ABSTRACT Phytochemical analysis of the basidiomycete Cortinarius magellanicus (family Cortinariaceae) resulted in the isolation of eight secondary metabolites, where a brominated secondary metabolite was isolated for first time from a natural source. The structure elucidation of this compound was made using one- and two-dimensional NMR experiments, FT-IR, GC-MS, HRESIMS and chemical derivation. The disk diffusion assay of the brominated compound 4 and 8 revealed a low inhibition on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, respectively. No antifungal activities were detected for these compounds.

ABSTRACT Fungal polysaccharides possess an important bioactive potential, including antioxidant and anticarcinogenic activity. The aim of this work was to determine the antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity against tumour and non-tumour cell lines acidic polysaccharides (NAAPs) of the fungus Nothophellinus andinopatagonicus . The effect of NAAPs on tumour cells lines was evaluated by MTT assay and flow cytometry. The analyses determined that glucose was the most abundant monomer and IR spectrum showed the typical peaks of β-glucans in the NAAPs. The cell viability assays revealed significant activity of NAAPs against HL-60, HCT-116 and MCF-7 tumour cell lines (IC50 = 767,16 μg mL-1, 1256 μg mL-1 and 4241,7 μg mL-1, respectively); but a much lower cytotoxicity against the non-tumour cell line HGF-1 (outside the range of the highest concentration tested (>10 mg mL-1)). NAAPs affected the cell cycle of HL-60 tumour cells, increasing the percentage of cells in the sub G1 phase and reducing it in the S/G2/M phases. Moreover, low concentrations of NAAPs also showed an effective cytotoxic activity against tumour cell lines while the non-tumour cell line was unaffected, maintaining a viability close to 100%. The antioxidant activity of the highest NAAPs concentration tested was 6.24% and 4.63%, for DPPH and ABTS method, respectively.

Abstract The effects of a naturally occurring Patagonian strain of the white-rot fungus Pleurotus ostreatus on Araucaria araucana wood lignans was evaluated. Lignans of colonized and non-colonized wood shavings and the activity of fungal ligninolytic enzymes were studied. Lignans were identified using gas chromatography with a mass spectrometry detector. Only eudesmin lignan resisted biological degradation. The highest laccase activity was 0.111 ± 0.067 IU.g-1 dry matter substrate, which was reached after 60 days, whereas the highest manganese peroxidase (MnP) activity was 0.220 ± 0.109 IU.g-1 dry matter substrate, which was reached after 25 days, when the fungus was grown in a solid-state culture on wood shavings. The degradation properties of this fungal strain may be useful for not only treating resinous wastes from the regional forest industry to produce biofuels but also improving paper production. Moreover, the capacity of this white-rot fungus to grow on resinous A. araucana materials as substrate suggests the possibility of using the wood shavings or sawdust of this and other conifers as a food source to culture P. ostreatus, an edible mushroom.

Resumen Se evaluaron los efectos de una cepa patagónica de Pleurotus ostreatus sobre la composición de los lignanos de madera de Araucaria araucana. Se estudiaron los lignanos presentes en virutas de madera colonizada y no colonizada por el hongo y se evaluaron las actividades de las enzimas ligninolíticas. Los lignanos se identificaron mediante cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrómetro de masas (GCMS). Solamente el lignano eudesmin resistió la degradación biológica. La mayor actividad de la enzima lacasa detectada fue de 0,111 ± 0,067 UI.g-1, que se alcanzó luego de 60 días, mientras que la mayor actividad de la enzima manganeso peroxidasa (MnP) fue de 0,220 ± 0,109 UI.g-1 a los 25 días de cultivo. Las propiedades degradativas de esta cepa fúngica pueden ser útiles, no solamente para tratar los desechos resinosos de la industria forestal regional sino también para producir biocombustibles a partir de estos, o aplicarlos en la producción de papel. Además, la capacidad de este hongo de podredumbre blanca para crecer en un sustrato resinoso como A. araucana sugiere la posibilidad de usar las virutas o aserrínes de coníferas como sustrato para cultivar un alimento de valor como P. ostreatus.

