Caracterización fitoquímica y actividad biológica de Urera baccifera (Urticaceae) y Aniba magnifica (Lauraceae), Ecuador.

Abstract

In the present study, a phytochemical analysis, flavonoid quantification, and antibacterial activity
assessment of Urera baccifera (Urticaceae) and Aniba magnifica (Lauraceae), both species native
to coastal Ecuador, were carried out. The results obtained from the phytochemical analysis
identified alkaloids, flavonoids, sterols, tannins, and anthraquinones in both species, with a higher
concentration of flavonoids and tannins observed in U. baccifera. Regarding flavonoid quantification,
values of 0.044 mg/g were recorded for U. baccifera and 0.043 mg/g for A. magnifica, which are
similar to those reported in previous studies on related species. The antibacterial activity assays
demonstrated that both extracts inhibited the growth of E. coli and Pseudomonas sp., with U.
baccifera showing greater effectiveness. However, none of those extracts exhibited activity against
Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Nevertheless, our results suggest that both species possess bioactive
compounds with potential interest for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications, although
further studies are required to determine their safety and efficacy.