Bioactive Capacity Research Articles

Apple Flour in a Sweet Gluten-Free Bread Formulation: Impact on Nutritional Value, Glycemic Index, Structure and Sensory Profile.

Baking bread without gluten presents many challenges generally related with poor sensorial and nutritional characteristics, and strategies to overcome this issue are needed. Despite many gluten-free (GF) bread studies, to the best of our knowledge, few are dedicated to sweet GF bread. Sweet breads have traditionally been an important type of food and are still frequently consumed worldwide. Apple flour is naturally GF, and is obtained from apples which do not accomplish market quality requirements and are being wasted. Apple flour was, therefore, characterized in terms of nutritional profile, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacity. The aim of this work was to develop a GF bread with incorporation of apple flour, in order to study its effect on nutritional, technological, and sensory characteristics of sweet GF bread. Additionally, in vitro starch hydrolysis and glycemic index (GI) were also analyzed. Results demonstrated the influence of apple flour in dough’s viscoelastic behavior, increasing G’ and G’’. Regarding bread characteristics, apple flour led to better acceptance by the consumer, with firmness increasing (21.01; 26.34; 23.88 N), and consequently specific volume decreasing (1.38; 1.18; 1.13 cm3/g). In addition, an increase of bioactive compounds content and antioxidant capacity of the breads were revealed. As expected, the starch hydrolysis index increased, as well as GI. Nevertheless the values were really close to low eGI (56), which is a relevant result for a sweet bread. Apple flour showed good technological and sensory properties as a sustainable and healthy food ingredient for GF bread.

Fine-tuning of functional and structural properties of Ca(II)-alginate beads containing artichoke waste extracts

Artichoke harvest waste is rich in phenolic compounds, which we retrieved with green extractions to exploit this otherwise undervalued material. Here, to protect these labile compounds, we encapsulated the extract into Ca(II)-alginate beads and optimized their physico-chemical and structural properties via response surface methodology. Moreover, we corroborated the carryover of predominant phenolic compounds from waste to bead via high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detection and mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-MS). We found that maximum bioactive capacity is obtained at higher concentrations of alginate precursor and lower gel consolidation times and that strength, size, and roundness of the beads were influenced mainly by the alginate precursor concentration. Additionally, through small angle X-ray scattering we revealed a deep relationship between synthesis conditions and the microstructure of the gel, related to the crosslinking degree and ramification of the final arrangement, which in turn impacts its strength. We validated the model by running an optimal point of 2 min of gelling time and 2.25 % of alginate and obtaining satisfactory experimental errors for the parameters analyzed. This holistic approach enables modulation and bottom-up tuning of the structure of beads for advanced delivery applications.

Bioactive Compounds, Nutritional Quality and Antioxidant Capacity of the Red-Fleshed Kirkwood Navel and Ruby Valencia Oranges.

Kirkwood Navel and Ruby Valencia are two spontaneous bud-mutations of the ordinary Washington Navel and Valencia late oranges characterized by the red coloration of their flesh. The purpose of this study was to analyze the physiological features, internal fruit quality, contents of relevant bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity in the pulps of the red-fleshed fruits compared with the ordinary oranges during late development and maturation. In general, the content of sugars, organic acids, vitamin C, tocopherols, total phenolics and flavonoids, the hydrophilic antioxidant capacity and their changes during maturation were similar in the red-fleshed oranges and in the corresponding blond oranges. However, the mature Ruby fruits contained lower concentrations of sugars, malic and succinic acid and higher levels of citric acid than the ordinary Valencia. The major difference between the pulps of the Kirkwood and Ruby oranges and those of the ordinary oranges was the higher lipophilic antioxidant capacity and SOAC (singlet oxygen absorption capacity) of the former. Together, the high and unique content and composition of carotenoids in Kirkwood and Ruby may contribute to an enhanced antioxidant capacity without any detrimental effects on other fruit-quality attributes, making these varieties good sources of phytochemicals for the fresh-fruit and juice-processing citrus industries.

Pulsed Vacuum Drying of Persimmon Slices: Drying Kinetics, Physicochemical Properties, Microstructure and Antioxidant Capacity.

