Context: Malva spp. have been widely used in the world as traditional remedies. In Ecuadorian markers Malva sylvestris and Malva pseudolavatera are the species most commercialized. However, the scientific information about M. pseudolavatera is little. Aims: To determine the chemical composition and antioxidant capacity of the aqueous extracts of the leaves of both species. Methods: Aqueous extracts were partitioned with butanol and the fractions obtained were analyzed by GC/MS. Total extracts were evaluated as antioxidants using FRAP, DPPH and ABTS assays. Results: Differences in the chemical composition were found between the extracts. Both extracts showed the presence of polysaccharides, phenolic acids and fatty acids, but in M. sylvestris were identified polyols, which there was not observed in M. pseudolavatera. The aqueous extracts showed free radical scavenging and ferric reducing power capacities in vitro assays, being M. sylvestris the most promissory antioxidant, possibly due to the presence of polyols in the extract. In the present research were reported 39 phytochemical compounds by first time for the specie M. pseudolavatera. Conclusions: Aqueous extracts of the leaves of M. sylvestris and M. pseudolavatera showed antioxidant capacity associated with the presence of phenolic acids, polysaccharides and flavonoids in the extracts.

Guettarda calyptrata A. Rich., originally from Cuba and known as "Contraguao", has traditionally been used to counteract quickly and effectively burns produced by Comocladia dentate Jacq (Guao), vegetable species that secretes a highly caustic latex for skin and mucous membranes. A burn is a traumatic injury resulting in local and systemic injury with oxidative changes; in this sense the antioxidants play an important role. In order to offer aspects related to the quality and effectiveness of the plant, its pharmacognostic, phytochemical and antioxidant activity is presented. The morphoanatomical evaluation was carried out, physical-chemical parameters were determined for the crude drug and for the aqueous extract. The chemical profile of the extract was estimated by thin layer chromatography, ultraviolet-visible and quantification of total phenols by Folin-Ciocalteu and total flavonoids by the colorimetric method of aluminum trichloride (AlCl 3). Finally, the antioxidant activity was tested by the FRAP and DPPH techniques. Through the pharmacognostic study, the quality specifications of the drug and the extract were established. The methods of analysis used for the chemical profile suggested the presence of flavonoids and phenols in general. The aqueous extract showed antioxidant properties by the two methods evaluated. The study of G. calyptrata provided pharmacognostic, phytochemical and effectiveness as an antioxidant evidence, aspects to consider in the possible use of the plant by our Natural and Traditional Medicine.

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Mangiferin is a natural glucosylxanthone widely distributed in higher plants such as Mangifera indica L. and Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bung showing antidiabetic, antitumor, antiviral, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. The solubility of this compound in water is small, then; we prove to increase the solubility of Mangiferin in water using Spray Dried with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). Previously, the solubility in several solvents was determinated. To prepare the solutions of Mangiferin-HPMC was used two different HPMC: E10M and K100M. The solutions were prepared in different proportions of Mangiferin/HPMC using methanol/ethanol (50/50) as solvent. After that, they were stirred for 24 hours and dried by Spray Dry at 70 and 500C inlet and outlet temperature, respectively. The powder was characterized by size particle, content of mangiferin, DSC and dissolution test in water. The obtained results demonstrate that HPMC K100M was better than HPMC E10M and the better proportion was 1 g of Mangiferin by 1 g of HPMC K100M. All samples show higher solubility than mangiferin in dissolution test, then; we can conclude that the used method permitted to increase the solubility of mangiferin as active ingredient for new pharmacological applications.

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