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Biological properties of Sonoran propolis (SP) are influenced by harvest time. Caborca propolis showed cellular protective capacity against reactive oxygen species, which might be implicated in anti-inflammatory effects. However, the anti-inflammatory activity of SP has not been investigated so far. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of previously characterized seasonal SP extracts (SPE) and some of their main constituents (SPC). The anti-inflammatory activity of SPE and SPC was evaluated by measuring nitric oxide (NO) production, protein denaturation inhibition, heat-induced hemolysis inhibition, and hypotonicity-induced hemolysis inhibition. SPE from spring, autumn, and winter showed a higher cytotoxic effect on RAW 264.7 cells (IC50: 26.6 to 30.2 µg/mL) compared with summer extract (IC50: 49.4 µg/mL). SPE from spring reduced the NO secretion to basal levels at the lowest concentration tested (5 µg/mL). SPE inhibited the protein denaturation by 79% to 100%, and autumn showed the highest inhibitory activity. SPE stabilized erythrocyte membrane against heat-induced and hypotonicity-induced hemolysis in a concentration-dependent manner. Results indicate that the flavonoids chrysin, galangin, and pinocembrin could contribute to the anti-inflammatory activity of SPE and that the harvest time influences such a property. This study presents evidence of SPE pharmacological potential and some of their constituents.

La medicina tradicional y estudios realizados a diferentes especies del género Prosopis, del desierto sonorense, indican que es una fuente para la cualificación de compuestos bioactivos, con poder antioxidante y ácidos grasos (linoleico y linolénico) de la semilla. La actividad biológica, es atribuible a alcaloides, flavonoides, terpenos y compuestos fenólicos, para lo cual, se realizó el perfil fitoquímico en los extractos acuoso, etanólico, hexanico y clorofórmico (mediante técnicas colorimétricas), actividad antioxidante (método: 1,1-difenil-2-picrilhidrazil (DPPH)), fenoles totales (utilizando el reactivo de Folin-Ciocalteau) y perfil de ácidos grasos (cromatografía de gases) de la semilla de Prosopis spp. La extracción del aceite se realizó mediante Soxhlet. Se encontraron saponinas en todos los extractos, mientras que, en el etanólico, hexanico y clorofórmico, terpenos y esteroles. En el extracto etanólico se encontraron quinonas y en el acuoso aminoácidos libres. El valor más alto de la actividad antioxidante de EC50 fue de 3.272,41 ± 5,97, para el extracto etanólico, indicando su potencial como antioxidante. El contenido de fenoles totales, fue hexano> etanol > cloroformo> acuoso (81,95; 119,83; 125,18 y 127,57 mg equivalentes de ácido gálico/g de extracto seco). Los ácidos grasos en mayor proporción fueron los insaturados con 71,41 % (ácido linoleico: 42,68 %; oleico: 28.73 %) y ácidos grasos saturados: ácido palmítico (13.42 %) y estérico (4,73 %). Se concluye que este tipo de extractos presentan metabolitos importantes para la dieta, presentan actividad antioxidante y ácidos grasos esenciales para el organismo.

Asparagus officinalis L. is a crop associated with arid and dry environments of arid deserts; its tender product is considered a gourmet food for its exclusive consumption and its high prices. Among the main attributes of this vegetable are being a product low in calories, fat and cholesterol, with a high content of vitamin C, as well as rich in potassium and calcium phosphate. The indiscriminate use of synthetic fertilizers in agricultural crop production systems, as well as the increasing dependence, they cause deterioration of the physical and chemical properties of the soil, in addition have a variable impact on the composition and functions of the soil microbiota. Under indigenous area “Seris” in Sonora desert conditions (salinity and high °C), var. ‘Early California’ of asparagus was biofertilized with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (Ba) as a halo-PGPB and chitosan (QUI) to evaluate nutritional value and yield-production. Results showed that Ba and QUI in the vegetative period increased the emergence rate (≥15%), nitrates in sap (≥10%), fresh and root weight and crown (≥25%); significant values in its subsequent production stage of shoots for human consumption (proximal values such as protein (≥33%), and carbohydrates (≥20%), in addition to K+ (≥9%) and Vit C (≥15%) compared with the control, were obtained. These results express the possibility of using Bacillus amyloliquefaciens as a halo-PGPB and chitosan as a biofertilizer of marine origin in asparagus under Sonora desert conditions.

Multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria have gained importance as a health problem worldwide, and novel antibacterial agents are needed to combat them. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been studied as a potent antimicrobial agent, capable of countering MDR bacteria; nevertheless, their conventional synthesis methods can produce cytotoxicity and environmental hazards. Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles has emerged as an alternative to reduce the cytotoxic and environmental problems derived from their chemical synthesis, using natural products as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Sonoran Desert propolis (SP) is a poplar-type propolis rich in polyphenolic compounds with remarkable biological activities, such as being antioxidant, antiproliferative, and antimicrobial, and is a suitable candidate for synthesis of AgNPs. In this study, we synthesized AgNPs using SP methanolic extract (SP-AgNPs) and evaluated the reduction capacity of their seasonal samples and main chemical constituents. Their cytotoxicity against mammalian cell lines and antibacterial activity against multi-drug resistant bacteria were assessed. Quercetin and galangin showed the best-reduction capacity for synthesizing AgNPs, as well as the seasonal sample from winter (SPw-AgNPs). The SPw-AgNPs had a mean size of around 16.5 ± 5.3 nm, were stable in different culture media, and the presence of propolis constituents was confirmed by FT-IR and HPLC assays. The SPw-AgNPs were non-cytotoxic to ARPE-19 and HeLa cell lines and presented remarkable antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against multi-drug resistant clinical isolates, with E. coli 34 and ATCC 25922 being the most susceptible (MBC = 25 μg/mL), followed by E. coli 2, 29, 37 and PNG (MBC = 50 μg/mL), and finally E. coli 37 and S. aureus ATCC 25923 (MBC = 100 μg/mL). These results demonstrated the efficacy of SP as a reducing and stabilizing agent for synthesis of AgNPs and their capacity as an antibacterial agent.

The main chemical composition and pharmacological potential of propolis from arid and semi-arid regions of the Sonoran Desert have been previously reported. Caborca propolis (CP), from an arid zone of the Sonoran Desert, has shown a polyphenolic profile that suggests a mixed plant origin, presenting poplar-type markers, as well as a 6-methoxylated flavonoid, xanthomicrol, characteristic of Asteraceae plants. In addition, CP has shown significant antioxidant properties and antiproliferative activity on cancer cells. In this study, we analyzed the influence of collection time on the chemical constitution, antiproliferative activity and protective capacity of CP against reactive oxygen species (ROS), by using HPLC–UV–diode array detection (DAD) analysis, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Dimethyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assays, as well as cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) assay on murine B-cell lymphoma M12.C3.F6 cells. HPLC–UV–DAD analyses of seasonally collected CP (one-year period) revealed quantitative differences among the most abundant CP constituents: pinocembrin, galangin, chrysin and pinobanksin-3-O-acetate. Though all seasonal samples of CP induced an antiproliferative effect in M12.C3.F6 cells, CP from autumn showed the highest inhibitory activity (IC50: 5.9 ± 0.6 µg/mL). The DPPH assay pointed out that CP collected in autumn presented the highest antioxidant potential (IC50: 58.8 ± 6.7 µg/mL), followed by winter (65.7 ± 12.2 µg/mL) and spring (67.0 ± 7.5 µg/mL); meanwhile, the summer sample showed a lesser antioxidant capacity (IC50: 98.7 ± 2.5 µg/mL). The CAA assay demonstrated that CP induced a significant protective effect against ROS production elicited by H2O2 in M12.C3.F6 cells. Pretreatment of M12.C3.F6 cells with CP from spring and autumn (25 and 50 µg/mL for 1 h) showed the highest reduction in intracellular ROS induced by H2O2 (1 and 5 mM). These results indicate that the antiproliferative effect and cellular antioxidant activity of CP are modulated by quantitative fluctuations in its polyphenolic profile due to its collection time.

