <100 mg L−1p-coumaric acid improved resveratrol yields. Among the six lines, those containing the stilbene synthases (STS) from P. cuspidatum and M. alba produced up to 39 mg L−1 using 70 mg L−1p-coumaric acid. On the other hand, lines expressing STS from V. vinifera, A. hypogaea and R. tataricum generated resveratrol faster than other lines but accumulated lower amounts at the end of the batch period (27–30 mg L−1). The simultaneous consumption of ethanol and p-coumaric acid corroborates the role of ethanol as a carbon source involved in the conversion of p-coumaric acid into resveratrol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nicotiana tabacum is a plant model intensively used in the bio‐engineering pharmaceutical industry as a platform to produce drugs and therapeutic agents. Currently, no information regarding the non‐targeted metabolome of transgenic tobacco containing recombinant regulatory sequences is available. Objective: To compare the proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) metabolomics profiling of a recombinant Nicotiana tabacum strain containing a promoter of a sesquiterpene cyclase from Capsicum annuum driving GUS expression, versus wild‐type samples. Methodology The non‐targeted 1H‐NMR metabolome was obtained and processed by principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal projection to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA). The differential metabolites were quantified by quantitative NMR. Results: PCA and OPLS‐DA revealed 37 metabolites including 16 discriminant compounds for transgenic samples. Ethanol (0.4 mg g‐1), the main differential compound, was exclusively detected in transgenic tobacco; however, high levels of formate (0.28 mg g‐1) and acetate (0.3 mg g‐1) were simultaneously observed in the same group of samples. Cembratriene‐4,6‐diol, an antitumour and neuroprotective compound, and capsidiol, a known phytoalexin, increased by about 30% in transgenic samples. In addition, the endogenous levels of the antioxidant caffeoylquinic acid isomers increased by 50% in comparison to those of wild‐type tobaccos. Conclusion: Our results support the occurrence of metabolic differences between wild type and transgenic tobacco containing a promoter of a Capsicum sesquiterpene cyclase gene. Interestingly, the recombinant transgenic strain studied accumulated high amounts of added value compounds with biological activity. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) metabolomics revealed an accumulation of bioactive compounds in transgenic tobacco. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Series of novel chromonyl enaminones 1a–e and 2a–e and 3-alkylated chromones 3a–e were synthesized and evaluated in vitro as α-glucosidase inhibitors as well as antioxidant and antifungal agents. Antifungal activity was tested on strains of Candida albicans. Compounds 2a and 2d–e showed good inhibition of the α-glucosidase enzyme (IC50 = 5.5, 0.9, and 1.5 mM, respectively), their effect being better than that of 1a–e, 3a–e, and acarbose (the standard, IC50 = 7.73 ± 0.9 mM). The structure–activity relationship suggests that the phenyl group at the C-3 position of the chromone ring system and the 4-chlorophenyl group at the enaminone moiety (derivatives 2) increased the inhibition of α-glucosidase. Compounds 2a–e exhibited a slight antioxidant effect, and compounds 3a–e a moderate antifungal activity against C. albicans (IC50 70.5–83.1 µg/mL). Docking studies revealed that compounds 2 interact with the α-glucosidase residues of the binding pocket. Therefore, these chromone derivatives may be considered as potential α-glucosidase inhibitors, as well as antifungal agents against some Candida strains of yeast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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We report the bifunctional activity of the native ent-kaurene oxidase from Montanoa tomentosa (MtKO) and its N-terminal modified version (LMtKO) for producing both isokaurenoic acid and kaurenoic acid in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The K of MtKO showed more affinity for ent-kaurene (80.5 µM) than for isokaurene (96.4 µM). Interestingly, LMtKO exhibited an increase of the affinity for isokaurene (79.6 µM) but simultaneously showed an enhancement in the V for both substrates (32.6-38.9 μmol mg h). Biotransformation assays using isokaurene and yeasts containing LMtKO, resulted in 70% more production of isokaurenoic acid, when compared with the yields from yeasts expressing MtKO. Likewise, biotransformation assays using geranylgeraniol and double transformed cells of S. cerevisiae containing an optimized version the ent-kaurene synthase from Phaeosphaeria sp. L487 (optKS) and the LMtKO, produced ~25% more kaurenoic acid than the yeasts containing optKS and MtKO. The isokaurenoic acid synthesized by transgenic yeasts was tested for its anti-acetylcholinesterase and antimicrobial properties. Isokaurenoic acid generated a non-competitive inhibition on acetylcholinesterase, decreasing the V from 0.0249 to 0.0104 mM min but not affecting the K (0.714 mM). The same diterpene showed antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus niger and Phytophtora infestans with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 15.3, 18.3 and 19.2 µg mL, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work describes the chemical composition of the leaf essential oils from the annual plant Dalea foliolosa, which was collected in three consecutive years (2014-2016). The amount of