In order to explore an alternative drying method to enhance the drying process and quality of persimmon slices, pulsed vacuum drying (PVD) was employed and the effects of different drying temperatures (60, 65, 70, and 75 °C) on drying kinetics, color, rehydration ratio (RR), microstructure, bioactive compounds, and the antioxidant capacity of sliced persimmons were investigated in the current work. Results showed that the rehydration ratio (RR) of the samples under PVD was significantly higher than that of the traditional hot air-dried ones. Compared to the fresh samples, the dried persimmon slices indicated a decrease in the bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. The total phenolic content (TPC) of PVD samples at 70 °C was 87.96% higher than that of the hot air-dried persimmon slices at 65 °C. Interestingly, at 70 °C, the soluble tannin content and TPC of the PVD samples reached the maximum values of 6.09 and 6.97 mg GAE/g, respectively. The findings in the current work indicate that PVD is a promising drying method for persimmon slices as it not only enhances the drying process but also the quality attributes.

Smartphone-based digital images as a low-cost and simple colorimetric approach for the assessment of total phenolic contents in several specific Vietnamese dried tea products and their liquors

The total phenolic contents (TPCs) represent the bioactive substances and antioxidant capacities of flora products. The present study employed digital images from a smartphone to determine the TPCs in tea products and their liquors. Various parameters related to the portable home-made colorimetric analysis box design were optimized to achieve the most favorable capturing condition. The proposed method performance was evaluated, which agreed with the Appendix F of AOAC (2016). In comparison with the standard UV–vis, no statistical differences (t-tests, P = 95 %) were observed, and there were advantages of simplicity, portability, sample volume reduction, decreased analysis time, low-cost operation, especially the potential to be used by tea producers, managers, and consumers to quickly analyze the TPCs. The results demonstrate the descending TPCs orders of green > white > oolong > black teas (recoveries of 95–98 %) and the increase of TPCs in tea liquors regarding the rising brewing temperature and duration.

Evaluation of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of Romanian berries

The objective of this paper was to evaluate seven different berries most consumed in Romania in order to determine the bioactive compounds: total phenolics content, total flavonoid content, total anthocyanins content, antioxidant activity by DPPH and total antioxidant capacity (water-soluble and lipid-soluble by photochemiluminescence assay, PCL). The analyzed fruits contain significant amounts of phenolic compounds between 18.91 and 383.06 mg gallic acid equivalents per 100 grams of fresh berries. Black currant extract had the highest content of total phenolic compounds, 383.06 mg GAE/100g, while the lowest level was obtained for the gooseberry, 18.91 mg GAE/100g. DPPH values varied between 22.15 and 892.35μmol Trolox Equivalent/100g fresh berries. Strong positive correlations between the antioxidant capacity of lipid-soluble compounds measured by PCL and DPPH was found (r= 0.9153). The results obtained demonstrated that different Romanian berries studied show a great antioxidant activity with possible benefits on human health.

High-Intensity Ultrasound Processing Enhances the Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Capacity and Microbiological Quality of Melon (Cucumis melo) Juice.

The bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity and microbiological quality of melon juice processed by high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) were studied. Melon juice was processed at two ultrasound intensities (27 and 52 W/cm2) for two different processing times (10 and 30 min) using two duty cycles (30 and 75%). Unprocessed juice was taken as a control. Total carotenoids and total phenolic compounds (TPC) were the bioactive compounds analyzed while the antioxidant capacity was determined by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays. The microbiological quality was tested by counting the aerobic and coliforms count as well as molds and yeasts. Total carotenoids increased by up to 42% while TPC decreased by 33% as a consequence of HIUS processing regarding control juice (carotenoids: 23 μg/g, TPC: 1.1 mg GAE/g), gallic acid and syringic acid being the only phenolic compounds identified. The antioxidant capacity of melon juice was enhanced by HIUS, achieving values of 45% and 20% of DPPH and ABTS inhibition, respectively, while >120 mg TE/100 g was determined by FRAP assay. Further, the microbial load of melon juice was significantly reduced by HIUS processing, coliforms and molds being the most sensitive. Thus, the HIUS could be an excellent alternative supportive the deep-processing of melon products.

Bioactive Compounds and In Vitro Antioxidant Capacity of Cambuci and Uvaia: An Extensive Description of Little-Known Fruits from the Myrtaceae Family with High Consumption Potential.

