Fabiana punensis S. C. Arroyo is a subshrub or shrub that is indigenous to the arid and semiarid region of northern Argentina and is known to possess several medicinal properties. The objective of this study was to optimize the extraction conditions so as to maximize the yield of bioactive total phenolic compound (TPC) and flavonoids (F) of F. punensis’ aerial parts by using non-conventional extraction methods, namely ultrasound-assisted extraction, UAE, and microwave-assisted extraction, MAE, and to compare the biological activities and toxicity of optimized extracts vs. conventional extracts, i.e., those gained by maceration. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to apply factorial designs to optimize the parameters of extraction: solid-to-liquid ratio, extraction time, ultrasound amplitude, and microwave power. The experimental values for TPC and F and antioxidant activity under the optimal extraction conditions were not significantly different from the predicted values, demonstrating the accuracy of the mathematical models. Similar HPLC-DAD patterns were found between conventional and UAE- and MAE-optimized extracts. The main constituents of the extracts correspond to phenolic compounds (flavonoids and phenolic acids) and apigenin was identified. All extracts showed high scavenger capacity on ABTS•+, O2•− and H2O2, enabling the inhibition of the pro-inflammatory enzymes xanthine oxidase (XO) and lipoxygenase (LOX). They also showed an antimutagenic effect in Salmonella Typhimurium assay and cytotoxic/anti-proliferative activity on human melanoma cells (SKMEL-28). Toxicological evaluation indicates its safety. The results of this work are important in the development of efficient and sustainable methods for obtaining bioactive compounds from F. punensis for the prevention of chronic degenerative diseases associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage.

In this study, the effects of goat manure fertilization (2, 4, 8, and 12 Tn/ha) on the grain yield, organic compounds, and mineral composition of two quinoa varieties (CICA-17 and Regalona Baer) were evaluated under field conditions in Northwest Argentina. The results indicate that fertilization improved the quinoa grain yield and total protein content. Low manure doses positively affected the fatty acid (FA) profile, and significant changes were determined for the monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acid contents of CICA-17 and on the saturated fatty acid (SFA) contents of R. Baer seeds. The amino acid contents were positively affected in CICA-17 and negatively in R. Baer. Soluble sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose), major elements (K, Si, P, Mg, Ca, and Na), minor elements (Fe, Mn, Al, Zn, and Cu), and ultratrace elements (Cr and Li) were detected and discussed in terms of their impact on human nutrition and health. Conclusively, manure addition affected some essential amino acids, the desaturase activity, the n6:n3 and SFA/UFA ratios, the atherogenic index, soluble sugars, and mineral content, and the fatty acid metabolism of each variety was differently affected, especially the C16 and C18 desaturase activity, which responded differently to various manure doses. Manure addition is a promising alternative to improve the nutritional quality and functionality of quinoa grains, but the response is not linear.

Background and aims: Ligustrum sinense (Chinese privet) is a recognized invasive exotic species. The objective of this study was to determine the physiological and foliar anatomical traits of Chinese privet saplings that would give it an advantage for its establishment in the understory of the Yungas forest environment.M & M: This study was conducted in Parque Nacional Aconquija (Tucuman, Argentina). The foliar physiological and morpho-anatomical traits deployed were investigated in an understory environment during spring-summer and winter. The anatomical features of the leaf blade and physiological variables related to gas exchange were analyzed. Also, the specific leaf area, leaf density, leaf nitrogen content and photosynthetic nitrogen-use efficiency were calculated.Results: During spring-summer L. sinense displays a higher photosynthetic assimilation rate and a better photosynthetic nitrogen-use efficiency. Carboxylation efficiency, intrinsic water use efficiency, and leaf thickness were 26%, 34%, and 41% higher, respectively, during winter in contrast to spring-summer. In the winter an increase in leaf thickness contributed to improved CO2 incorporation under suboptimal conditions for photosynthesis. Conclusions: Chinese privet undergoes photosynthesis throughout the year and its success as an invasive species in the Yungas forest understory could be attributed at least in part to morpho-anatomical and physiological strategies.