monoterpenes (69.5-84.6%) was higher to that of sesquiterpenes (10.3-22.9%) and aliphatic hydrocarbons (1-2.1%). Cryptone (22.3-30.6%) was the most abundant oxygenated monoterpene, followed by linalool (10.4-17.6%), caryophyllene oxide (4.6-15.3%), ascaridole (4.5-7.4%) and β-citronellol (3.8-5.6%). The hydrodistillated extract showed antioxidant activity against DPPH radical (IC50, 45-156 μg mL-1), strong anti-a-glucosidase activity (IC50, 14-47 μg mL-1) and inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci TBR2004 (MIC, 44-105 μg mL-1) and P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (MIC, 35-155 μg mL-1). The possible use of the essential oil as a novel additive for anti-hyperglycemic supplements and for the biological control of the analyzed Pseudomonas syringae varieties, may be contemplated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Begonia nelumbiifolia is a traditional edible plant consumed and commercialized in the northern highlands of Puebla, México. The present study reports the seasonal variation in proximate analysis as well as organic acids, carotenoids and flavonoids content in both leaves and stalks of this plant. The stalks contained low concentrations of protein (~3%), fiber (~1.5%) and nitrogen free extract (~0.26%) during the time of study. Both organs showed contents of oxalic acid (91-103 mg 100 g FW), ascorbic acid (50-65 mg 100 g FW), lutein (1-2.5 mg 100 g FW), β-carotene (1-3 mg 100 g FW), quercetin (1.3-2.7 mg 100 g DW) and rutin (0.5-1.7 mg 100 g DW). Antioxidant activity against DPPH was observed by the stalk extracts from 30% methanol (IC, 0.21-0.37 mg L), pure methanol (IC, 0.14-0.21 mg L) and hexane: acetone (IC, 0.77-1.21 mg L). In vitro anti-HMG-CoA reductase (IC, 0.07-0.36 mg L) and anti-alpha-glucosidase (IC, 0.28-0.43 mg L) activities were observed in extracts from the edible stalks from pure methanol and 30% methanol. The leaf extracts from 30% methanol inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tabaci TBR2004 (MIC, 254 µg mL), P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (MIC, 423 µg mL), P. syringae pv. glycinea (MIC, 605 µg mL) and Clavibacter michiganensis AB299158 (MIC, 162 µg mL). B. nelumbiifolia contained valuable phytochemicals associated to nutraceutical and biological properties. However, the consumption of the fresh stalks must be carefully considered because of the high oxalate content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Revista Medica del IMSS is the property of Direccion de Prestaciones Medicas - IMSS and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Brickellia veronicifolia is a native Asteraceae from Mexico that persists in fragmented habitats. This investigation reports the genetic and chemical diversity of B. veronicifolia. The diversity analysis based on iPBS markers showed an averaged Shannon index (S) of 0.3493, a Nei genetic diversity (h) of 0.2256, and a percentage of polymorphic loci average (P) of 80.7867%. The population structure obtained by AMOVA revealed that the highest variation found within populations was 94.58%. GC-MS profiling of six populations indicated that major volatiles were β–caryophyllene (11.63%), spathulenol (12.85%), caryophyllene oxide (13.98%), α–cadinol (7.04%), cubedol (6.72%) and tau-muurolol (4.81%). Mantel tests suggested a statistically significant relationship between minor volatiles and geographical distance (r = 0.6163; p = 0.0470; p ˂ 0.05). Likewise, major volatiles showed a significant correlation with the soil pH (r = 0.6862; p = 0.0230) and maximum temperature (r = 0.4999; p = 0.0280). Our study suggests that the variation and genetic divergence of B. veronicifolia has no relationship with climatic parameters, whereas the volatiles are probably influenced by environmental factors and not by the genotype per se. Based on the characteristics of B. veronicifolia, this plant could be considered as a candidate for restoring fragmented shrublands in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The edible leaves of Peperomia maculosa were chemically investigated. Lutein (9.05–16.82 mg 100 g–1 FW), rutin (1.63–3.72 mg 100 g–1 DW), quercetin (2.04–5.75 mg 100 g–1 DW), and ascorbic acid (18.33–37.09 mg 100 g–1 DW) were quantified by HPLC. GC‐MS analyses of the leaf essential oil showed decanal (26.8%–47.9%) and lauric acid (22.6%–37.1%) as the most abundant compounds. The essential oil and decanal produced a mixed inhibition on pancreatic lipase (IC50, 28.4–39.6 µg mL–1; Km, 0.863–>0.995 mM; Vmax, 0.0921–>0.0581 mM min–1). The oral administration of the essential oil and decanal in ICR male mice corroborated a significant reduction (p < 0.01) of plasma triglyceride content after 1.5 and 3 h. Peperomia oil and its main constituents inhibited the growth of four foodborne pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus (MIC, 19.7‐66.4 µg mL–1) and Enterococcus faecalis (MIC, 24.8‐76.7 µg mL–1). The nutraceutical potential of this condiment is reported for the first time. Practical applications: Traditional plant foods are a practical alternative for the prevention of obesity. Because of its similar taste to coriander, Peperomia maculosa is an edible plant widely consumed in southern Mexico. Considering the high amounts of carotenoids, flavonoids, organic acids, volatiles as well as the in vitro and in vivo anti‐hypertriglyceridemic activity of this plant, the creation of new food products based on P. maculosa and its bioactive compounds should be envisioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]