Cambuci (Campomanesia phaea O. Berg Landrum) and uvaia (Eugenia pyriformis Cambess), both native Atlantic Rainforest fruits, are noteworthy for being rich in bioactive compounds and their significant antioxidant capacity. Despite the numerous known edible fruits in the world, consumption by humans is most often restricted to a few dozen of them. Such behavior occurs, among other reasons, due to the lack of knowledge about fruits not yet commercialized on a large scale. This study quantified the bioactive compound content (total phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid in cambucis and uvaias; proanthocyanidins in cambucis, and total carotenoid profile and individual carotenoids for grapes) and antioxidant capacity of the edible parts (peel and pulp) of cambuci and uvaia accessions, using three methods (ABTS•+, ROO• radical scavenging and HOCl elimination). Cambuci contained higher phenolic compound levels and displayed higher antioxidant capacity determined by the ABTS•+ and ROO• radical scavenging methods than uvaia (139 and 119 mg 100 g−1 of GAE, 10.5 and 7.73 μmol g−1 of TE; 9.17 and 5.92 μmol g−1 of TE, respectively). Vitamin C content and the antioxidant capacity determined by the HOCl elimination method were about 1.5- and 6-fold higher in uvaia compared to cambuci, with the latter being a first-time report for uvaia. Both fruits contained higher levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity than other commonly consumed fruits.

Nutraceutical formulations combining Limosilactobacillus fermentum, quercetin, and or resveratrol with beneficial impacts on the abundance of intestinal bacterial populations, metabolite production, and antioxidant capacity during colonic fermentation

This study evaluated the impacts of different nutraceutical formulations combining Limosilactobacillus fermentum 296 (∼10 log CFU/mL), quercetin (QUE, 160 mg), and or resveratrol (RES, 150 mg) on the relative abundance of various intestinal bacterial populations, production of microbial metabolites, and antioxidant capacity during 48 h of in vitro colonic fermentation. The nutraceutical formulations increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus spp./Enterococcus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. and decreased the relative abundance of Bacteroides spp./Prevotella spp., Clostridium histolyticum, and E. rectale/C. coccoides during the colonic fermentation. Medium with the formulation containing L. fermentum, QUE, and RES had the highest prebiotic indexes, indicating synergistic or additive interaction between QUE and RES to modulate the intestinal microbiota. The nutraceutical formulations increased the production of bioactive metabolites and antioxidant capacity in the colonic fermentation media. The results indicate the capability of the tested nutraceutical formulations to beneficially modulate the composition and metabolite production of human intestinal microbiota and increase the antioxidant capacity in the intestinal environment.

Insufficient S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase compromises the beneficial effect of diabetic BMSCs on diabetic cardiomyopathy

BackgroundAutologous stem cell therapy is a promising strategy for cardiovascular diseases including diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM), but conclusions from clinical trials were compromised. We assumed that diabetes might induce the dysfunction of stem cells and thus limit its therapeutic effect. This study aimed to compare the effect of diabetes and nondiabetes-derived bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) transplantation on DCM and explored the potential mechanism.MethodsRats with diabetes were induced using high-fat diets and streptozotocin (STZ) injection. BMSCs harvested from diabetic and nondiabetic rats were infused into DCM rats, and the effects on the heart were identified by echocardiography and histopathology. The inhibition or overexpression of SAHH in nondiabetic and diabetic BMSCs was used to confirm its key role in stem cell activity and cardiac therapy.ResultsCompared with normal BMSCs, the therapeutic effects of diabetic rat-derived stem cells on improving cardiac function and adverse remodeling were significantly attenuated. In vitro, diabetic BMSCs had lower cell viability and paracrine function than nondiabetic BMSCs. It was further found that diabetic BMSCs had obvious mitochondrial oxidative stress damage and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) accumulation due to S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase (SAHH) deficiency. SAHH inhibition by adenosine dialdehyde (ADA) or shSAHH plasmid in normal BMSCs significantly reduced the favorable effects on endothelial cell proliferation and tube-forming capacity. In contrast, SAHH overexpression in diabetic BMSCs significantly improved cellular activity and paracrine function. Transplantation of BMSCs with SAHH overexpression improved cardiac adverse remodeling and angiogenesis. Activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway may be one of the key mechanisms of SAHH-mediated improvement of stem cell viability and cardiac repair.ConclusionsDiabetes leads to compromised bioactivity and repair capacity of BMSCs. Our study suggests that SAHH activation may improve the cardioprotective effect of autologous transplantation of diabetes-derived BMSCs on patients with DCM.Graphical abstractDiabetes induced the inhibition of S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) expression and aging phenotype in BMSCs and thus decreased the cell viability and paracrine function. Compared with normal BMSCs, the therapeutic effects of diabetic rat-derived BMSCs on improving cardiac function and adverse remodeling were significantly attenuated. SAHH overexpression in diabetic BMSCs significantly rescued cellular function partly via activating Nrf2/HO-1 signal. Transplantation of diabetic BMSCs with SAHH overexpression improved angiogenesis and cardiac adverse remodeling in rats.

