Bile salt hydrolase (BSH) activity in probiotic strains is usually correlated with the ability to lower serum cholesterol levels in hypercholesterolemic patients. The objective of this study was the evaluation of BSH in five probiotic strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and a probiotic yeast. The activity was assessed using a qualitative direct plate test and a quantitative high-performance thin- layer chromatography assay. The six strains differed in their BSH substrate preference and activity. Lactobacillus plantarum DGIA1, a potentially probiotic strain isolated from a double cream cheese from Chiapas, Mexico, showed excellent deconjugation activities in the four tested bile acids (69, 100, 81, and 92% for sodium glycocholate, glycodeoxycholate, taurocholate, and taurodeoxycholate, respectively). In the case of the commercial probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii, the deconjugation activities were good against sodium glycodeoxycholate, taurocholate, and taurodeoxycholate (100, 57, and 63%, respectively). These last two results are part of the novelty of the work. A weak deconjugative activity (5%) was observed in the case of sodium glycocholate. This is the first time that the BSH activity has been detected in this yeast.

The genus Eryngium (Apiaceae Lindley) includes over 250 species distributed worldwide. In Michoacán, Mexico, 22 species have been recorded, among them E. beecheyanum (EB), E. heterophyllum (EH), and E. mexiae (EM), which are commonly used in traditional medicine. However, our understanding of their biology and chemical composition remains limited. This study evaluated the phytochemical profile, as well as the antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities of leaves and roots from these three wild species. Flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and sterols were analyzed using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). Antioxidant activity was assessed in vitro using ABTS·+ and DPPH· assays, while antihyperglycemic activity was determined by α-glucosidase inhibition. Six metabolites were detected across all species, with organ-dependent variation. In the leaves, EB showed a high rutin content (241.3 µg/mL), EM contained catechin (137.3 µg/mL), and EH exhibited β sitosterol (315.9 µg/mL). Both leaves and roots of all species showed notable antioxidant activity. EB leaves exhibited inhibition rates of 69.5% and 85.5% in ABTS•+ and DPPH• assays, respectively (IC₅₀ = 22 and 23.47 µg/mL). EH roots showed higher activity, reaching 89.4% and 78.2% inhibition (IC₅₀ = 21.8 and 20.72 µg/mL). Conversely, EM organs exhibited relatively lower radical scavenging capacities; however, EM leaves showed the highest α-glucosidase inhibition (49.1%). Overall, these results suggest that roots generally possess stronger antioxidant potential than leaves, whereas EM leaves stand out for their enzymatic inhibitory activity. These findings highlight the diverse phytochemical and bioactive profiles of E. beecheyanum, E. heterophyllum, and E. mexiae.

Tortillas are an essential food in Mexico, and they are usually packaged in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) bags, but these packages can release microplastics (MPs) into the food. On the other hand, MPs have been associated with conditions such as the release of toxic substances, damage to mitochondrial membranes, and the generation of oxidative stress and inflammation, among others. Currently, there are no studies on the presence of MPs in corn tortillas, so the objective of this work was to study samples of tortillas acquired at five points of sale in central Mexico, namely, supermarkets (A and B) and tortilla shops (C, D, and E), as well as to evaluate the presence of MPs and their identification by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, an abundance interval and an estimate of the consumption rate were established considering the available information on per capita consumption of tortillas in Mexico. The results show that the samples of tortillas purchased at sampling points A and B presented MPs in the form of films with an abundance between 155.56 and 177.78 MPs/kg of tortilla; however, no microplastics were identified in the samples of tortillas acquired at sites C, D, and E. The analysis suggests that the identified MPs may have come from the plastic bags in which tortillas are packaged. In addition, it was established that the daily consumption rate of microplastics per person is 2.48 to 5.15 pieces.