Influence of ecological growth conditions on the bioactive, antioxidant, and mineral composition of Celtis pallida Torr. in Chihuahua, Mexico

Telma G. TORRES-LÓPEZ; María A. FLORES-CORDOVA; Esteban SÁNCHEZ-CHAVEZ; Nora A. SALAS-SALAZAR; Mayra C. SOTO-CABALLERO; María J. RODRÍGUEZ-ROQUE

doi:10.55779/nsb18112796

Authors

Telma G. TORRES-LÓPEZ Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua, Facultad de Ciencias Agrotecnologicas, Av. Pascual Orozco s/n, Campus 1, Chihuahua, 31110 (MX)
María A. FLORES-CORDOVA Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua, Facultad de Ciencias Agrotecnologicas, Av. Pascual Orozco s/n, Campus 1, Chihuahua, 31110 (MX) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9654-8067
Esteban SÁNCHEZ-CHAVEZ Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A.C. (CIAD), Departmento de Fisiologia Vegetal, Av. Cuarta Sur No. 3820 Fraccionamiento Vencedores del Desierto Delicias, Chihuahua, 33089 (MX) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8490-5194
Nora A. SALAS-SALAZAR Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua, Facultad de Ciencias Agrotecnologicas, Av. Pascual Orozco s/n, Campus 1, Chihuahua, 31110 (MX) https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8002-4878
Mayra C. SOTO-CABALLERO Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua, Facultad de Ciencias Agrotecnologicas, Av. Pascual Orozco s/n, Campus 1, Chihuahua, 31110 (MX) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0360-9749
María J. RODRÍGUEZ-ROQUE Universidad Autonoma de Chihuahua, Facultad de Ciencias Agrotecnologicas, Av. Pascual Orozco s/n, Campus 1, Chihuahua, 31110 (MX) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4682-4799

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55779/nsb18112796

Keywords:

ecological plasticity, fruits, functional compounds, granjeno, leaves, roots, seeds, tissues

Abstract

The scientific evidence has shown that plant polyphenols provide a positive health benefits. These antioxidants are contained in a wide range of plants, including Celtis pallida. The present study evaluated the effect of two contrasting ecosystems Naica and Tierra Azul, located in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, on the bioactive, antioxidant, and mineral properties of fruits, leaves, seeds, and roots from Celtis pallida Torr. Samples were collected in June 2023 and analyzed for their content of total phenolics, flavonoids, carotenoids, and their antioxidant activity by DPPH, ORAC, ABTS•+., and FRAP assays, as well as for mineral composition. The results revealed that fruits from Tierra Azul exhibited a 78% higher yield, 20% more flavonoids, and 98% more carotenoids than those from Naica, highlighting the influence of local environmental conditions. In contrast, roots from Naica showed an 88% higher concentration of total phenolics, along with the highest antioxidant activity as determined by DPPH, ORAC, ABTS•+, and FRAP assays. Regarding mineral content, each plant part showed distinct accumulation patterns: fruits were richest in Ca²⁺ and K⁺, roots in Fe²⁺ and Zn²⁺, seeds in P³⁻ and Mn²⁺, and leaves in Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺. Overall, the findings suggest that edaphoclimatic variables such as temperature, precipitation, and soil fertility may significantly modulate the phytochemical and mineral profiles of Celtis pallida. The comparative approach between Naica and Tierra Azul highlights the ecological plasticity of this wild species and its potential for applications in nutraceutical, ecological restoration, and food sectors.

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