Valorization of Berries' Agro-Industrial Waste in the Development of Biodegradable Pectin-Based Films for Fresh Salmon (Salmo salar) Shelf-Life Monitoring.

The healthy properties of berries are known; however, red fruits are very perishable, generating large losses in production and marketing. Nonetheless, these wastes can be revalued and used. The main objective of this study was the development of biodegradable pectin films with berry agro-industrial waste extracts to monitor salmon shelf-life. The obtained extracts from blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries wastes were evaluated in terms of flavonols, phenols and anthocyanins contents, and antioxidant capacity. Then, pectin films with the extracts of different berries were developed and characterized. The results showed that the blueberry extract film was thicker (0.248 mm), darker (L* = 61.42), and opaquer (17.71%), while the highest density (1.477 g/cm3) was shown by the raspberry films. The results also showed that blueberries were the best for further application due to their composition in bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity, and color change at different pHs. The salmon samples wrapped in blueberry films showed lower values of pH and deterioration of fish during storage compared to the control and pectin samples. This study contributes to the valorization of berries agro-industrial waste by the development of eco-friendly films that can be used in the future as intelligent food packaging materials contributing to the extension of food shelf-life as a sustainable packaging alternative.

Variations of Bioactive Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Capacity of Navel Orange Peel in Response to Different Drying Methods.

The effects of five different drying methods, namely, freeze drying (FD), shade drying (SD), hot-air oven drying at 50 °C (OD50), 70 °C (OD70), and microwave drying (MD) on the bioactive phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity of navel orange peel were assessed and comprehensively discussed in detail. Compared with other drying methods, MD-treated peel contained the lowest total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The peel subjected to OD70 treatment was superior in TPC relative to other treatments and the highest TFC was found in the peels treated with FD. HPLC analysis identified thirteen flavonoids involving three flavanone glycosides (FGs) and ten polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) in navel orange peel and revealed that PMFs in peel were stable under all these drying methods, whereas the three major FGs (narirutin, hesperidin, and didymin) in peel significantly degraded in response to MD treatment. The peels subjected to OD50/OD70 treatments had the most potent antioxidant capacity when compared to other drying methods. Furthermore, Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed. The results revealed here allow us to recommend the use of OD50 or OD70 for the drying of orange peel, both of which help the maintenance of bioactive compounds in the peel and improve its antioxidant capacity.

Quinua (Chenopodium quinoa): Composición nutricional y Componentes bioactivos del grano y la hoja, e impacto del tratamiento térmico y de la germinación

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is an Andean pseudocereal produced in countries such as Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and southern Colombia, with more than 3,000 varieties, distinguished by their nutritional properties and adaptation to different agro-ecological zones. Quinoa's nutritional profile stands out for its protein, carbohydrate, lipid and gluten-free content; it is rich in vitamins; and it is an excellent source of minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus. It is one of the few foods that have in its composition all the essential amino acids, standing out from other cereals such as rice or wheat. It is an excellent source of bioactive compounds, which have antioxidant, cytotoxic, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. With respect to quinoa leaves, several studies have indicated that they have higher protein content than grains, as well as inorganic nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, iron and zinc. In addition, they can potentially serve as a rich source of phenolic compounds and carotenoids. Conventional heat treatments greatly or slightly affect the composition of the food, including bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. Germination provides the product with greater bioavailability and an increase in bioactive compounds. The purpose of this work was to document research on quinoa and its leaves, the effect of thermal treatments and germination on its bioactive compounds, in order to promote the creation and innovation of products based on its bioactive compounds, thus combating malnutrition in our population.

Cosmetic Potential of Pigments Extracts from the Marine Cyanobacterium Cyanobium sp.

