RESUMEN

In this study, nine commercial ice creams and four prototypes were assessed. For the sensory analysis, quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA), and temporal dominance of sensations (TDS) methodology were used. According to the QDA results, full-composition ice cream showed significantly higher differences (p < .05) in terms such as vanilla and sweet flavors, brightness, creamy texture and appearance, and viscosity, exhibiting longer melting times. Functional ice creams showed significantly higher differences (p < .05) in terms like viscosity, creamy texture, and appearance. On the other hand, agave fructans in prototype ice creams were found to be able to reduce fat, but not fat and sugar simultaneously, showing a significant decrease (p < .05) in terms such as hardness, crystallized texture, gummy texture, and porosity. Based on the PCA results, the analysis accounted for 75.28% of data variability. Full-composition ice creams and one functional ice cream were related to terms such as viscosity, fatty sensation, creamy texture and appearance, dense, gummy, among others. The rest of the commercial ice creams were related to vanilla and caramel flavor and smell, artificial aftertaste, aerated, porosity, among others. Prototype ice creams were related to hard texture, salty and milk flavor, and crystallized texture. Based on the results of the TDS method, all formulations were found to be significantly dominant (5%) in terms such as vanilla flavor and sweet flavor at the beginning of the test. Formulations containing butyric fat and/or vegetable fat, or agave fructans were significantly dominant (5%) in fatty sensation.

Asunto(s)

Helados , Gusto , Helados/análisis , Viscosidad , Humanos , Aromatizantes , Agave/química , Fructanos/química , Vanilla/química

RESUMEN

Inulin is a carbohydrate that belongs to fructans; due to its health benefits, it is widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In this research, cabuya (Agave americana) was employed to obtain inulin by pulsed electric field-assisted extraction (PEFAE) and FTIR analysis confirmed its presence. The influence of PEFAE operating parameters, namely, electric field strength (1, 3 and 5 kV/cm), pulse duration (0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 ms), number of pulses (10,000, 20,000 and 40,000) and work cycle (20, 50 and 80%) on the permeabilization index and energy expenditure were tested. Also, once the operating conditions for PEFAE were set, the temperature for conventional extraction (CE) and PEFAE were defined by comparing extraction kinetics. The cabuya meristem slices were exposed to PEFAE to obtain extracts that were quantified, purified and concentrated. The inulin was isolated by fractional precipitation with ethanol to be characterized. The highest permeabilization index and the lowest energy consumption were reached at 5 kV/cm, 0.5 ms, 10,000 pulses and 20%. The same extraction yield and approximately the same amount of inulin were obtained by PEFAE at 60 °C compared to CE at 80 °C. Despite, the lower amount of inulin obtained by PEFAE in comparison to CE, its quality was better because it is mainly constituted of inulin of high average polymerization degree with more than 38 fructose units. In addition, TGA analyses showed that inulin obtained by PEFAE has a lower thermal degradation rate than the obtained by CE and to the standard.

Asunto(s)

Agave , Inulina , Inulina/química , Inulina/aislamiento & purificación , Agave/química , Extractos Vegetales/química , Espectroscopía Infrarroja por Transformada de Fourier , Electricidad , Temperatura

RESUMEN

This study evaluated the effect of cobiotic (CO) composed of organic fructans powder of Agave tequilana and turmeric powder of Curcuma longa L. as an alternative of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) on growth performance, blood parameters, intestinal pH, oxidative stress, and cytokines serum levels of broiler chickens. A total of 135 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers distributed to five experimental groups, which included starter or finisher standard diets without AGPs (CON), CON + 0.25 COLI-ZIN g/kg feed (AGP), CON + 0.1 g Agave fructans/kg feed (AF), CON + 0.5 g turmeric powder/kg feed (TP) and CON + 0.1 g AF + 0.5 g TP /kg feed (CO), for 49 days. AF followed by TP, decreased feed intake, obtaining the best FCR. AGP increased the heterophil-lymphocyte ratio compared to other groups. CO significantly decreased the pH of the cecal content. AF increased IL-10 levels, while TP decreased it. AF decreased the IL-1ß levels. The present study showed that including a cobiotic based on AF and TP or components separately in a broilers diet improved growth performance, modified intestinal and cecum pH, and stimulated the immune system, which suggests CO as a safe alternative to AGP.

