Agave sisalana agro-industrial residue has considerable potential against damage associated with oxidative stress and skin aging. This study aims to demonstrate, in vitro and in vivo, the potential of Agave sisalana agro-industrial residue as a safe and effective alternative for the prevention of damage caused by oxidative stress and aging. The antioxidant activity was evaluated in vitro (total antioxidant capacity, reducing power, DPPH radical scavenging, metal chelating (Fe²⁺ and Cu²⁺), and hydroxyl radical scavenging) and in vivo using the Caenorhabditis elegans organism model. The extract showed in vitro antioxidant activity in all tests performed. Tests with C. elegans showed that the extract was able to reduce the intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increase the survival rate of worms. A downregulation of gst-4::GFP expression suggests a direct action against free radicals. Agave sisalana agro-industrial residue extract (AsRE) can therefore be considered as a source of antioxidant biomolecules, and the use of this agro-industrial residue in a new production process can lead to sustainability and socioeconomic development.

The purpose of this study was to extract alkaloids from Melocactus zehntneri aerial parts using supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and to evaluate their cytotoxic action. SFE process was compared to different classical low pressure solvent extraction processes in terms of global yield, extract profile and biological activity. Two specimens of M. zehntneri were evaluated: young and adult aerial parts. The extracts were analyzed by HPLC-UV/DAD as well as they were evaluated against HMVII and Trichomonas vaginalis. The results indicated a qualitative difference in chromatographic profile of the extracts. Finally, the results point out the potential of the extract obtained from aerial parts of young specimens (Y-RM) through SFE at 300 bar/55 °C against T. vaginalis and HMVII, presenting relevant information for development of new studies about cytotoxic.