The current mindset in the cosmetics market about sustainable ingredients had increased the search for new sources of natural active ingredients. Cyanobacteria are a great source of functional ingredients for cosmetics, as a producer of pigments with described bioactive potential (carotenoids and phycobiliproteins). This work aimed to evaluate the cosmetic potential of marine cyanobacterium Cyanobium sp. pigment-targeted extracts (carotenoids and phycobiliproteins), evaluating their in vitro safety through cytotoxicity assays, cosmetic-related enzyme inhibition, ingredient stability, and putative product (serum formulation). Results showed no cytotoxicity from the extracts in skin-related cell lines. Carotenoid extract showed anti-hyaluronidase capacity (IC50 = 108.74 ± 5.74 mg mL−1) and phycobiliprotein extract showed anti-hyaluronidase and anti-collagenase capacity (IC50 = 67.25 ± 1.18 and 582.82 ± 56.99 mg mL−1, respectively). Regarding ingredient and serum stability, both ingredients showed higher stability at low-temperature conditions, and it was possible to maintain the pigment content and bioactive capacity stable during the tested period, although in higher temperatures the product was degraded in a week. As a major conclusion, both extracts can be potential natural and sustainable ingredients for cosmetic uses, with relatively simple formulation and storage, and can be promising natural anti-aging ingredients due to their bioactive capacity.

Impact of Thermal Processing Parameters During Black Soymilk Extraction and Pasteurization on Key Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity

Impact of Thermal Processing Parameters During Black Soymilk Extraction and Pasteurization on Key Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity

The quality change of fig wine fermented by RV171 yeast during the six-month aging process

In the present study, the objective was to determine the quality changes of fig wine fermented with single yeast during six months of aging process. The suitable single yeast was screened, and the optimal fermentation process was determined through single-factor experimental analysis and response surface methodology. The fig wine prepared by the optimal fermentation process then aged for six months. The results showed that the strain RV171 was the most suitable yeast among six evaluated yeast strains. The optimal process conditions were yeast addition 0.3%, fermentation temperature 28 °C, and fermentation time 9 days. During the aging process, the contents of vitamin C, total phenolics and flavonoids, as well as antioxidant activity of fig wine changed significantly. There was a positive correlation between these bioactive substances and antioxidant capacity. In addition, significant differences existed for volatile aroma compounds in fig wine at different aging times. When fig wine is aged for one month, the content of ester volatile components was the highest, while the aroma is better than the others. The present study could provide theoretical basis for the production and aging process of fig wine, which would be helpful for further investigation and application of figs to functional foods.

A short-term cooling of root-zone temperature increases bioactive compounds in baby leaf Amaranthus tricolor L.

Leafy vegetables that are offered as seedling leaves with petioles are referred to as baby leaf vegetables. One of the most nutritious baby leaves, amaranth (Amaranthus tricolor L.), contains several bioactive compounds and nutrients. Here, we investigated the growth and quality of baby leaf amaranth using a variety of short-term cooling root-zone temperatures (RZT; 5, 10, 15, and 20°C), periods (1, 3, 5, and 7 days), and combinations thereof. We observed that exposing amaranth seedlings to RZT treatments at 5 and 10°C for 1–3 days increased the antioxidant capacity and the concentrations of bioactive compounds, such as betalain, anthocyanin, phenolic, flavonoid, and ascorbic acid; however, extending the treatment period to 7 days decreased them and adversely affected growth. For RZT treatments at 20°C, leaf photosynthetic pigments, bioactive compounds, nutrients, and antioxidant capacity increased gradually as the treatment period was extended to 7 days. The integration of RZTs at 5 and 10°C for one day preceded or followed by an RZT treatment at 20°C for 2 days had varied effects on the growth and quality of amaranth leaves. After one day of RZT treatment at 5°C followed by 2 days of RZT treatment at 20°C, the highest concentrations of bioactive compounds, nutrients, and antioxidant capacity were 1.4–3.0, 1.7, and 1.7 times higher, respectively, than those of the control, and growth was not impaired. The short-term cooling RZT treatments under controlled environments were demonstrated to be adequate conditions for the improvement of target bioactive compounds in amaranth baby leaf without causing leaf abnormality or growth impairment.

Borate Bioactive Glasses (BBG): Bone Regeneration, Wound Healing Applications, and Future Directions.