Asunto(s)

Agave , Alimentación Animal , Pollos , Dieta , Suplementos Dietéticos , Fructanos , Estrés Oxidativo , Animales , Pollos/crecimiento & desarrollo , Pollos/inmunología , Pollos/sangre , Fructanos/administración & dosificación , Fructanos/farmacología , Alimentación Animal/análisis , Suplementos Dietéticos/análisis , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Agave/química , Dieta/veterinaria , Citocinas/sangre , Citocinas/metabolismo , Masculino , Curcuma/química , Fenómenos Fisiológicos Nutricionales de los Animales/efectos de los fármacos

RESUMEN

In this study, a beverage made from a combination of Agave sap (AS) and prickly pear juice (PPJ) was analyzed for its nutrients and bioactive and potentially health-promoting compounds. The beverage was evaluated for its ability to act as an antioxidant, regulate glycemic properties, and undergo gut bacterial fermentation in vitro. The major mono- and oligosaccharides present in the beverage were galacturonic acid (217.74 ± 13.46 mg/100 mL), rhamnose (227.00 ± 1.58 mg/100 mL), and fructose (158.16 ± 8.86 mg/mL). The main phenolic compounds identified were protocatechuic acid (440.31 ± 3.06 mg/100 mL) and catechin (359.72 ± 7.56 mg/100 mL). It was observed that the beverage had a low glycemic index (<40) and could inhibit digestive carbohydrases. The combination of ingredients also helped to reduce gas production during AS fermentation from 56.77 cm3 to 15.67 cm3. The major SCFAs produced during fermentation were butyrate, acetate, and propionate, with valerate being produced only during the late fermentation of the AS. This beverage is rich in bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols and dietary fiber, which will bring health benefits when consumed.

Asunto(s)

Agave , Antioxidantes , Jugos de Frutas y Vegetales , Agave/química , Jugos de Frutas y Vegetales/análisis , Antioxidantes/química , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Antioxidantes/análisis , Fermentación , Hidroxibenzoatos/análisis , Polifenoles/análisis , Polifenoles/química , Pyrus/química , Fenoles/análisis , Fenoles/química , Ramnosa/análisis , Ramnosa/química , Catequina/análisis , Catequina/química , Catequina/análogos & derivados , Ácidos Hexurónicos

RESUMEN

Tequila production in Mexico generates large quantities of agave bagasse (AB), a waste that could be used more efficiently. AB has a high cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin content, which allows its use as a precursor for synthesizing carbonaceous materials. In the present work, the synthesis of activated carbon impregnated with Fe2+ (AG-Fe-II) and Fe3+ (AG-Fe-III) was carried out and evaluated in a hybrid adsorption-AOP (advanced oxidation process) methodology for sulfamethazine removal (SMT). The materials were characterized before and after the process to determine their morphological, textural, and physicochemical properties. Subsequently, the effect of the main operational variables (pH, initial SMT concentration, mass, and activator dosage) on the hybrid adsorption-degradation process was studied. The Fenton-like reaction was selected as the AOP for the degradation step, and potassium persulfate (K2S2O8) was used as an activating agent. The main iron crystallographic phases in AG-Fe-II were FeS, with a uniform distribution of iron particles over the material's surface. The main crystallographic phase for AG-Fe-III was Fe3O4. The hybrid process achieved 61% and 78% removal efficiency using AG-Fe-II and AG-Fe-III samples, respectively. The pH and initial SMT concentration were the most critical factors for removing SMT from an aqueous phase. Finally, the material was successfully tested in repeated adsorption-degradation cycles.

