The Colombian Amazon is a megadiverse region with high potential for commercial use in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries, constantly expanding and looking for new alternatives from natural resources; unfortunately, few characterization reports of its profitable non-timber species in Colombia have been conducted. This work aimed to perform a comprehensive analysis of traditionally used species: Carapa guianensis (Andiroba), Euterpe precatoria (Asai), Mauritia flexuosa (Miriti), Astrocaryum murumuru (Murumuru), Plukenetia volubilis (Sacha Inchi), and Caryodendron orinocense H.Karst (Cacay). For this purpose, oil and fat quality indices, phytosterol, carotenoid, tocopherol, and tocotrienol content, as well as density and refractive index, were measured to establish their quality level. Multivariate analysis showed four groups of samples; such differences were mainly due to the composition rather than quality indices and physical properties, especially the content of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. All species reported a precise composition, which makes them noninterchangeable, and Miriti oil arose as the most versatile ingredient for the industry. The Colombian Amazon region is a promising source of quality raw material, especially for oils/fats and unsaturated fatty acids; this resulted in the most interest for pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic purposes.

The Copoazú is a Theobroma species of Amazonian origin, and its derived products have a high content of lipids valuable for both the cosmetic and food industries. The composition of the butter extracted from its seeds can vary depending on the postharvest process and the diverse extraction techniques employed. In this study, the composition of this butter processed with and without seed fermentation was analyzed using two extraction techniques: expeller pressing and hydraulic pressing. Parameters such as lipid profile, quality indexes, melting point, and the content of phytosterols and glyceric compounds were compared with a highly sought-after commercial raw material assessed through standardized volumetric and spectroscopic methodologies. The results showed that non-fermentation and cold-pressing conditions preserved the properties of the butter. This analysis is the first step in a standardized process for developing high-quality cosmetic ingredients derived from Copoazú butter.

The Amazon rainforest is one of the most vital biodiversity reservoirs on the planet, but it faces threats from deforestation, lack of knowledge, and limited capacity for research, innovation, and technological development in the region. In this context, bioeconomy is proposed as a key strategy for valuing and sustainably utilizing biological resources, drawing on modern science and the traditional knowledge of local communities. This article aims to explore the role of bioeconomy in the Colombian Amazon, based on experiences developed by the SINCHI Amazonian Institute for Scientific Research over more than two decades of research and innovation. The methodology relies on the systematization of bioeconomic management models created by the Institute, the analysis of three representative case studies in Amazonian value chains, and a comparison with other experiences in the Pan-Amazon region. This approach helps identify lessons learned, success factors, and limitations. The findings demonstrate that integrating scientific knowledge, technological innovation, and traditional practices is essential for strengthening sustainable value chains, reducing pressure on forests, and creating economic alternatives for communities. Additionally, it is evident that public policy and access and benefit-sharing (ABS) frameworks are crucial in establishing fair and viable bioeconomic processes. The article concludes that the bioeconomy in Amazonia not only offers a sustainable development alternative but also highlights the strategic importance of biodiversity in the Global South. This paper presents the experience of the SINCHI Institute as a practical example of developing Amazonian bioeconomic models, contributing to academic and political discussions on sustainable biodiversity management.

Erythroxylum coca, commonly known as "coca" is a plant native to the South American Andes, recognized for its high alkaloid content and potential medical and nutritional applications. This study aimed to characterize the chemical, nutritional, and cytotoxic properties of two E. coca morphotypes (Palo and Caimo) cultivated by Colombian indigenous communities, with the goal of promoting legal uses and economic opportunities in the region. Comprehensive analyses included the evaluation of sugars, organic acids, total polyphenols, flavonoids, antioxidant capacity, volatile compounds, and cytotoxic activity. Chemical analysis revealed that E. coca leaves contain over 50% dietary fiber, while stems surpass 76%, primarily consisting of insoluble fiber. Significant amounts of sucrose, glucose, and fructose were detected, with succinic acid identified as the predominant organic acid. Cytotoxicity evaluation demonstrated that while both morphotypes are safe for consumption, they also exhibit cytotoxic activity against L929 murine fibroblast cell line. Volatile compound analysis highlighted the presence of hexadecanoic and octadecanoic acids, alongside characteristic alkaloids such as cocaine and benzoylecgonine. These findings underscore the nutritional, chemical, and cytotoxic potential of E. coca as a sustainable crop. Its cultivation and research can serve as a valuable resource for indigenous communities, contributing to the development of local economies and fostering its legal and beneficial applications.