Arabinoxylans (AX) are polysaccharides with antioxidant activity and emulsifying properties, which make them an attractive alternative for its potential application as a natural antioxidant in oils. Therefore, this work aimed to investigate the effect of ultrasonic treatment of AX on their antioxidant capacity and its ability to improve the oxidative stability of soybean oil. For this purpose, AX were exposed to ultrasonic treatment at 25% (100 W, AX-1) and 50% (200 W, AX-2) power and an operating frequency of 20 KHz during 15 min, and their macromolecular properties (weight average molecular weight (Mw), polydispersity index and intrinsic viscosity) were evaluated. The antioxidant capacity of AX was determined by the DPPH assay and Rancimat test. Results showed that ultrasonic treatment did not affect the molecular identity of the polysaccharide but modified its Mw distribution. AX-1 showed the highest antioxidant activity (75% inhibition) at 533 µg/mL by the DPPH method compared to AX and AX-2. AX at 0.25% (w/v) and AX-1 at 0.01% (w/v) exerted the highest protective effects on oxidative stability of soybean oil with induction periods of 7.69 and 5.54 h, respectively. The results indicate that AX could be a good alternative for the potential application as a natural antioxidant in oils.

In order to increase knowledge about the vegetative structure and environmental conditions, two coastal areas (north and south) in Sonora, Mexico, where Salicornia bigelovii develops in natural form were investigated. Based on the abundance of Salicornia, three locations were selected in the two areas. Transects in each of the three sites were developed. The sediments in the northern areas showed higher values compared with the south areas of Sonora in organic matter. Plant biomass, density, height and frequency of occurrence were higher in frequently flooded areas compared to sparsely or less often by the tides. The average total biomass ranged from 2.23 to 6.33 kg (dry weight) m-2 and is composed primarily of surface components. The maximum values of biomass of Salicornia were observed in February to May in both areas. The growth of Salicornia bigelovii is influenced mainly by the frequency of flooding, duration of exposure to air during low tide, rainfall, salinity and salt content of the ambient water and sediment, respectively. The carbon content increased with plant age, while protein content decreased by 233.6%. The steady increase in human pressure on coastal areas where Salicornia and other halophytes growth, require immediate protection order to prevent vulnerabilities in their populations.

ABSTRACT: The effect of the addition of natural antioxidants on oxidative stability of ray ( Rhinoptera bonasus) liver oil was evaluated. Different concentrations of rosemary extract, α-tocopherol, and caffeic acid (w/w) were added to the oil. Afterwards, concentration of each antioxidant that gave the highest stability was used in an accelerated stability test (Schaal method). The protective effect was established by the retention in the oil of fatty acids eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA), and concentration of volatile compounds. The best concentrations were: 2.5% of rosemary extract, 0.5% of α-tocopherol, and 0.06% of caffeic acid. Rosemary extract showed to be the product with the greatest ability to retard oxidation, followed by α-tocopherol, and caffeic acid. A high correlation between the peroxide value and the concentration of the 2-decenal, 1-penten-3-ol, and 2-octenal, was reported, suggesting that this can be used to assess the development of oxidative rancidity in the ray liver oil.

The increasing global population has raised concerns about meeting growing food demand. Consequently, the agricultural sector relies heavily on chemical fertilizers to enhance crop production. However, the extensive use of chemical fertilizers can disrupt the natural balance of the soil, causing structural damage and changes in the soil microbiota, as well as affecting crop yield and quality. Biofertilizers and biostimulants derived from microalgae and cyanobacteria are promising sustainable alternatives that significantly influence plant growth and soil health owing to the production of diverse biomolecules, such as N-fixing enzymes, phytohormones, polysaccharides, and soluble amino acids. Despite these benefits, naturally producing high-quality microalgal biomass is challenging owing to various environmental factors. Controlled settings, such as artificial lighting and photobioreactors, allow continuous biomass production, but high capital and energy costs impede large-scale production of microalgal biomass. Sustainable methods, such as wastewater bioremediation and biorefinery strategies, are potential opportunities to overcome these challenges. This review comprehensively summarizes the plant growth-promoting activities of microalgae and elucidates the mechanisms by which various microalgal metabolites serve as biostimulants and their effects on plants, using distinct application methods. Furthermore, it addresses the challenges of biomass production in wastewater and explores biorefinery strategies for enhancing the sustainability of biofertilizers.