Asunto(s)

Agave , Carbón Orgánico , Sulfametazina , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua , Adsorción , Sulfametazina/química , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/química , Contaminantes Químicos del Agua/análisis , Carbón Orgánico/química , Agave/química , Purificación del Agua/métodos

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: Sisal is a common stiff fibre produced around the world, corresponding to approximately 70% of the commercial production of all fibres of this type. The fibres are extracted from the leaves of Agave sisalana, from which approximately 4% of their weight is obtained, with the remaining 96% considered to be residues from the process of the sisal industry. The objective of this work was to obtain a polyphenol-enriched extract from the A. sisalana residue by ultrasonically assisted extraction, characterize it chemically, evaluate in vitro antioxidant activity, and develop safe and stable photoprotective formulations for future application in cosmetic preparations. METHODS: Ultrasonic extraction of solid plant material was performed using 50% ethanol/water (v/v). The extract was chemically characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography equipment associated with classical molecular networking and evaluated for in vitro antioxidant activity by different methodologies. Ten formulations were prepared, varying the component concentrations and the shear time. The 1.0% sisal extract was incorporated into the most stable formulations, and preliminary and accelerated stability were evaluated. The emulsions were investigated for safety by assessment of primary accumulated dermal irritability and sensitization and a dermatological clinical study of phototoxicity and photosensitization. The photoprotective formulations containing or not containing the extract that were stable after 90 days had their in vivo sun protection factor (SPF), UVA protection factor, critical wavelength, and protection against visible and blue light determined. RESULTS: Ultrasound extraction using 50% ethanol/water (EH 50) as an extractor vehicle showed the best yield. The extract exhibited a concentration of phenolic compounds (77.93 mg of equivalent to the standard gallic acid/g) and showed in vitro antioxidant activity. Emulsions without and with 1.0% sisal extract remained stable and safe. The addition of the extract to the photoprotective formulation statistically increased the SPF when compared to the formulation without the extract and offered protection against UVA radiation, critical wavelengths, and absorption of visible and blue light. CONCLUSION: Based on the findings, the solid residue of A. sisalana may be indicated as a component of photoprotective and antioxidant cosmetic formulations.

---

OBJECTIF: Le sisal est une fibre rigide courante produite dans le monde entier, correspondant à environ 70 % de la production commerciale de toutes les fibres de ce type. Les fibres sont extraites des feuilles d'Agave sisalana dont environ 4 % du poids est obtenu, les 96 % restants étant considérés comme des résidus du procédé de l'industrie du sisal. L'objectif de ce projet était d'obtenir un extrait du résidu d'A. sisalana enrichi en polyphénols par extraction assistée par ultrasons (EAU), de le caractériser chimiquement, d'évaluer l'activité antioxydante in vitro et de développer des formulations photoprotectrices sûres et stables pour une application future dans des préparations cosmétiques. MÉTHODES: L'extraction ultrasonique de la matière végétale solide a été effectuée avec une solution à 50 % d'éthanol/eau (v/v). L'extrait a été chimiquement caractérisé avec un équipement de chromatographie en phase liquide à haute performance associé à un réseau moléculaire (RM) classique, puis évalué pour l'activité antioxydante in vitro par différentes méthodologies. Dix formulations ont été préparées en variant les concentrations des composants et le temps de cisaillement. L'extrait de sisal à 1,0 % a été incorporé dans les formulations les plus stables et la stabilité préliminaire et accélérée a été évaluée. La sécurité d'emploi des émulsions a été étudiée en évaluant l'irritabilité et la sensibilisation cutanées accumulées primaires et l'étude clinique dermatologique de la phototoxicité et de la photosensibilisation. Le facteur de protection solaire in vivo, le facteur de protection UVA, la longueur d'onde critique et la protection contre la lumière visible et bleue ont été déterminées pour les formulations photoprotectrices contenant ou non l'extrait qui étaient stables après 90 jours. RÉSULTATS: L'extraction par ultrasons utilisant une solution à 50 % d'éthanol/eau (EH 50) comme véhicule d'extraction a menée au meilleur rendement. L'extrait a présenté une concentration de composés phénoliques (77,93 mg d'EAG/g) et une activité antioxydante in vitro. Les émulsions sans et avec 1,0 % d'extrait de sisal sont restées stables et sans danger. L'ajout de l'extrait à la formulation photoprotectrice a statistiquement augmenté le SPF par rapport à la formulation sans extrait et a offert une protection contre les rayonnements UVA, la longueur d'onde critique et l'absorption de la lumière visible et bleue. CONCLUSION: D'après ces résultats, les résidus solides d'A. sisalana peuvent être indiqués comme composant des formulations cosmétiques photoprotectrices et antioxydantes.

