Análisis ecológico de especies vegetales y validación antioxidante de una especie representativa con potencial biotecnológico en el campus María Auxiliadora de la Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, Guayaquil, Ecuador

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between environmental pollution, urban stress and their adverse effects on health such as skin aging and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, within the context of the Tropical Dry Forest of Ecuador, the use of medicinal plants is explored, based on ancestral knowledge as therapeutic alternatives. The analysis focused on plant diversity and the antioxidant capacity of selected species at the Salesian Polytechnic University through a descriptive-experimental design. Plant samples of 36 species were collected and analyzed, highlighting Ruellia blechum for its high frequency and ecological value. Phytochemical screening of Ruellia blechum revealed secondary metabolites with biotechnological potential suggesting pharmacological applications. In addition, the antioxidant activity of its extracts was evaluated, highlighting its ability to neutralize free radicals, which reinforces its potential use in the pharmaceutical industry. These findings underline the importance of biotechnological research and traditional medicine in the development of new treatments.