Integrative Characterization of Native Myrcianthes Species from Northern Peru’s Cloud Forest: Ethnobotany, Phytochemical Profiling, and Chemometric Insights

Torres-Guevara F.A.; Tirado-Kulieva V.A.; Suárez-Rebaza L.A.; de Albuquerque R.D.D.G.; Burgos-Zelada P.S.; Roldan-Zavaleta S.C.A.; Malca-García G.R.; Bussmann R.W.; Ganoza-Yupanqui M.L. · Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia (2026) · DOI: 10.1007/s43450-026-00740-5

Resumen

Wild fruit trees of Myrcianthes genus, Myrtaceae, known locally as “lanches” in the cloud forests of Northern Peru, are traditionally recognized for their nutritional and medicinal uses. The objective of this research was to characterize different specimens collected in Ayabaca and Huancabamba (Piura, Peru) using ethnobotanical, taxonomic, chromatographic, chemometric, and phytochemical approaches. The methodology involved ethnobotanical surveys using structured questionnaires, collection of samples guided by local experts, and classical taxonomic analyses. Chemical profiles were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry; the data obtained were subjected to multivariate analysis using principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. Unique chemical profiles were identified for each species (M. myrsinoides (Kunth) Grifo, M. fragrans (Sw.) McVaugh, and M. discolor (Kunth) McVaugh), allowing clear differentiation through unsupervised methods. Forty-four compounds were identified, including flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids, some common and others unique to each species. These results help explain the communities' undifferentiated use of different “lanche” types while also revealing specific therapeutic opportunities for each species based on its distinct composition. This work contributes to the scientific validation of traditional knowledge, promotes the valorization of these native species, and strengthens conservation and innovation strategies for the sustainable use of local biodiversity. © The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Sociedade Brasileira de Farmacognosia 2026.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de Trujillo