Asunto(s)

Agave , Cosméticos , Residuos Industriales , Agave/química , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales , Etanol , Agua

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Agave brittoniana subsp. brachypus is an endemic plant of Cuba, which contains different steroidal sapogenins with anti-inflammatory effects. This work aims to develop computational models which allow the identification of new chemical compounds with potential anti-inflammatory activity. METHODS: The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in two rat models: carrageenaninduced paw edema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma. In each study, we used 30 Sprague Dawley male rats divided into five groups containing six animals. The products isolated and administrated were fraction rich in yuccagenin and sapogenins crude. RESULTS: The obtained model, based on a classification tree, showed an accuracy value of 86.97% for the training set. Seven compounds (saponins and sapogenins) were identified as potential antiinflammatory agents in the virtual screening. According to in vivo studies, the yuccagenin-rich fraction was the greater inhibitor of the evaluated product from Agave. CONCLUSION: The evaluated metabolites of the Agave brittoniana subsp. Brachypus showed an interesting anti-inflammatory effect.

Asunto(s)

Agave , Sapogeninas , Saponinas , Ratas , Animales , Sapogeninas/farmacología , Agave/química , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Saponinas/química , Saponinas/farmacología , Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Antiinflamatorios/uso terapéutico , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Extractos Vegetales/química

RESUMEN

Dysbiosis has been implicated in childhood obesity. Oral intake of fermented milk containing Lacticaseibacillus casei strain Shirota preserves gut microbiota (GM) diversity in children and adults. This study was a double-blind trial involving 37 overweight or obese children aged 6-10 years. Children were followed over a 6-week intervention period in which they received different fermented milk products containing L. casei Shirota: 10 in the first group received just L. casei Shirota; 13 received L. casei Shirota with 3 g/day of inulin (L. casei+inulin); and 14 received L. casei Shirota with 3 g/day of fructans from Agave salmiana (L. casei+fructans). Principal component analysis showed the relationship between microbial abundance, GM metabolites, and other obesity-related markers. Supplementation with probiotics and synbiotics improved the HDL-cholesterol levels of overweight and obese children, although no changes in body composition were detected. We observed an increase in butyrate or propionate concentrations in the L. casei+fructans group compared to the end of the intervention (P<0.03). A diminished level of ANGPTL4 within the L. casei+fructans group (P=0.04) was also found, but no differences when lipopolysaccharide-binding protein was evaluated. The FFAR2+ cell frequency decreased between baseline and at the end of 6-week intervention in L. casei+inulin (P=0.02) and L. casei+fructans groups (P=0.04). In contrast, the percentage of CD14+FFAR3+ frequency increased in the same groups (P=0.04). The L. casei Shirota with inulin or fructans modulates GM, which improves the lipid profile and changes at a molecular level, such as expression of FFAR3 and FFAR2, ANGPTL4, propionate, and butyrate. It, therefore, could be considered an interesting therapeutic possibility for treating childhood overweight and obesity. The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT05423015).

Asunto(s)

Agave , Productos Lácteos Cultivados , Obesidad Infantil , Probióticos , Niño , Adulto , Humanos , Fructanos , Agave/química , Inulina/farmacología , Sobrepeso/tratamiento farmacológico , Obesidad Infantil/tratamiento farmacológico , Propionatos , Biomarcadores

RESUMEN

Agro-industrial residues represent more than 60% of organic wastes worldwide, which could be used to generate other by-products or to be incorporated into other production chains. For example, bagasse is a waste from the tequila industry in Mexico that could be implemented for mushroom cultivation. Additionally, the substrate influences the growth, development, and production of secondary metabolites of fungi. This work presents a comparative experiment that studies the metabolite production in Pleurotus djamor mushrooms on agave bagasse and barley straw (traditional substrate). The biological efficiency (BE), yield, phenolics and flavonoids, antioxidant capacity, tannins, and the identification of low molecular weight metabolites were evaluated. Five treatments were proposed according to the following mixtures of agave bagasse: barley straw: T1 (1:0), T2 (3:1), T3 (1:1), T4 (1:3), and T5 (0:1). T2 had the highest yield (13.39 ± 3.23%), BE (56.7 ± 13.71%), and flavonoids (44.25 mg rutin equivalent (RE)/g); T3 obtained the highest phenol content (230.27 mg GAE/g); and T1 the highest tannins content (0.23 mg (+) catechin equivalent (CE)/g). Finally, T1 and T5 are the ones that present the greatest number of primary metabolites, including hydroxycitric acid, 2-deoxy-D-galactose, D-mannose, paromomycin, palmitic acid, pyrrole, mannitol, and DL arabinose, while in T2, T3, and T4 only two chemical compounds were found present (palmitic acid and pyrrole in T2, silicic acid and pyrrole in T3 and 2-deoxy-D-galactose and quinoline in T4). The cultivation substrate influences the concentration of bioactive molecules in the fruiting bodies of P. djamor. Additionally, P. djamor's degradation of agave bagasse residue generates a potential application for agro-industrial residue management at a low cost.