The purpose of the university is to train citizens capable of transforming the world; contributing to their learning through scientific knowledge and methods; mission that requires economic sustenance, a convenient commitment for any government because university graduates contribute to the generation of wealth and work. For Ecuadorians, the economic crisis is hard and difficult to overcome despite the application of emerging government economic formulas that in the medium term will compress their income by credit commitments and consequently impact society. In post-pandemic and crisis times, economic provision to public institutions is not sufficient and will continue to be cut; if no new alternatives are found to promote the dynamization of the economy; for public university this situation should become an opportunity to generate complementary resources and contribute to the balance of their accounts through the implementation of production strategies. In a growing and pandemic society, the university also faces changes driven by this environment, a situation that has allowed it to find its adaptation and its presence thanks to virtuality, to continue to train professionals, despite the fiscal and planetary economic crisis. From that perspective, the objective of this work was to analyze the challenges facing the Ecuadorian public university in the post-COVID-19 context. Methodologically it was implemented as a documentary research, supported by bibliographic consultations from different sources, such as books, magazines, newsletters, memoirs and institutional publications of Ecuador. According to the results of the review, there is a possibility that public universities in the country may have a reduced financial budget in the years following the pandemic.

El propósito de la universidad es formar ciudadanos capaces de transformar el mundo; contribuyendo con su aprendizaje a través del conocimiento científico; misión que requiere del sustento económico, compromiso conveniente para cualquier gobierno. Para estados como el ecuatoriano, la crisis económica es la oportunidad de repensarse. En época post pandémica, la provisión económica de las instituciones públicas no es suficiente y seguirá recortándose si no se encuentran alternativas que propicien la dinamización de la economía; para la universidad pública es imperativo convertirse en autosuficiente y contribuir con el equilibrio de sus cuentas a través de la implementación de estrategias para la producción. En una sociedad creciente y pandémica, la universidad afronta cambios propiciados por ese entorno que le ha permitido encontrar su adaptación y su presencia gracias a la virtualidad, para seguir formando profesionales. Desde esa perspectiva, el objetivo de este trabajo consistió en analizar los desafíos que debe enfrentar la universidad pública ecuatoriana en el contexto post COVID-19. Metodológicamente se implementó como una investigación documental, de tipo descriptiva, apoyada en consultas bibliográficas de distintas fuentes, tales como libros, revistas, boletines, memorias y publicaciones institucionales del Ecuador. De acuerdo a los resultados de la revisión, existe la posibilidad que las universidades públicas del país cuenten con un presupuesto financiero reducido que impulse el cambio que ya comenzó.

ABSTRACT In the microwave-radiofrequency spectrum, Wi-Fi is a short-range wireless broadband technology, which transmits at a frequency of 2.5 GHz. This type of technology has been positioned itself as one of the most widely used technological advances in recent years. It has been reported that direct exposition to radiofrequencies can induce physiological changes in different animals and plants species. One of the degenerative effects that Wi-Fi can cause is the production of reactive oxygen species, inducing tissue damage and DNA alterations. In fungi, the effect of exposure to electromagnetic radiation in the UV spectrum has been extensively studied, the physiological effect to radiofrequencies such as Wi-Fi is unknown. In that sense, the aim of this study was to detect the main changes in metabolism of some acid fatty and ergosterol of the fungus Serpula himantioides, using gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and evaluate the antioxidant activity of metabolites obtained from in vitro cultures of S. himantioides exposed to Wi-Fi at 2.5 GHz. The results showed an increment in the content of some the fatty acids and ergosterol, in total extracts from the fungus mycelium. Antioxidant analysis revealed that the total extracts of S. himantioides culture medium showed antioxidant capacity associated with an increment in the content of phenolic compounds. Our results suggest that direct exposition to Wi-Fi radiation produces oxidative damage by modifying cellular components in the fungus S. himantioides.

