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Review
. 2021 Nov 10;26(22):6789.
doi: 10.3390/molecules26226789.

Hunting Bioactive Molecules from the Agave Genus: An Update on Extraction and Biological Potential

Misael Bermúdez-Bazán  1 , Gustavo Adolfo Castillo-Herrera  1 , Judith Esmeralda Urias-Silvas  1 , Antonio Escobedo-Reyes  2 , Mirna Estarrón-Espinosa  1
Affiliations
Review

Hunting Bioactive Molecules from the Agave Genus: An Update on Extraction and Biological Potential

Misael Bermúdez-Bazán et al. Molecules. .

Abstract

Agaves are plants used in the production of alcoholic beverages and fibers. Ever since ancient times, pre-Hispanic cultures in Mexico have used them in traditional medicine to cure different ailments. Over the years, studies of the active principles responsible for the therapeutic benefits of agaves have increased. Leaves and fibers are the main agro-wastes generated in tequila and mezcal production, while fibers are the main waste product in the textile sector. Different investigations have referred to the agro-waste from agave processing as a source of bioactive molecules called secondary metabolites (SM). Among them, phenols, flavonoids, phytosterols, and saponins have been extracted, identified, and isolated from these plants. The role of these molecules in pest control and the prospect of metabolites with the biological potential to develop novel drugs for chronic and acute diseases represent new opportunities to add value to these agro-wastes. This review aims to update the biological activities and recent applications of the secondary metabolites of the genus Agave.

Keywords: agave agro-wastes; bioactive compounds; biological activity; secondary metabolites.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Current phenolic acids and flavonoids identified and quantified in the Agave genus, CA = cafeic acid, GA = gallic acid, rut = rutinoside, glc = glucoside, QA: quinic acid, DHLA= 3,4-dihydroxiphenillactic acid [29,30,33,43,52,53,54].
Figure 2
Figure 2
Current phenolic acids identified in the Agave genus.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Current flavonoids identified and quantified in the Agave genus, glc = glucose; rut: rutinoside; gal = galactoside; rham = rhamnoside; soph = sophoroside; glu A = glucuronic acid; xil: xyloside; GA = gallic acid; gent = gentrobioside; SA = sinapic acid; FA = ferulic acid, ACU = cumaric acid; MA= mallic acid [29,30,43,49,54].
Figure 4
Figure 4
Current phytosterols identified and isolated in the Agave genus.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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