The neglected Chagas disease, a zoonosis caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, has limited treatment options like nifurtimox and benznidazole, known for their toxic effects and controversial efficacy. Natural products present opportunities for therapeutic alternatives, particularly in Chile, which has a rich variety of endemic flora. This study focused on the Chilean Buddleja globosa, evaluating the antioxidant activities and biological effects of its methanolic extract (MET) and BG500, an enriched iridoid fraction (6-O-methylcatalpol), against T. cruzi trypomastigotes. Although the trypanocidal activity of the extract was significantly lower than that of nifurtimox (280 ± 3.5 vs. 5.0 ± 0.5), its selectivity was comparable (selectivity index > 15). The MET and enriched fraction also induced hyperpolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). In silico docking studies suggested that T. cruzi’s Old Yellow (OYE) could be a potential target for 6-O-methylcatalpol. This work provides the first report on the potential trypanocidal activity of a B. globosa extract, highlighting the need for further studies to connect ΔΨm and OYE inhibition to the effects of 6-O-methylcatalpol.

Murtilla pomace (the by-product generated during juice production) shows a high phenolic content. Recovering phenolics from murtilla pomace is a sustainable approach towards zero waste. In this study, murtilla pomace was subjected to enzyme-assisted extraction using Viscozyme. The extracts were analyzed for TPC and phenolic profile. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by chemical-based assays and the antioxidant property was demonstrated for the first time in an ozone-induced oxidation process applied to a raw fish model system. Enzymatic pretreatment with Viscozyme increased the total phenolic content by up to 57%. The antioxidant activity also increased upon enzymatic treatment. The concentration of quercetin was positively affected, while the content of rutin decreased upon enzymatic pretreatment, likely reflecting the enzymatic hydrolysis biotransforming rutin glycoside into quercetin aglycone. Phenolics from murtilla pomace obtained upon enzyme-assisted extraction were shown to be effective as natural antioxidants against ozone-induced oxidation in salmon. Therefore, enzyme-assisted extraction may be an environmentally friendly strategy in the recovery of these natural antioxidants.