ABSTRACT Araucaria araucana is a native conifer of Chile commonly called Araucaria. The knots of Araucaria are extremely hard wood and highly rot-resistant, they can be found in the forest decades after that the tree has dead and decomposed. Here we report the phytochemical characterization of different parts of the Araucaria as stemwood, branch and knots, founding a remarkable difference in the content of extractables in these parts, as well as the lignan composition, which is higher in knots than in branches or stemwood. Eudesmin was isolated and crystallized from organic extract of knots, its structure was determinate by NMR; moreover, secoisolariciresinol, lariciresinol and matairesinol were identified by GCMS and HPLC in contrast to standards, and quantified in stemwood, branch and knots. The results showed that secoisolariciresinol is the main lignan with 45.77 mg g−1, followed by eudesmin with 22.68 mg g−1, lariciresinol 4.57 mg g−1 and matairesinol with 1.19 mg g−1. The antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH assay showed that knotwood extract displays the higher activity, meanwhile that eudesmin did not displays activity in DPPH assay. The cytotoxic activity against SHSY5Y neuroblastoma and P3X myeloma cell lines, revelated a moderate activity of extracts, while eudesmin did not showed activity.

Abstract In the Sumidero Canyon Basin, Chiapas state, Mexico, the soil is a component of the natural environment strongly affected by erosion due to inadequate management of the soil resource. Measuring soil erosion is time consuming and data on soil erosion rates in Mexico are limited and punctual and provide little information on soil loss rates at the basin level. In the present study, methodologies were used for the application of the USLE/RUSLE, developed in various studies and countries, in order to carry out the cartography of water erosion of the Sumidero Canyon Basin, which constitutes a significant tool for making decisions. in the management and conservation of soils. A series of methodological tools is proposed for the generation of the water erosion cartography using information in Mexico at various scales. The results are presented as an average annual geographic reference of soil loss and its monthly distribution. The analysis of results indicates that 73% of the basin presents some degree of erosion, that June is the month that erosion is greatest (7 021 906.9 t) and that the average annual erosion in the study area is 41.5 t ha-1 year-1.

Resumen En la cuenca del Cañón del Sumidero, estado de Chiapas, México, el suelo es un componente del medio natural fuertemente afectado por la erosión debido al manejo inadecuado del recurso suelo. La medición de la erosión del suelo lleva mucho tiempo y los datos de las tasas de erosión del suelo en México son limitados y puntuales, además, aportan poca información sobre las tasas de pérdida de suelo a nivel de cuenca. En el presente estudio se usaron metodologías para la aplicación de la USLE/RUSLE, desarrolladas en diversos estudios y países, con el propósito de realizar la cartografía de erosión hídrica de la cuenca del Cañón del Sumidero, la cual constituye una herramienta significativa para tomar decisiones en el manejo y conservación de suelos. Se propone una serie de herramientas metodológicas para la generación de la cartografía de erosión hídrica usando información en México a diversas escalas. Los resultados se presentan como una referencia geográfica anual promedio de perdida de suelo y su distribución mensual. El análisis de resultados indica que 73% de la cuenca presenta algún grado de erosión, que junio es el mes que la erosión es mayor (7 021 906.9 t) y que la erosión promedio anual en el área de estudio es 41.5 t ha-1 año-1.

Resumen El presente artículo, de acuerdo a los criterios de la mayoría de clasificaciones catastróficas, lleva el término de catástrofe a una dimensión poco difundida, es decir, las causas sociales y sus efectos contra el turismo; se busca insertar este síntoma en el segmento de subversión, específicamente por las tragedias y pérdidas económicas que producen al sector a corto y mediano plazo. Para realizar la investigación se hizo una revisión bibliográfica documental, la cual permitió sustentar la posición de los autores sobre la base de informaciones recolectadas y relacionadas con el caso del paro nacional indígena efectuado en el mes de octubre de 2019 en Ecuador. Se encontró en la revisión que los efectos de las catástrofes, independientemente de su origen, son diversos, pero todos impactan a la población y su economía tal cual ocurrió en la ciudad de Quito. Cuando éstas son de índole natural, con duración de tiempo reducido, su accionar es devastador, los daños y la restauración demandan tiempo y esfuerzos considerables; pero hay también catástrofes de otros orígenes, como el humano, con características diferentes a la anterior, donde el tiempo de la tragedia puede alargarse y convertirse en una tortura; como podría ser el caso de un levantamiento social con repercusiones que siempre irán en contra de afectados inocentes, del turista y del ciudadano común.

