Discovering the Pharmacological Potential of Ecuadorian Market Plants using a Screens-to-nature Participatory Approach

Abstract

Objective: Edible plants of medicinal value can serve as a resource for sustainable development in Ecuador, a country rich in agrobiodiversity and traditional ecological knowledge. This study surveyed the nematicidal, antimicrobial, and antioxidant potential of plants sold in local Ecuadorian markets through participatory scientific discovery workshops with local Ecuadorian students and researchers, while simultaneously enhancing the knowledge and technological capacity of workshop participants.Methods: Edible plants were purchased from city markets at 3 distinct research sites in Ecuador -Cuenca, Quito, and Santa Elena. Botanical identification and traditional uses of each plant were assessed via herbarium specimen preparation and reference to ethnobotanical texts. Portable screens-to-nature (STN) extraction and assay technologies were employed to rapidly and qualitatively detect roundworm lethality, antibacterial, antifungal, and free radical scavenging activities of the plants during 3-day STN workshops at each research site. Participant learning was assessed through a retrospective pretest-posttest administered at the end of each STN workshop.Results: A total of 50 plants were collected, representing 30 vascular plant families and a wide variety of traditional uses. Thirty-two participants among 3 STN workshops identified 1 plant with nematicidal activity, 14 plants with antibacterial activity, 20 plants with antifungal activity, and 41 plants with antioxidant activity. Nearly half of the plants (24 species) demonstrated both antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, correlating to their reported uses to treat both infectious and chronic/metabolic disorders in traditional Ecuadorian medicine. During the STN workshops, participant knowledge of pharmacological screening increased by 77%, whereas knowledge of biodiversity and conservation increased by 69%. Conclusion:This study demonstrated that STN technologies, employed through a participatory research approach, are highly efficient in the detection of biochemical activities of traditionally used plants. Furthermore, edible Ecuadorian plants possess nematicidal, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties with potential for further development as functional foods, botanical supplements, or cosmetics.

Rapid, field-deployable method for collecting and preserving plant metabolome for biochemical and functional characterization

“…We modified Screens-to-Nature (STN) bioactivity assays developed by Global Institute for BioExploration [ 23 – 27 ], to be fully compatible with the RAMES format. STN technology relies on low cost, simple, field-deployable assays to detect pharmacologically active compounds from plants and other natural sources.…”

“…The simplicity of STN assays not only allows rapid lead detection in the field, but also makes them excellent educational tools for biology teachers at schools and universities [ 23 – 27 ]. RAMES technology combined with STN assays connects students with traditional botanical knowledge and stimulates their interest in science, human health, and biodiversity conservation.…”

A New Sesquiterpene Essential Oil from the Native Andean Species Jungia rugosa Less (Asteraceae): Chemical Analysis, Enantiomeric Evaluation, and Cholinergic Activity

“…Based on the indigenous heritage of the central Ecuadorian region (Cotopaxi), this species is used as an anti-inflammatory remedy, for instance, in treating bruises, and for other unspecified healing purposes [12]. The anti-inflammatory activity is probably the most important medicinal property of this plant, since it has also been confirmed by two scientific studies, together with the closely related antioxidant capacity [13,14]. Some sources also report that leaf decoctions are applied to treat wounds and skin ulcerations, gastric problems, and kidney disorders, among others [15,16].…”

Main Constituents and Antidiabetic Properties of Otholobium mexicanum

“…Diabetes is responsible for 4% of all deaths in Ecuador, ranking sixth as the most common cause of death, followed by respiratory diseases [4]. Treatments with plants for the primary health care are practiced in Ecuador by nearly 80% of the people [5]. Otholobium mexicanum (L.f.) J.W.…”

“…Otholobium mexicanum (L.f.) J.W. Grimes (Fabaceae), locally called culen, is considered as a medicinal plant in Ecuador and is useful for different purposes, including diarrhea, as a contraceptive, against stomach pain, indigestions, and sheep ticks [5]. Moreover, the leaves are used to prepare a refreshing drink, and the stems infusion is considered an antibacterial remedy.…”