Asunto(s)

Agave , Pleurotus , Agave/química , Ácido Palmítico/metabolismo , Pleurotus/metabolismo , Taninos/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Plants are a source of multiple antineoplastic treatments. However, the effect of many species used in traditional medicine has yet to be demonstrated. In this work, the taxonomic identification of Agave mapisaga was made and a high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) study suggested the presence of the aglycone hecogenin, which is part of compounds such as agavoside C and cantalasaponin 4. The antineoplastic activity of an aqueous extract was tested in vitro and in vivo on PEC-Src epithelial murine prostate cancer cells. In vitro study revelead a significant chemosensivity at 0.125 mg/100 µL (p=0.0001). Also, in in vivo, using an isotransplantation model with 1x106 cells subcutaneously, it was observed that the group treated with 50 mg/kg presented a lower tumor implantation compared with the control without treatment (p=0.04).

---

Las plantas son fuente de múltiples tratamientos antineoplásicos. Sin embargo, aún falta demostrar el efecto de muchas especies usadas en la medicina tradicional. En este trabajo se realizó la identificación taxonómica del Agave mapisaga y un estudio de cromatografía líquida de alta definición­masas (HPLC-MS) que sugirió la presencia de la aglicona hecogenina, que forma parte de compuestos como el agavósido C y la cantalasaponina 4. Se probó la actividad antineoplásica de un extracto acuoso in vitro e in vivo sobre células de cáncer de próstata murino epitelial PEC-Src. En el estudio in vitro se observó una actividad citotóxica significativa a partir de 0.125 mg/100 µL (p=0.0001). Mientras que, en los experimentos in vivo, se isotransplantaron 1x106 células por vía subcutánea, se observó que el grupo tratado con 50 mg/kg presentó una menor implantación tumoral con respecto del testigo sin tratamiento (p=0.04).

Asunto(s)

Animales , Masculino , Ratones , Neoplasias de la Próstata/tratamiento farmacológico , Extractos Vegetales/administración & dosificación , Agave/química , Antineoplásicos/administración & dosificación , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Línea Celular Tumoral/efectos de los fármacos , Antineoplásicos/farmacología

RESUMEN

The effect that the fructans of Cichorium intybus and Agave salmiana have on health, as well as on the growth of some Lactobacillus species, has been demonstrated. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of linear and branched fructans on the growth of seven strains and some probiotic characteristics. The molecular identification of seven strains was performed. Moreover, the growth, resistance to antibiotics and simulated gastrointestinal conditions were also evaluated when these microorganisms were grown in a culture medium containing agave and chicory fructans. The strains were identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactiplantibacillus pentosus, Lactiplantibacillus fabifermentans and Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum. The results suggest that the seven Lactobacillus strains were able to grow using agave (branched) and chicory (linear) fructans. The linear and branched fructans statistically influenced the kinetic parameters. The specific growth rate varied between 0.270 and 0.573 h-1 and the generation time between 1.21 and 2.45 h for all strains and culture media. All strains showed a growth of 9 Log CFU/mL in all the culture media. Production of lactic, acetic, propionic, butyric, formic and succinic acid was influenced by linear and branched fructans (p < 0.05). All the strains survived simulated gastrointestinal conditions greater than 83%. The resistance of Lactobacillus against ciprofloxacin and rifaximin was significantly affected by linear and branched fructans, but survival to gastrointestinal conditions was not affected by the type of substrate. These results highlight the use of the seven strains, which have probiotic potential; therefore, these could be applied in several biotechnological products.