Abstract This article, according to the criteria of most catastrophic é classifications, takes the catastrophe term to a little wide spread dimension, i.e. social causes and their effects against tourism; it seeks to insert this symptom into the subversion losses that produce the sector in the short and medium term. In this sense, the objective of this work was to analyze the impact of the October 2019 national unemployment on tourism activities in the city of Quito, Ecuador. In order to carry out the investigation, a documentary bibliographic review was carried out, which allowed to support the position of the authors on the basis of information collected and related to the case of national unemployment carried out in october 2019 in Ecuador. It was found in the review that the effects de of the catastrophes, regardless of their origin, are diverse, but all impact the population and its economy as it did in the city of Quito. While these are of a natural nature, with a reduced duration of time, their action is devastating, the damage and restoration require considerable time and effort;; but there are also catastrophes from other origins, such as the human, with characteristics other than the previous one, where the time of tragedy can be extended and become torture; as could be the case of a social uprising with repercussions that will always go against innocent affected, the tourist and the common citizen.

ABSTRACT The Cyttaria genus belongs to the Cyttariaceae family, with 11 species described worldwide. In Chile and Argentina, seven of them are found. They are known as “Digüeñes”, from the Mapudungun “diweñ”, and are parasitic fungi of Nothofagus trees. They are naturally distributed in the southern hemisphere and are of great importance from a nutritional point of view. Despite extensive knowledge about the taxonomy, ecology, and chemical-nutritional composition of some Cyttaria species, their nutraceutical potential has recently gained interest. In this investigation, the chemical-proximal composition and cytotoxic activity of the C. berteroi and C. hariotii polysaccharides were determined. To identify the nutritional composition of the Cyttaria species, the AOAC methodology was used and the cytotoxic potential of their polysaccharides was evaluated by means of the MTT test (3- (4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) -2,5 bromide-diphenyltetrazolium) against the cell lines of human colon cancer (HCT-116), human leukemia (U-937) and breast cancer (MCF-7). The results showed that C. berteroi had a high protein and lipid content compared to C. hariotii. Also, C. hariotii polysaccharides had a greater cytotoxic effect against the colon cancer cell line (IC50= 3700 µg/mL), leukemia (IC50= 2100 µg/mL) and breast cancer (IC50= 9470 µg/mL). Therefore, it is concluded that C. berteroi metabolites and cytotoxic activity in C. hariotii polysaccharide tumor lines could represent an opportunity to obtain a potential nutraceutical product.

RESUMEN El género Cyttaria pertenece a la familia Cyttariaceae, existen 11 especies descritas a nivel mundial. En Chile y Argentina podemos encontrar sólo siete de ellas, conocidas como “Digüeñes” del Mapudungun “diweñ”, hongos parásitos obligados de árboles de Nothofagus. Este género, se distribuye naturalmente en el hemisferio sur y tiene gran importancia desde el punto de vista alimenticio. A pesar del extenso conocimiento sobre la taxonomía, ecología y composición químico-nutricional de algunas especies de Cyttaria, su potencial nutracéutico ha recobrado interés recientemente. En esta investigación, se determinó la composición químicaproximal y actividad citotóxica de los polisacáridos de C. berteroi y C. hariotii. Para caracterizar la composición nutricional de las especies de Cyttaria, se utilizó la metodología de AOAC y se avaluó el potencial citotóxico de sus polisacáridos mediante el ensayo MTT (bromuro de 3- (4,5-dimetiltiazol-2-il) -2,5-difeniltetrazolio) frente a las líneas celulares de cáncer de colon humano (HCT-116), leucemia humana (U-937) y cáncer de mama (MCF-7). Los resultados evidenciaron que C. berteroi presentó un alto contenido de proteínas y lípidos en comparación con C. hariotii. Además, los polisacáridos de C. hariotii tienen un mayor efecto citotóxico frente a la línea celular de leucemia (IC50= 2100 µg/mL), cáncer de colon (IC50= 3700 µg/mL) y cáncer de mama (IC50=9470 µg/mL). En consecuencia, se concluye que los metabolitos de C. berteroi y la actividad citotóxica en líneas tumorales de los polisacáridos de C. hariotii podrían representar una oportunidad para la obtención de un potencial producto nutracéutico.