We studied the tolerance of one species of quinoa achenes from ecotype RQ252 to simulated extraplanetary conditions in a vacuum chamber (high low-pressure 10-2 to 10-7 Torr, UV laser simulated plasma radiation, and cryogenic temperature). The selection of this ecotype of quinoa achenes was a condition to previous studies, where RQ252 shows evidence of high efficacy in grow adaptation in the South America Puna between 3800-4500 m asl subjected to low oxygen and increased UV radiation exposition. After extraplanetary experi-ment exposure, we evaluated quinoa tolerance to experimental conditions through germination and early growth responses under a controlled laboratory standard atmosphere. Rate and final germination subjected to high low-pressure treatments during 4 h, 8 h, and 16 h were not different to control. Laser plasma application accelerated the germination rates. Final germination always reaches values up to 90%. SEM-EDS analysis showed structural changes on the pericarp surface, especially in high low-pressure and high low pressure + plasma treatments. EDS revealed that the quinoa pericarp subjected to different treatments showed changes in mineral content. Potas-sium ions decreased under high low-pressure and high low pressure + laser plasma irradiation (between 32 and 42%) but increased in a prolonged vacuum (35%) and more when plasma was added (96%). Early growth was affected by the different treatments, being the radicle length the most affected parameter. Our results suggest that quinoa achene ecotype RQ252 viability has excellent tolerance to extraplanetary conditions.

To study the impact of plant density on Chenopodium quinoa (c.v. CICA-17) achene yield and its relationship with morphology, leaf anatomy and gas exchange in the absence of water stress, field trials were conducted at 1995 m asl in Northwestern Argentina. Two plant densities were evaluated; low density (LD) 7.2 plants/m (120 240 pl/ha) and high density (HD) 27.9 plants/m (465 930 pl/ha). HD treatment caused light competition, inducing morphological and anatomical changes in Quinoa plants. Plants grown under HD conditions showed decreases in plant height and stem diameter, lower stomatal dimensions and densities, and thinner leaf blades. Compensation strategies such as increases in specific leaf area and a higher number chloroplasts per palisade cell were observed, nevertheless these changes did not fully compensate C absorption and gas exchange limitations, therefore limiting the uptake of N and P and resulting in a 53.2% lower yield of HD compared to LD. Considering the ability of quinoa plants to change its morphology and anatomy, further studies with intermediate plant densities are necessary in order to determine if it is possible to achieve higher yields and to increase the efficiency in the use of the resources.

Quinoa may be a promising alternative solution for arid regions, and it is necessary to test yield and mineral accumulation in grains under different soil types. Field experiments with Chenopodium quinoa (cv. CICA-17) were performed in Egypt in non-saline (electrical conductivity, 1.9 dS m−1) and saline (20 dS m−1) soils. Thirty-four chemical elements were studied in these crops. Results show different yields and mineral accumulations in the grains. Potassium (K), P, Mg, Ca, Na, Mn, and Fe are the main elements occurring in the quinoa grains, but their concentrations change between both soil types. Besides, soil salinity induced changes in the mineral pattern distribution among the different grain organs. Sodium was detected in the pericarp but not in other tissues. Pericarp structure may be a shield to prevent sodium entry to the underlying tissues but not for chloride, increasing its content in saline conditions. Under saline conditions, yield decreased to near 47%, and grain sizes greater than 1.68 mm were unfavored. Quinoa may serve as a complementary crop in the marginal lands of Egypt. It has an excellent nutrition perspective due to its mineral content and has a high potential to adapt to semi-arid and arid environments.

Fabiana Ruiz & Pav. (Solanaceae) is a South American genus, growing especially in arid mountainous areas. In Argentina, 10 species are present in the High Andean, Pre-Puna, Puna, and Monte biogeographical regions, in addition to Patagonia. In this chapter reference is made to four Fabiana species, F. punensis, F. patagonica, F. bryoides and F. densa. They are described as medicinal plants under the common names of “tola” or “tolilla”. Progress is reported regarding the scientific validation of medicinal properties, as well as the study of the chemical composition of these species. The potential as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotics agents from the hydroalcoholic or aqueous extracts from the aerial parts was described. Antioxidant and diuretic properties of infusions and essential oils was demonstrated. The safety of these preparations has also been demonstrated, although further in vivo studies would be necessary to fully demonstrate the safety of the extracts Presently, prolonged traditional use by local communities is still recognized to support their safe use. Studies are needed about the agronomic conditions for its cultivation so that these species could be used as raw material in phytotherapic and phytocosmetic preparations.