Asunto(s)

Agave , Probióticos , Agave/química , Bebidas , Medios de Cultivo , Fructanos/química , Lactobacillus , México

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Agaves are mainly used to produce alcoholic beverages such as tequila, mezcal and bacanora. However, the leaves constitute more than 50% of the plant and are not used in the production process, so they are considered waste. This plant material can be used as a source of bioactive compounds such as terpenes, flavonoids and saponins. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the aglycone type of saponins and to quantify three steroidal sapogenins in leaves of five Agave species collected in different regions of Guerrero and Oaxaca, Mexico. RESULTS: Analysis by gas chromatography-flame ionization detection of the hydrolyzed methanolic extracts showed that diosgenin and tigogenin were the most abundant sapogenins identified in the five Agave species. Differences in the content of these sapogenins were found in the same species collected in different localities. The leaves of Agave americana var. oaxacensis L. (Oaxaca) had the highest diosgenin-derived saponin content, while the leaves of A. angustifolia Haw. (Guerrero) had the highest tigogenin-derived saponin content. Only in A. cupreata was sarsasapogenin identified, all three sapogenins occurring in the leaves of this species. For the first time, information is provided on the aglycones of the saponins produced in A. potatorum Zucc. and A. karwinskii Zucc. CONCLUSION: This study made it possible to compare the content of diosgenin and tigogenin-derived saponins in leaves of Agave species from Guerrero and Oaxaca. This information will be useful for better utilization of this plant material and add value to the process of mezcal elaboration. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Asunto(s)

Agave , Diosgenina , Sapogeninas , Saponinas , Agave/química , Diosgenina/análisis , Hojas de la Planta/química , Sapogeninas/química , Saponinas/química

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The Coccoloba uvifera L. species is currently considered an important source of compounds of high biological value such as lupeol. This is related to different and important biological activities to human health. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to encapsulate the C. uvifera extract in nanofibers made with the biopolymers gelatin (G)/high-grade polymerization agave fructans (HDPAF) in the proportions 1:0, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 0:1, through the electrospinning process, in addition to evaluating the antimutagenic and antiproliferative properties of the encapsulated extract. METHODS: The physicochemical characteristics of the nanofibers were evaluated, as well as the antiproliferative and antimutagenic activities of the encapsulated and unencapsulated extract. SEM evaluation shows nanofibers of smooth, continuous morphology and nanometric size (50-250 nm). The TGA, FTIR-ATR, HPLC-MS analyses reveal the presence of the extract in the nanofibers. RESULTS: The extract did not show a mutagenic effect during the development of the Ames test, on the other hand, the MTT test showed the antiproliferative effect at the concentrations of 50 and 100 µg/mL of extract. CONCLUSION: The extract of C. uvifera loaded in nanofibers elaborated by electrospinning with the G/HDPAF biopolymers conserves its antimutagenic and antiproliferative properties.

Asunto(s)

Agave , Nanofibras , Agave/química , Biopolímeros , Fructanos/química , Fructanos/farmacología , Gelatina , Humanos , Nanofibras/química , Extractos Vegetales/química , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología

RESUMEN

Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) is a health problem of great importance worldwide, and endothelial dysfunction underlies SAH development. This condition's main characteristics include vasoconstriction, inflammation, oxidative stress, and procoagulant and proliferative states. This study's objective was to evaluate the antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of the whole extract and fractions of Agave tequilana in a murine model of SAH. SAH was induced in male ICR or CD-1 (Strain obtained from animals from Charles River Laboratories, Massachusetts) mice by intraperitoneal administration of angiotensin II (AGII) (0.1 µg/kg) for 4 weeks, and then A. tequilana treatments were co-administered with AGII. At the end of the experiment, systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured and the kidneys were dissected to quantify interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-10, and malondialdehyde (MDA). The whole extract and the fractions of A. tequilana were chemically characterized using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results indicate that the whole extract (At-W) and At-AcOEt fraction treatment are the most efficient in lowering blood pressure, although all the treatments had an immunomodulatory effect on the cytokines evaluated and an antioxidant effect on lipid peroxidation. Finally, the chromatographic profile shows that the integral extract and fractions of A. tequilana contained phytol (M)3,7,11,15-Tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol; 9,12-octadecadienoic acid; hentriacontane; 9,19-cyclolanost-24-en-3-ol,(3b); t-sitosterol; and stigmasta-3,5-dien-7-one.

