Multivariate Analysis of Four Essential Oils: Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), and Ishpink Leaves (Ocotea quixos) to Correlate Geographic Location, Soil Type, and Extraction Method with the Composition of Each (Phase 3)

This project focuses on the molecular and phytochemical characterization of plant species from the Lauraceae family collected in the Ecuadorian Amazon and coast, specifically the genera Yasunia, Caryodaphnopsis, Chlorocardium, and Ocotea. The main goal is to molecularly identify species exhibiting chemotypes rich in cinnamaldehyde and its derivatives, compounds known for their antimicrobial properties and health applications. The methodology combines advanced molecular biology and spectroscopic analysis techniques. Complete chloroplast genome extraction and sequencing will be performed via massive sequencing (outsourced to RAPID GENOMICS). The resulting sequences will be analyzed bioinformatically for classification, DeNovo assembly, and gene mapping, utilizing alignments with Muscle and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses (Mr.Bayes) and maximum likelihood (RAxML). Concurrently, alternative tools to GC for essential oil characterization will be developed based on the analysis of mass spectrometry, UV-Visible, and FTIR spectroscopic information. These spectral data will undergo multivariate statistical analysis, including PCA, to correlate chemical composition with the molecular identity of the samples.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To molecularly identify typical species from the Ecuadorian Amazon belonging to the Lauraceae family that exhibit chemotypes rich in cinnamaldehyde and its derivatives.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Ethnobiology