Encapsulation and Digestive Evaluation of Infusion Extracts from Semi-Desert Mexican Plants: Phytochemical Profiling and Bioactivities

Medicinal plants are widely used in traditional medicine because of their bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential. The semidesert Mexican species <i>Flourensia cernua</i>, <i>Artemisia ludoviciana</i>, and <i>Phoradendron californicum</i> have been traditionally employed as infusions for gastrointestinal disorders. In this study, chemical composition, infusion extraction, phytochemical profiling, antioxidant capacity, and antiparasitic and antibacterial activity were evaluated. The extracts were characterized via HPLC-MS, encapsulated in agar-agar beads, and subjected to in vitro simulated digestion. <i>A. ludoviciana</i> presented the highest content of hydrolysable and condensed tannins (5473.33 ± 305.5 mg GAE/100 g; 959.58 ± 14.6 mg CE/100 g, respectively). <i>F. cernua</i> presented the highest flavonoid concentration (582.67 ± 16.90 mg CE/100 g). The highest antioxidant activity was observed in <i>P. californicum</i> (IC₅₀ 74.18 ± 18.43 μg TE/mL in DPPH; IC₅₀ 333.38 ± 56.36 μg TE/mL in ABTS). In terms of antiparasitic effects, <i>A. ludoviciana</i> extracts presented the lowest IC₅₀ value (0.51 ± 0.01 mg/mL), indicating the highest antiparasitic activity. Antibacterial assays revealed that <i>F. cernua</i> had the greatest inhibitory effect on <i>E. coli</i> (79.60%) and <i>S. aureus</i> (78.40%). Encapsulation preserved extract integrity, although simulated digestion resulted in limited compound release, with hydrolysable tannins being the most released. Overall, <i>P. californicum</i> presented the strongest antioxidant response, and encapsulation was confirmed as an effective strategy to preserve extract integrity.