Asunto(s)

Agave , Hipertensión , Agave/química , Animales , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Antioxidantes/uso terapéutico , Hipertensión/tratamiento farmacológico , Masculino , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos ICR , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología

RESUMEN

Agave marmorata Roezl is an endemic succulent specie from the Oaxaca-Puebla area of Mexico. This plant is a medicinal recourse and contain a rich variety of saponins-type compounds with multiples biological effects. Some of them have been shown to be anticancer, antibacterial, or having anti-inflammatory and immunoregulation effects. This paper is the first scientific report to describe the pharmacological activity and chemistry of the saponin smilagenin-3-O-[ß-D-glucopyranosyl (1→2)-ß-D-galactopyranoside] (1), isolated from Agave marmorata Roezl. Saponin (1) displayed immunomodulating activity when assayed on cultured macrophages. It inhibits NO production (EC50 = 5.6 mg/ml, Emax = 101%), as well as NF-κB expression (EC50 = 0.086 mg/ml, Emax = 90%). Using bioinformatic molecular docking, we identified a new smilagenin- PI3K kinase interaction site.

Asunto(s)

Agave , FN-kappa B/antagonistas & inhibidores , Saponinas , Factor de Transcripción AP-1/antagonistas & inhibidores , Agave/química , Simulación del Acoplamiento Molecular , Estructura Molecular , Saponinas/química , Saponinas/farmacología

RESUMEN

Agave lechuguilla agro-waste is a promising renewable material for biorefining purposes. The procurement of added-value co-products, such as bioactive phytochemicals, is required to improve bioprocesses and promote the bio-based economy of the productive areas of Mexico. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of post-harvest management and enzymatic pretreatment as the first stages of the A. lechuguilla valorization process. Four drying methods were compared, and enzymatic hydrolysis was optimized to obtain a flavonoid-enriched extract applying ultrasound-assisted extraction. In both experiments, the total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents, HPLC-UV flavonoid profiles, and radical scavenging capacity (DPPH) were considered as response variables. The results demonstrated that light exposure during the drying process particularly affected the flavonoid content, whereas oven-dehydration at 40 °C in the dark preserved the flavonoid diversity and antioxidant functionality of the extracts. Flavonoid glycoside recovery, particularly anthocyanidins, was 1.5-1.4-fold enhanced by enzymatic hydrolysis using the commercial mix Ultraflo© under optimized conditions (pH 4, 40 °C, 180 rpm, and 2.5 h) compared to the unpretreated biomass. The extraction of flavonoids from A. lechuguilla bagasse can be carried out using a scalable drying method and enzymatic pretreatment. This study confirmed the potential of this agro-waste as a source of marketable natural products.

Asunto(s)

Agave/química , Celulosa/química , Flavonoides/aislamiento & purificación , Extractos Vegetales/química , Desecación , Hidrólisis

RESUMEN

Agaves are plants used in the production of alcoholic beverages and fibers. Ever since ancient times, pre-Hispanic cultures in Mexico have used them in traditional medicine to cure different ailments. Over the years, studies of the active principles responsible for the therapeutic benefits of agaves have increased. Leaves and fibers are the main agro-wastes generated in tequila and mezcal production, while fibers are the main waste product in the textile sector. Different investigations have referred to the agro-waste from agave processing as a source of bioactive molecules called secondary metabolites (SM). Among them, phenols, flavonoids, phytosterols, and saponins have been extracted, identified, and isolated from these plants. The role of these molecules in pest control and the prospect of metabolites with the biological potential to develop novel drugs for chronic and acute diseases represent new opportunities to add value to these agro-wastes. This review aims to update the biological activities and recent applications of the secondary metabolites of the genus Agave.

