Edible flowers have been used since ancient times, but their potential for improving human health has not been explored. This study aimed to evaluate the profile of bioactive compounds (organic acids, phenolics, and carotenoids) and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of nine flower varieties with high concentrations of carotenoids or total phenolic compounds. Ninety-three edible flowers were analysed for physicochemical characteristics, total phenolic and carotenoid concentrations, and antioxidant activity (ABTS). Bioactive profiles were determined by rapid resolution liquid chromatography (RRLC), and antimicrobial activity was determined against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. Chrysanthemum x hybrid orange, Helianthus annuus yellow, Tagetes patula orange, Canna indica red, and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (orange1 and yellow) showed significant concentrations of total carotenoids. In contrast, Pelargonium hortorum orange2, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis red1, and Rosa x hybrid variety medium yellow showed high levels of total phenolics. The predominant compounds in these species were citric acid (991.4 mg/g DW in Hibiscus rosa-sinensis red1), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (936.2 mg/100 g DW in P. hortorum orange2), kaempferol (971. 9 mg/100 g DW in T. patula orange), quercetin glucoside (958.8 in C. x hybrid), quercetin (919.3 mg/100 g DW in T. patula), α-carotene, and β-carotene in T. patula orange (989.5 and 601.2 mg/100 g DW, respectively). Regarding antimicrobial activity, T. patula orange and P. hortorum orange2 inhibited bacterial growth, while C. x hybrid orange and P. hortorum orange2 inhibited Candida albicans, and the latter inhibited Candida tropicalis. These results indicate the potential of edible flowers as a natural source of bioactive compounds and as a tool in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.

Magnolia pugana (Iltis & A. Vazquez) A. Vázquez & Carvajal, an endemic Mexican species of the Magnoliaceae family, has received limited phytochemical and pharmacological attention. This study reports, for the first time, the chemical composition and in vitro bioactivities of essential oils (EOs) obtained from its leaves, flowers, and seeds. EOs were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and flame ionization detection (GC-FID), revealing cyclocolorenone, a sesquiterpene, as the major compound (38–40%) across all plant parts. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH• and ABTS• radical scavenging assays, complemented by bioautographic thin-layer chromatography (TLC). Antibacterial activity was determined by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against human pathogenic bacteria, while cytotoxicity was assessed in MCF-7 (breast) and HT-29 (colon) cancer cell lines. Seed and flower EOs exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, with IC₅₀ values of 21.5 mg/mL and 9.04 mg/mL, respectively. Strong antibacterial effects were observed against Gram-positive strains, particularly Staphylococcus epidermidis (MIC = 355.11 µg/mL) and S. aureus (MIC = 710.23 µg/mL). Leaf EO showed selective cytotoxicity toward MCF-7 cells (IC₅₀ = 27.25 µg/mL), while seed EO was most active against HT-29 cells (IC₅₀ = 54.01 µg/mL). These results suggest that M. pugana EOs, especially those from seeds, are a promising source of natural antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer agents.

Numerous Neotropical Magnolia species are endangered and red-listed by the IUCN. Here we highlight major results from over a decade of research on endangered magnolias in western Mexico. Particularly, we compare three species of Magnolia (M. pugana, M. pacifica and M. vallartensis) along a large-scale continentality and moisture gradients, in terms of a) their morphological adaptations, b) genetic structure, diversity, and differentiation, c) reproductive phenology, and d) floral scents and their floral visitors. Fieldwork along this gradient unveiled two new species of Magnolia sect. Magnolia; M. granbarrancae and M. talpana. We found that most continental populations have a higher extinction risk than those with greater maritime influence, due to their lower genetic diversity, and greater fragmentation, isolation, and water stress. Also, these populations are more vulnerable to the environmental conditions predicted with the global warming climate scenarios. We share fieldwork experience and advise on pre-germination treatments and seed dormancy. We propose an ex-situ and in-situ conservation strategy, identify new challenges, and suggest future directions of collaborative work as a global Magnolia conservation consortium.

Satureja macrostema is a plant that is located in various regions of Mexico and is used in a traditional way against illness. Essential oils (EOs) were obtained from leaves Satureja macrostema and the chemical composition was evaluated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant effect of the oil was assayed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and by Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC). In vitro antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was determined using a broth microdilution assay and thin layer chromatography–direct bioautography (TLC-DB) to identify active antibacterial compounds. The EOs analysis showed 21 compounds, 99% terpenes, and 96% oxygenated monoterpenes, with trans-piperitone epoxide (46%), cis-piperitone epoxide (22%), and piperitenone oxide (11%) as more abundant compounds. Likewise, S. macrostema EOs showed an antioxidant activity of DPPH = 82%, with 50% free radical scavenging (IC₅₀) = 7 mg/mL and TEAC = 0.005, an antibacterial effect against E. coli of 73% inhibition, and 81% over S. aureus at dose of 100 µL of undiluted crude oil. The TLC-DB assay showed that the most active compounds were derived from piperitone. The comparison with other studies on S. macrostema shows variability in the compounds and their abundances, which can be attributed to climatic factors and the maturity of plants with similar antioxidant and antibacterial activities.

Ilex guayusa Loes., known as guayusa, is a plant that has been used for generations by the indigenous peoples of the Ecuadorian Amazon for its medicinal properties, notably its stimulating effects. This bioactivity is primarily due to the presence of xanthine alkaloids such as caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. In this study, the concentration of each alkaloid was determined in thirty populations throughout the Amazon region, with data ranging from 2065.0 mg/100 g to 364.8 mg/100 g for caffeine; 225.8 mg/100 g and 74.6 mg/100 g for theobromine; and 4.9 mg/100 g and 1.5 mg/100 g for theophylline. A statistical analysis was conducted on twenty-four guayusa populations by integrating alkaloid concentrations with altitude, climatic, and soil variables. Caffeine showed high variability among populations and was only weakly associated with elevation, whereas theobromine and theophylline were determined primarily by climatic and soil factors. These results indicate that methylxanthine accumulation in Ilex guayusa is driven by the combined influence of climatic and edaphic conditions rather than by a single environmental factor.

Heavy metals are among the most concerning environmental pollutants, primarily as a result of industrial human activities. Their persistence, accumulation, and toxicity pose serious risks to ecosystems and public health. Bioremediation strategies using living organisms have emerged as promising alternatives for mitigating heavy metal contamination due to the metabolic versatility of certain microbial taxa. This chapter explores the sequestration capacity of fungal isolates obtained from sediment samples collected along the Cutuchi and Machángara rivers in Ecuador. A total of 63 fungal taxa were isolated, of which eight, belonging to the genera and were selected for detailed evaluation. Their ability to remove chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd) was assessed under controlled experimental conditions using metal concentrations of 100 ppm during seven days of incubation with agitation. Metal removal was quantified by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results demonstrated notable removal efficiencies among the selected fungal isolates. One isolate achieved 35% removal of Cr, whereas another isolate reached a Cd removal efficiency of 67.86%. These findings support the potential use of selected fungal taxa as eco-friendly biotechnological tools for the remediation of environments contaminated with heavy metals. The chapter also discusses their relevance in sustainable pollution control strategies by considering their metal sequestration capacity and the mechanisms involved in metal uptake. Overall, the study highlights the applicability of fungal isolates from contaminated river sediments as biological alternatives for reducing Cr and Cd concentrations under controlled conditions and supporting environmentally sustainable remediation approaches under the experimental conditions evaluated here.