In Vitro Study of the Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, and Antimicrobial Activity of Alcoholic Extracts from Stems and Leaves of *Cynanchum microphyllum*, *Sambucus nigra* L., *Malva sylvestris*, and *Solanum nigrum* on Mastitis-Causing Microorganisms in Cattle

This research project focuses on the bioprospection of secondary metabolites, addressing the need for natural therapeutic alternatives for bovine mastitis, a significant public health and economic issue. The problem lies in the often indiscriminate and costly use of veterinary drugs, which carries risks such as antimicrobial resistance. The proposed solution is to evaluate the ethnoveterinary potential of four medicinal plants traditionally used in the communities of Cayambe, Pichincha: *Cinanchum mycrophyllum*, *Sabucus nigra L.*, *Malva sylvestris*, and *Solanum nigrum*. Alcoholic extracts from stems and leaves will be prepared to determine their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and in vitro antimicrobial activities against mastitis-causing microorganisms, such as *Staphylococcus aureus* and *Streptococcus agalactiae*. The methodology includes molecular taxonomic analysis (PCR and DNA sequencing), phytochemical screening, biological activity testing (agar diffusion, carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats, and toxicity testing in *Artemia salina*). The expected outcomes include two indexed scientific articles in Scopus, the training of biotechnology students, and the promotion of sustainable use of natural resources as a foundation for veterinary phytotherapy.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To develop a study on the taxonomy, antioxidant, antibacterial, toxicity, and anti-inflammatory properties of four plant species: *Cinanchum mycrophyllum*, *Sabucus nigra L.*, *Malva sylvestris*, and *Solanum nigrum*.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Bioprospecting of secondary metabolites