Since the early 2000s, borate bioactive glasses (BBGs) have been extensively investigated for biomedical applications. The research so far indicates that BBGs frequently exhibit superior bioactivity and bone healing capacity compared to silicate glasses. They are also suitable candidates as drug delivery devices for infection or disease treatment such as osteoporosis. Additionally, BBGs are also an excellent option for wound healing applications, which includes the availability of commercial (FDA approved) microfibrous BBG dressings to treat chronic wounds. By addition of modifying ions, the bone or wound healing capacity of BBGs can be enhanced. For instance, addition of copper ions into BBGs was shown to drastically increase blood vessel formation for wound healing applications. Moreover, addition of ions such as magnesium, strontium, and cobalt improves bone healing. Other recent research interest related to BBGs is focused on nerve and muscle regeneration applications, while cartilage regeneration is also suggested as a potential application field for BBGs. BBGs are commonly produced by melt-quenching; however, sol–gel processing of BBGs is emerging and appears to be a promising alternative. In this review paper, the physical and biological characteristics of BBGs are analyzed based on the available literature, the applications of BBGs are discussed, and future research directions are suggested.

Phylogenetic identification of Balkan endemic Stachys species and genomic stability during ex vitro conservation

The genus Stachys is one of the largest in the Lamiaceae family. Representatives of the genus are among the most ancient medicinal plants used in the ethnomedicine. The Balkan endemic species S. thracica, S. bulgarica and S. scardica are included in The Red Data Book of Bulgaria and due to their endangered status are scarcely studied. The aim of the present work was to examine the genetic status of these three endemic Stachys species during the process of their ex situ conservation. To gain information about their taxonomic position in the genus Stachys, we applied the DNA barcoding approach. Nuclear (ITS) and plastid (rbcL, matK and trnH‑psbA) DNA barcodes were generated and aligned with accessions available in the data base. In the constructed phylogenetic trees S. thracica was placed in a cluster together with S. alpina, S. germanica and S. cretica, while S. bulgarica and S. scardica were clustered with S. officinalis. The ex situ conservation was achieved by the initiation of in vitro shoot cultures and their subsequent adaptation in ex vitro conditions. To check the genomic stability of the plants during the acclimatisation from in vitro conditions to ex vitro, analysis by sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers was performed. No difference was detected between the SRAP profiles of in vitro cultivated and ex vitro adapted S. thracica and S. scardica plants. In S. bulgarica, only 0.4% fragment difference was detected. The obtained results indicated that the three Stachys species preserved their genetic stability during the process of in vitro multiplication, which is a prerequisite for conserved bioactive capacity.

Validation of the traditional medicinal use of a Mexican endemic orchid (Prosthechea karwinskii) through UPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS characterization of its bioactive compounds

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe orchid Prosthechea karwinskii is a medicinal orchid in Oaxaca, Mexico, used to treat diabetes, cough, wounds, and burns, prevent miscarriage and assist in labor. Each part of the plant (leaves, pseudobulbs, or flowers) is used by healers for certain treatment conditions, indicating that each part has different biocompounds with specific pharmacological activity. Aim of the studyTo characterize the biocompounds in extracts from leaves, pseudobulbs, and flowers of P. karwinskii and evaluate their ROS inhibition capacity to associate it with medicinal uses. Materials and methodsThe compounds present in extracts from leaves, pseudobulbs, and flowers of P. karwinskii were identified by UPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS. The chemical differentiation of each extract was tested by principal component analysis (PCA) using compound intensity values. For each extract, total phenol and flavonoid contents were quantified. Their antioxidant capacity was evaluated ex vivo by inhibition of ROS with DCFH-DA and in vitro with DPPH radical. ResultsBased on the PCA, it was observed that some compounds were completely separated from others according to the correlation that they presented. The compounds common to all three plant parts were quinic, malic, succinic, azelaic, and pinellic acids. Among the compounds identified, two were exclusive to leaves, four to pseudobulbs, and ten to flowers. Some of the identified compounds have well-known antioxidant activity. The leaves had the highest content of total phenols and flavonoids, and the highest in vitro and ex vivo antioxidant capacity. A strong correlation was observed between phenol and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant capacity ex vivo and in vitro. ConclusionsIt was found that the bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity of each part of the plant were associated with its traditional medicinal use. A pharmacological potential was also found in P. karwinskii for further biological studies because of the type of compounds it contained.