Asunto(s)

Agave/química , Agave/metabolismo , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Flavonoides , México , Fenoles , Hojas de la Planta/química , Saponinas , Metabolismo Secundario/fisiología , Residuos/análisis

RESUMEN

The heterogeneous structure of lignocellulosic biomass makes it difficult to dissolve its main components (cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin) by solvent action with the aim of further applying the mixture of the biological macromolecules generated in the solvent medium. In the present study, the dissolution efficiency (DE) of lignocellulosic sisal fibers in the lithium chloride/dimethylacetamide solvent system (LiCl/DMAc) was evaluated for further application in the formation of hydrogels. Catalytic amounts of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) were used in some experiments, which increased the DE from 40% to 90%. The regeneration of the solutions, either previously filtered or not, led to hydrogels based on sisal lignocellulosic biomass. In brief, the properties of the hydrogels were influenced by the content of the lignocellulosic components in the hydrogels, present both in the dissolved fraction and in the incorporated undissolved fraction (when nonfiltered solutions were used). Hydrogels presented water absorption up to 7479% and resorption content in the lyophilized hydrogel up to 2133%. Extracts obtained from preselected hydrogels exhibited cell viability up to 127% compared to the control group when in contact with fibroblast cultures, exhibiting their noncytotoxic properties. This attribute increased the range of possible applications of these hydrogels, ranging from agriculture to biocompatible materials.

Asunto(s)

Materiales Biocompatibles/química , Hidrogeles/química , Lignina/química , Polisacáridos/química , Agave/química , Materiales Biocompatibles/farmacología , Biomasa , Catálisis , Cloruro de Litio/química , Sustancias Macromoleculares/química , Sustancias Macromoleculares/farmacología , Solventes/química , Agua/química

RESUMEN

Agave lechuguilla is one of the most abundant species in arid and semiarid regions of Mexico, and is used to extract fiber. However, 85 % of the harvested plant material is discarded. Previous bioprospecting studies of the waste biomass suggest the presence of bioactive compounds, although the extraction process limited metabolite characterization. This work achieved flavonoid profiling of A. lechuguilla in both processed and non-processed leaf tissues using transcriptomic analysis. Functional annotation of the first de novo transcriptome of A. lechuguilla (255.7 Mbp) allowed identifying genes coding for 33 enzymes and 8 transcription factors involved in flavonoid biosynthesis. The flavonoid metabolic pathway was mostly elucidated by HPLC-MS/MS screening of alcoholic extracts. Key genes of flavonoid synthesis were higher expressed in processed leaf tissues than in non-processed leaves, suggesting a high content of flavonoids and glycoside derivatives in the waste biomass. Targeted HPLC-UV-MS analyses confirmed the concentration of isorhamnetin (1251.96 µg), flavanone (291.51 µg), hesperidin (34.23 µg), delphinidin (24.23 µg), quercetin (15.57 µg), kaempferol (13.71 µg), cyanidin (12.32 µg), apigenin (9.70 µg) and catechin (7.91 µg) per gram of dry residue. Transcriptomic and biochemical profiling concur in the potential of lechuguilla by-products with a wide range of applications in agriculture, feed, food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.

Asunto(s)

Agave/química , Agave/genética , Agave/metabolismo , Biomasa , Flavonoides/metabolismo , Extractos Vegetales/química , Residuos/análisis , Perfilación de la Expresión Génica , México

RESUMEN

Chronic neuroinflammation is a key component of many neurodegenerative disorders. Chronic activation of this process produces pro-inflammatory cytokines, prostaglandins and reactive oxygen species that induce brain injury and neuronal dysfunction. Agave species contain saponins, compounds with anti-inflammatory activity. Extracts from A. tequilana (At), A. angustifolia (Aan), A. Americana (Aam) (125 mg/kg) and cantalasaponin-1 (5 and 10 mg/kg, isolated from Aam) were administered to male ICR mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation, after which inflammatory cytokines were measured in brain homogenates by using an enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) test. All agave extracts and cantalasaponin-1, reduced brain concentration of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α. Moreover, Cantalasaponin-1 increased the brain concentration of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Agave extracts and derived compounds show promising results in the development of novel drugs for neuroinflammatory disease therapy.

Asunto(s)

Agave/química , Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Encéfalo/patología , Lipopolisacáridos/toxicidad , Saponinas/farmacología , Animales , Citocinas/metabolismo , Inflamación/patología , Masculino , Ratones Endogámicos ICR , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología