Amebiasis caused by Entamoeba histolytica is nowadays a serious public health problem worldwide, especially in developing countries. Annually, up to 100,000 deaths occur across the world. Due to the resistance that pathogenic protozoa exhibit against commercial antiprotozoal drugs, a growing emphasis has been placed on plants used in traditional medicine to discover new antiparasitics. Previously, we reported the in vitro antiamoebic activity of a methanolic extract of Lippia graveolens Kunth (Mexican oregano). In this study, we outline the isolation and structure elucidation of antiamoebic compounds occurring in this plant. The subsequent work-up of this methanol extract by bioguided isolation using several chromatographic techniques yielded the flavonoids pinocembrin (1), sakuranetin (2), cirsimaritin (3), and naringenin (4). Structural elucidation of the isolated compounds was achieved by spectroscopic/spectrometric analyses and comparing literature data. These compounds revealed significant antiprotozoal activity against E. histolytica trophozoites using in vitro tests, showing a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) ranging from 28 to 154 µg/mL. Amebicide activity of sakuranetin and cirsimaritin is reported for the first time in this study. These research data may help to corroborate the use of this plant in traditional Mexican medicine for the treatment of dyspepsia.

Phycobiliproteins (PBPs), captivating water-soluble proteins found in cyanobacteria, red algae, and cryptophytes, continue to fascinate researchers and industries due to their unique properties and multifaceted applications. These proteins consist of chromophores called phycobilins (PBs), covalently linked to specific protein subunits. Major phycobiliproteins include phycocyanin (PC), allophycocyanin (APC), and phycoerythrin (PE), each distinguished by distinct absorption and emission spectra. Beyond their colorful properties, PBs exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antidiabetic effects, making them valuable for pharmaceutical, biotechnological, and medical purposes. The extraction and purification methods for PBs have been optimized to enhance their bioavailability and stability, opening new avenues for industrial production. For this review, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, prioritizing peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2025, with an emphasis on recent advances from the last five years, using keywords such as “phycobiliproteins”, “phycobilins”, “bioactivities”, “therapeutic applications”, and “industrial use”. Studies were selected based on their relevance to the biological, technological, and pharmacological applications of PBPs and PBs. This review explores the diverse applications of PBs in therapeutic, diagnostic, and environmental fields, highlighting their potential as natural alternatives in the treatment of various diseases. The future perspectives for PBs focus on their incorporation into innovative drug delivery systems, biocompatible materials, and functional foods, presenting exciting opportunities for advancing human health and well-being.

Argemone mexicana L. has been used in traditional Mexican medicine. Among its bioactive constituents, berberine (BER) has garnered attention for its cytotoxic properties against different tumor cell lines. This study investigates the in vitro toxicity against HEP-G2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma) and murine lymphoma (L5178Y-R) cells using the MTT assay of the methanol extract (AmexM), sub-partitions of A. mexicana, and BER. Selectivity indices (SIs) were determined by comparing their cytotoxic effects on VERO (monkey kidney epithelial) and PBMC (human peripheral blood mononuclear) non-tumoral cells. Additionally, the anti-hemolytic effect of these treatments was assessed using the AAPH method. The treatment with the most promising activity against tumor cells and anti-hemolytic efficacy underwent further evaluation for toxicity in Artemia salina and antioxidant activities using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. BER demonstrated an IC₅₀ = 56.86 µg/mL in HEP-G2 cells and IC₅₀ < 5.0 µg/mL in L5178Y-R cells, with SI values of 15.97 and >5.40 in VERO and PBMC cells, respectively. No significant hemolytic effects were observed, although AmexM and BER exhibited the highest anti-hemolytic activity. BER also demonstrated superior antioxidant efficacy, with lower toxicity in A. salina nauplii compared to the control. Additionally, BER significantly attenuated nitric oxide production. This study highlights the antiproliferative effects of A. mexicana, particularly BER, against HEP-G2 and L5178Y-R tumor cell lines, along with its selectivity towards normal cells. Furthermore, its anti-hemolytic and antioxidant potentials were demonstrated, suggesting that BER is a promising candidate for potent chemotherapeutic agents.

Identification of new sources of compounds with anticancer and antioxidant potential is essential for cancer treatment. Rhizospheric bacteria have emerged as a promising source of these agents. This study is aimed at investigating the anticancer and antioxidant properties of bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of Lophocereus marginatus . Six rhizobacteria of L. marginatus were isolated and molecularly identified by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene and MALDI‐TOF. We evaluated the inhibitory activity of methanol (MeOH) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts obtained from rhizobacteria against the murine lymphoma cell line L5178Y‐R, as well as normal Vero monkey kidney cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Compared with those of normal cells, the MeOH extract of Paenibacillus sp. PMS‐B023 showed selective anticancer activity against lymphoma, with 50% inhibitory concentration (IC ₅₀ ) values of 117.5 μ g/mL and a selectivity index (SI) > 2.1, as compared with those of normal cells. L‐Pro‐L‐Val cycle, gageostatin B, cinnamic acid, parvifloracin, daidzein, genistein, actinomycin D, actinomycin Y4, and surfactin C were detected in the MeOH extract, which may be responsible for its antilymphoma activity. We did not find significant antioxidant activity in any of the extracts evaluated using the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl technique (IC ₅₀ > 250  μ g/mL). The results showed that Paenibacillus sp. PMS‐B023 has antitumor potential and selective activity against L5178Y‐R lymphoma cells. The presence of anticancer compounds was also demonstrated, as previously described in the literature.

El uso de los antimicrobianos está descrito desde la antigüedad, sin embargo, el siglo XX fue el parteaguas entre el inicio del uso de sustancias químicas y el salto hacia el uso de compuestos producidos por hongos, como lo es la penicilina descubierta por Fleming, abriendo camino para la investigación y el desarrollo de nuevos antimicrobianos para definir posteriormente el término antibiótico. A pesar de la gran innovación, uno de los principales problemas de salud pública es el desarrollo de la resistencia bacteriana contra los antibióticos, causado por el uso desmedido y a la rápida generación por parte de los microorganismos desde hace más de 80 años. Estos hechos han contribuido a que las nuevas terapias solo cuenten con 10 años de vida útil, generando desinterés entre las farmacéuticas en el desarrollo de fármacos, debido a la baja rentabilidad. Hoy en día se ha retomado la importancia del uso etnobotánico de las plantas como alternativas para tratar enfermedades. Debido a sus metabolitos secundarios, las plantas se han convertido en una fuente para la obtención de nuevas moléculas para la generación de fármacos en el tratamiento de diversas afecciones. El objetivo de este escrito es dar a conocer una problemática actual de la sociedad en cuestión de salud, a través de la historia del uso y desarrollo de los antibióticos, así como presentar a las plantas como una alternativa natural, en la cual se pueden enfocar futuras investigaciones

Background/Objectives: Cancer has been associated with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly related to chemotherapy resistance. Therefore, it is essential to investigate alternative sources of non-toxic antitumor compounds. The cactus Lophocereus marginatus is native to Mexico and is commonly used to treat gastrointestinal infections and diabetes in traditional medicine. Methods: The in vitro antitumor activity of L. marginatus extract fractions against murine L5178Y-R lymphoma cells was evaluated. The crude extract and its solvent-derived fractions were evaluated for cytotoxicity, selectivity, and hemolytic activity. Results: The crude extract exhibited an IC₅₀ of 9.09 μg/mL, demonstrating a high selectivity index (SI: 330.03), with no hemolytic activity observed at 1000 μg/mL. The LM-HP, LM-CP, and LM-MP partitions showed varying IC₅₀ values (6.74, 7.93, and 45.38 μg/mL, respectively) and selectivity indices of 445.1, 378.31, and 66.1, respectively. Only LM-HP induced hemolysis at 200 μg/mL. The most promising fraction, CP-F8, exhibited an IC₅₀ of 11.2 μg/mL, high selectivity index (354.29), and antioxidant activity, without hemolytic effects. Phytochemical analysis of CP-F8 identified phenolic compounds, triterpenes, and sterols, which are known for their anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. In vivo tests showed no significant liver damage or changes in body weight, indicating the safety of CP-F8. Conclusions: These results suggest that CP-F8 is a promising antitumor candidate with selective cytotoxicity and minimal toxicity to normal cells.