ABSTRACT
Plants have been used since ancient times for their medicinal properties via infusions, ointments, or direct consumption, without knowing the nature of the chemical compounds associated with the observed effects. In this sense, Mexico exhibits a great diversity of flora and many of these are used empirically by the population. Plants from Mexico’s semi-desert and desert areas have shown extraordinary potential because of their metabolism adapted to extreme environmental conditions. This adaptation has been related to the production of some chemical compounds, highlighting phenolic compounds, triterpenes, and alkaloids, which have recently been associated with a great diversity of biological activities. Therefore, this chapter describes in detail the groups of chemical compounds found in plants from Mexico’s desert and semi-desert areas that are used in traditional medicine as well as their association with biological activities. It also presents an updated overview of extraction techniques and the scope of encapsulation technologies to prolong the efficacy of their bioactive compounds and improve their physical and chemical stability.
