5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) converts arachidonic acid to lipidic inflammatory mediators such as leukotrienes (LTs). In diseases such as asthma, LTs contribute to a physiopathology that could be reverted by blocking 5-LOX. Natural products with anti-inflammatory potential such as ginger have been used as nutraceuticals since ancient times. 6-Gingerol and 6-shogaol are the most abundant compounds in the ginger rhizome; they possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and chemopreventive properties. In the present study, 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol structures were analyzed and compared with two commercial 5-LOX inhibitors (zileuton and atreleuton) and with other inhibitor candidates (3f, NDGA, CP 209, caffeic acid, and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE)). The pharmacokinetics and toxicological properties of 6-gingerol, 6-shogaol, and the other compounds were evaluated. Targeted molecular coupling was performed to identify the optimal catalytic pocket for 5-LOX inhibition. The results showed that 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol follow all of the recommended pharmacokinetic parameters. These compounds could be inhibitors of 5-LOX because they present specific interactions with the residues involved in molecular inhibition. The current study demonstrated the potential of 6-gingerol and 6-shogaol as anti-inflammatory agents that inhibit 5-LOX, as they present a high level of performance in the toxicological analysis and could be catabolized by the cytochrome p450 enzymatic complex; however, 6-gingerol was superior in safety compared to 6-shogaol.

Throughout human history, bacteria and fungi have caused infections that are difficult to combat. For this reason, countless research groups have developed novel compounds to solve this problem. Thiazole and benzothiazole are present in different structures with interesting biological effects and are used to develop new effective antimicrobial agents. Moreover, nitrogen atoms that are present in this heterocycle allow for coordination with various metals, forming metal complexes that enhance the biological activity of organic ligands that are often used as commercial drugs. This bibliographical review summarizes the copper complexes that use thiazole and benzothiazole as ligands and that report efficient antimicrobial activity against different bacteria and fungi.

Antecedentes: Las rizobacterias promotoras del crecimiento vegetal (PGPR) y hongos micorrízicos arbusculares (AMF) son alternativos para el manejo sustentable del cultivo de chile. Objetivo: Investigar los efectos benéficos de la inoculación de PGPR y AMF en el crecimiento de plantas de pimiento morrón. Métodos: Se utilizaron dos cepas de PGPR (Pseudomonas tolaasii P61 y Bacillus pumilus R44), su mezcla, y un control no inoculado, y su combinación con un consorcio de AMF (Funneliformis aff. geosporum y Claroideoglomus sp.). Se realizó un experimento factorial 4x2 [cuatro niveles para bacterias (Control, P61, R44, y la mezcla de ellas) y dos niveles de AMF (no-AMF y AMF)], en invernadero por 80 días después de la inoculación. Los AMF se inocularon al momento de la siembra, y las PGPR 15 días después de la emergencia de las plántulas. Resultados y conclusiones: El control no inoculado mostró menor crecimiento comparado con plantas con PGPR y AMF, solos o combinados. Las plantas con P61 y en combinación con R44+AMF tuvieron mayor crecimiento. Los AMF mejoraron la eficiencia fotoquímica de PSII en comparación con plantas control, plantas inoculadas con R44, o la mezcla bacteriana. Tanto PGPR como AMF mejoraron el crecimiento y el vigor de las plantas.

The effect of chemical modification of fractions of native agave fructans (NAF), high performance (HPAF), and a high degree of polymerization (HDPAF) by lauroylation, acetylation, and succinylation reactions on their prebiotic activity, antibacterial properties were evaluated and survival of L. paracasei in a simulated gastrointestinal system. The characterization of the reactions was confirmed by NMR and FTIR. The lauroylated and succinylated fructan fractions showed higher antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus than the unmodified ones. Analyses with L. paracasei showed that the acetylated fructan fractions had a greater prebiotic effect, and simulated gastrointestinal tests demonstrated that the acetylated and succinylated fractions favored the survival of L. paracasei during the gastrointestinal phase. The effect of modifying the agave fructans fractions on the evaluated properties depended on the structure, size, and polarity of each incorporated functional group, as well as the degree of polymerization and substitution of each fraction. These results show that the chemical modification of the fructan fractions analyzed improves their functional properties, offering an alternative in the food and pharmaceutical industry.

Inulin and agavin fructans have been widely used in the food industry as fat substitutes, wall materials, and prebiotics, among other applications. Chemical modifications offer several advantages, from enhancing functional properties to broadening industrial applications, making them a key area of research in biotechnology, nutrition, and food science. This review examines the chemical modifications of fructans, specifically the inulin and agavin types. It describes the most commonly used methods, their characteristics, and their impact on the physicochemical, functional, and prebiotic properties of fructans. Additionally, it explores the interactions underlying these changes. Modifications enhance, extend, or generate new biological properties and activities. While most yield positive outcomes, challenges remain, including a deeper understanding of the structure–bioactivity relationships and further toxicity assessments, particularly in agavins. These insights aim to guide future research and innovation in the field.