Taxonomic Study, Antibacterial and Anticancer Properties of Selected Species of the Genera Caucaea, Gongora, Bulbophyllum, Dichaea, Epidendrum, Huntleya, Maxillaria, Sobralia, Stelis (Orchidaceae) (Phase 1)

This project focuses on the ethnobotanical and pharmacological investigation of selected species from the Orchidaceae family, one of the most diverse plant families with a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Asia and the Americas. The study addresses the need to scientifically validate the medicinal properties historically attributed to these orchids, many of which have been used to treat conditions ranging from tumors to infectious diseases. The methodology involves specimen collection across 10 provinces in Ecuador and subsequent herbarium conservation. The analytical approach is multifaceted: taxonomically, DNA extraction and sequencing (using matK, rpoC, and ITS markers) will be performed for bioinformatic analysis. Pharmacologically, antioxidant activity will be assessed using the DPPH method, antibiotic activity against pathogenic bacteria via disc testing, and toxicity evaluated using the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans to determine the Lethal Concentration 50 (LC50). The ultimate purpose is to characterize the therapeutic potential of these genera, focusing on their antibacterial and anticancer properties, thereby contributing to the knowledge of secondary metabolites such as phenanthrenes and stilbenoids.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>The main objective is to develop a comprehensive study on the taxonomy, antibacterial properties, toxicity, and anticancer capacity of selected species belonging to the genera Caucaea, Gongora, Bulbophylum, Dichaea, Epidendrum, Huntleya, Maxillaria, Sobralia, and Stelis, all part of the Orchidaceae family.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Biodiversity and genetic resources