Abstract  The purpose of this work was to study the influence of the industrial process steps on free fatty acids, peroxide value (PV), p-anisidine value (PAV), trans fatty acids, tocopherols and sterols (free, esterified and total) in high oleic safflower oil. Degumming, bleaching and deodorization steps removed 91.4% of free fatty acids, 96.31% of oxidation primary products (PV), and 54.57% of oxidation secondary products (PAV), from crude high oleic safflower oil. Degumming neither affected the content of sterified sterols nor its proportion with respect to the crude oil. A significant increment (p<0.05) in the content of free sterols was observed during degumming and bleaching due to the acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of steryl esters. A significant reduction (p<0.05) in the content of total sterols during bleaching was observed, which is attributed to a reduction in the sterified sterol fraction. During deodorization, free sterols were distilled from oil, with a gradual reduction in the total sterol content as a function of the deodorization temperature. α- and γ-tocopherols represented 93.3% of the total tocopherols in high oleic safflower crude oil. The refining process removed 28.5% of the tocopherols. Deodorization was the main step which increased the level of trans fatty acids as an effect of temperature and heating time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agri-food production areas of global importance are the arid zones, which represent 43%. Notwithstanding this, there are factors that decrease the productivity of glycophyte crops. A global proposal is focused on generating agricultural technologies that innovate endemic agro-industrial crops (halophytes) that have a high potential for industrialization under arid and salinity conditions. The agro-industrial importance of some halophytes is on their capacity to produce fodder, vegetable oils and food for human consumption on salads and flours. In addition, its applicability has been demonstrated in industries such as cosmetology, construction, dry-pressed fiber, and above all for the recovery of areas degraded by salinization; either natural or induced by inadequate agricultural practices; which favors the rural economy. Likewise, to promote the optimal development of these novo monocultures, it is the use of vegetative stimulants of those areas, preventing the application of chemical agro-inputs in which chitosan and phenolic extracts stand out. The first, obtaining an industrial level is from crustaceans, allowing the large volumes of crustacean waste to be used in coastal areas; Its biological characteristics allow it to be elucidated as a product with a high biostimulant effect to improve the germination process in seeds, yields, the ability to adsorb plant nutrients and potentiate the defense mechanism. In relation to phenolic extracts, they are a group of important micronutrients for the human diet and are present in vegetables with different chemical structures and biological activity, and their effect has been related to a better development of plants. Based on the above, the objective of the study was to demonstrate the potential of chitosan from crustaceans and phenolic compounds from Maclura tinctoria as biostimulants in the ecophysiology of the halophyte Salicornia bigelovii. The results show that the phenological variables are promoted by chitosan and phenolic compounds, the former standing out, a ratio of 1000 ppm in all the variables analyzed, this behavior may be due to the fact that chitosan allows a better use of the water resource and better nutrient absorption, as well as the availability of Nitrogen through chitosan deficiency in the soil, which is reflected in the agronomic yields and eco-physiological variables of the plant.

Plastics pollution is an overwhelming environmental problem that must be solved as soon as possible. Refining processes such as the Fluidized Catalytic Cracking (FCC) process with a global capacity of 14 million barrels per day, may help to solve it in the short term, as many scientists have already pointed out. Just by co-processing 5 wt % polyethylene waste in those units, 37 million tons per year of polyethylene could be eliminated from landfills and transformed into valuable fuels. However, refiners must be completely sure that processing polyethylene in their FCC plants will not cause any deleterious effects. That is the purpose of this paper.Low density polyethylene waste was transformed into valuable hydrocarbons by co-processing in proportions of 5 and 10 wt % with heavy gasoil in an FCC pilot plant which operates as industrial FCC plants do. Polyethylene was completely converted mainly into naphtha and liquified petroleum gas; at 510 °C polyethylene was converted into naphtha (46 %), LPG (20 %), light cyclic oil (9 %), heavy cyclic oil (15 %), coke (6 %) and dry gas (4 %); at 530 °C, the order and proportions changed significantly, naphtha (43 %), LPG (35 %), heavy cyclic oil (0 %), light cyclic oil (2 %), coke (8 %) and dry gas (12 %); LPG olefinicity and naphtha research octane number increased slightly. No catalyst circulation problems nor clogging or plugging were observed. However, at the highest experimental reaction temperature (530 °C), dry gas yield increased to more than 4 wt %, this could be a problem for most of industrial plants since it may overload the wet gas compressor.