Abstract Rhodophiala pratensis is an endemic geophyte from Chile with great importance to the national market of cut flowers and potted and garden plants. However, many geophytes have conservation issues and are considered endangered species. Efficient and controlled propagation techniques have been useful for the commercial production of this species and for its conservation. A micropropagation protocol using seeds was developed to determine an optimum method to increase bulb production rates and plant production. The effect of sucrose levels in the medium on the growth of bulbs was tested in vitro (30, 60 and 90 g L-1). Then, the effects on shoot and bulb induction of the cytokinin BAP at concentrations of 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg L-1 with the auxin NAA at concentrations of 0.1, 1.0 and 2.0 mg L-1 were analyzed. The germination rate after eight weeks increased to 86% with very low contamination (7%). Bulb growth increased when high levels of sucrose were added to the medium; the optimum sucrose concentration was 90 g L-1. Acclimatization was successful, with a plant survival rate of 63% and an average bulb growth of 0.5 cm. This is the first study to demonstrate the possibility of propagating R. pratensis seeds in vitro.

Resumen Rhodophiala pratensis es un planta geófita endémica de Chile con gran importancia para el mercado nacional de flores, macetas y plantas de jardín. Sin embargo, muchas de estas geófitas tienen problemas de conservación, siendo consideradas especies en peligro de extinción. Para la conservación y producción comercial de esta especie, las técnicas de propagación eficiente y controlada han sido muy útiles. Por esto, se desarrolló un protocolo de micropropagación utilizando semillas para determinar un método óptimo que permita aumentar las tasas de producción de bulbos y la producción de plantas. Se probó el efecto de distintas concentraciones de sacarosa en el medio de cultivo sobre el crecimiento in vitro de los bulbos (30, 60 y 90 g L-1). A continuación, se analizaron los efectos de la citoquinina BAP en concentraciones de 1.0, 2.0 y 4.0 mg L-1 con auxina NAA en concentraciones de 0.1, 1.0 y 2.0 mg L-1 en la inducción de brotes y bulbos. La tasa de germinación después de ocho semanas aumentó a 86% con una contaminación muy baja (7%). El crecimiento del bulbo aumentó cuando se añadieron altos niveles de sacarosa al medio, con una concentración óptima de 90 g L-1. La aclimatación tuvo éxito con una supervivencia de plantas del 63%, con un promedio de crecimiento de bulbo de 0.5 cm. Esta es la primera investigación que demuestra la posibilidad de propagar semillas de R. pratensis in vitro.

Abstract. The aim of this study was to compare conditions for the production of high levels of PUFA, EPA and DHA in cultured microalgae for larval bivalve feeding stages. It assessed fatty acid composition by gas chromatography for Isochrysis galbana Parke (T-ISO) and 2 species of Chaetoceros, C. gracilis Pantocsek and C. constrictus Gran. Species were studied in batch cultures, at the beginning of stationary growth phase with different irradiance and 2 levels of nitrogen content for Chaetoceros sp., and constant irradiance with 5 concentrations of sodium nitrate for I. galbana in an F/2 medium. Isochrysis galbana produced higher levels of linolenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid than eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) at low N-nitrate concentrations; however, fatty acids increased notably with surplus N-nitrate, above F/2 medium content. Low irradiance and normal concentration of nitrates in the batches of Chaetoceros gracilis species produced a greater EPA content. C. constrictus, a diatom isolated from phytoplankton samples, presented higher levels of EPA and DHA at low levels of nitrogen and low irradiance.

Resumen. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar las condiciones para producir altos niveles de AGPI, EPA y DHA en microalgas cultivadas para alimentar las etapas larvarias de los bivalvos. Se evaluó por cromatografía de gas la concentración de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados en tres especies de microalgas, Isochrysis galbana Parke (T-ISO), Chaetoceros gracilis Pantocsek y C. constrictus Gran, con el fin de ser usadas como fuente de alimento de larvas y adultos de bivalvos en cultivo. Isochrysis galbana produce mayor concentración de ácido linolénico y ácido docosahexaenoico que ácido eicosapentaenoico en condiciones limitantes de nitrato, sin embargo estos ácidos grasos se incrementan notablemente con el exceso de N-nitrato, por encima del contenido del medio F/2. Por otra parte, la baja intensidad lumínica y la concentración normal de nitratos en los cultivos de la especie Chaetoceros gracilis producen mayor contenido de ácido eicosapentaenoico (EPA). En el caso de Chaetoceros constrictus, la microalga sintetiza mayor concentración de ácidos grasos en condiciones de alta intensidad lumínica y bajas concentraciones de nitrato.

Abstract: Introduction: The melanoma neuroectodermal tumor of childhood (NMTCH) is a rare entity, usually benign, with rapid and expansive growth, with a high rate of recurrence. The objective is to present an unusual clinical case and review of the literature. Clinical case: Male patient, seven of months of age with a right retroauricular tumor, which has a progressive growth with a diameter of 5 x 3 cm, stony consistency, well-defined edges, adhered to deep planes. Surgical complete resection was achieved. The patient is free of tumor activity, after two-year of follow-up. Conclusion: The NMTCH is a neoplastic entity that must be considered as part of differential diagnosis of soft tissue tumors, particularly in head and neck, which can occur in both children and adolescents.

Resumen: Introducción: El tumor neuroectodérmico melanótico de la infancia (TNMI) es una entidad poco frecuente, habitualmente benigna, de crecimiento rápido y expansivo, con una alta tasa de recurrencia. El objetivo es presentar un caso clínico inusual y revisión de la literatura. Caso clínico: Masculino de siete meses con una tumoración retroauricular derecha, de crecimiento progresivo con un diámetro de 5 x 3 cm. La tumoración era de consistencia pétrea, de bordes bien definidos y adherida a planos profundos. Se logró resección completa y el diagnóstico de patología fue de TNMI. Después de dos años de la resección, el paciente se encuentra sin actividad tumoral. Conclusión: El TNMI es una entidad neoplásica que debemos considerar en el diagnóstico diferencial de los tumores de partes blandas, particularmente en cabeza y cuello, la cual se puede presentar tanto en niños como adolescentes.

Abstract The demand for forest resources has encouraged intensification in the use of forests, and therefore the need to evaluate their effect on birds. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diversity of birds in a managed forest. Transects and points of intensive counting were established in representative areas of the silvicultural treatments that are applied in the ejido Acolihuia, municipality of Chignahuapan, Puebla. The silvicultural treatments considered were selective logging, release cutting, seed tree cutting and thinning. Thirty-five species were identified: 30 were residents and 5 migratory species. Five species have some category of endemism, and we register Myadestes occidentalis, subject to special protection by the NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010. Significant differences were observed in abundance and richness between silvicultural treatments. The highest richness and diversity were recorded in areas managed by the silvicultural development method. The species similarity between treatments is low or intermediate, suggesting that species can be conserved during the rotation of treatments. In a scenario of persistent deforestation, and increasing demand for forest products, the promotion of sustainable forest management can contribute to the conservation of bird diversity.

Resumen La demanda de recursos forestales ha provocado la intensificación en el aprovechamiento de los bosques, y la necesidad de evaluar su efecto sobre las aves. El propósito del presente estudio fue evaluar la diversidad de aves en un bosque templado de producción forestal. Establecimos transectos y puntos de conteo intensivo en áreas representativas de los tratamientos silvícolas en el ejido Acolihuia, municipio de Chignahuapan, Puebla. Los tratamientos silvícolas que consideramos fueron cortas de aclareo, de liberación, de regeneración y de selección. Identificamos 35 especies de aves: 30 fueron residentes y 5 migratorias neotropicales. Cinco especies tienen alguna categoría de endemismo, y registramos a Myadestes occidentalis, sujeta a protección especial por la NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010. La abundancia y riqueza de especies entre tratamientos silvícolas fue diferente. La mayor riqueza y diversidad alfa la registramos en áreas manejadas por el método de desarrollo silvícola. La similitud de especies entre tratamientos es baja o intermedia, lo que sugiere que las especies pueden conservarse durante la rotación de los tratamientos. En un escenario de deforestación persistente y requerimiento creciente de productos forestales, el fomento al manejo forestal sustentable puede contribuir a la conservación de la diversidad de aves.

ABSTRACT The family Amaryllidaceae is widely distributed from temperate to tropical regions. Amaryllidaceae species from the subfamily Amaryllidoideae can biosynthesize alkaloids with important physiological effects. Rhodophiala C. Presl is one of the native genera of Amaryllidoideae of Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Brazil. However, despite the diversity of this genus in Chile, their alkaloids have only been studied previously in one species of this country. The present work aims to analyze the alkaloid profiles and chemotaxonomically compare three other Chilean species of Rhodophiala: Rhodophiala bagnoldii (Herb.) Traub, Rhodophiala pratensis (Poepp.) Traub and Rhodophiala volckmannii Phil. Bulb extracts were analyzed by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and alkaloids were characterized according to retention time and fragmentation pattern. The skeleton type alkaloids detected were lycorine, crinine, galanthamine, homolycorine, tazettine and montanine. All analyzed species showed different alkaloid profiles, indicating these compounds can be used as a chemotaxonomic tool. Furthermore, the alkaloid types detected in this genus have multiple reported biological properties and these species can constitute new sources of important medicinal products.

RESUMEN La familia Amaryllidaceae está ampliamente distribuida desde regiones templadas a tropicales. Las especies de la subfamilia Amaryllidoideae biosintetizan alcaloides con importantes efectos fisiológicos. Rhodophiala C. Presl es uno de los géneros nativos de Amaryllidoideae de Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay y Brasil. Sin embargo, a pesar de la diversidad de este género en Chile, sólo se han estudiado los alcaloides de una especie de este país. En este trabajo se analiza el perfil alcaloideo y se comparan quimiotaxonómicamente otras tres especies chilenas del género Rhodophiala: Rhodophiala bagnoldii (Herb.) Traub, Rhodophiala pratensis (Poepp.) Traub y Rhodophiala volckmannii Phil. Se analizaron extractos de bulbos mediante cromatografía de gases-espectrometría de masas (CG-EM). Los alcaloides fueron caracterizados por su tiempo de retención y patrón de fragmentación. Los tipos de esqueletos de los alcaloides detectados fueron licorina, crinina, galantamina, homolicorina, tazetina y montanina. Todas las especies analizadas presentaron diferentes perfiles alcaloideos, por lo que estos compuestos pueden ser usados como una herramienta quimiotaxonómica. Además, los tipos de alcaloides detectados en este género tienen múltiples propiedades biológicas reportadas en literatura y estas especies pueden constituir nuevas fuentes de productos de importancia medicinal.

ABSTRACT Acetylcholinesterase is an important target for control of neurodegenerative diseases causing cholinergic signaling deficit. Traditionally, galanthamine has been used as an Amaryllidaceae-derived acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, although new Amaryllidaceae plants could serve as source for better acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the alkaloid composition from bulbs of Rhodolirium andicola (Poepp.) Traub, a native Chilean Amaryllidaceae specie, and assess their inhibitory activity on acetylcholinesterase by in vitro and in silico methodologies. Alkaloidal extracts from R. andicola exhibited an inhibitory activity with IC50 values between 11.25 ± 0.04 and 57.78 ± 1.92 µg/ml that included isolated alkaloid, galanthamine (2.3 ± 0.18 µg/ml), Additionally, 12 alkaloids were detected using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and identified by comparing their mass fragmentation patterns with literature and database NIST vs.2.0. To better understand the bioactivity of isolated compounds and alkaloidal extracts against acetylcholinesterase, a molecular docking approach was performed. Results suggested that alkaloids such as lycoramine, norpluvine diacetate and 6α-deoxy-tazettine expand the list of potential acetylcholinesterase inhibitors to not only galanthamine. The role of R. andicola as a source for acetylcholinesterase inhibitors is further discussed in this study.