Molecular Diversity and Biochemical Content in Two Invasive Alien Species: Looking for Chemical Similarities and Bioactivities.

The biochemical composition, molecular diversity, and two different bioactivities of and (two alien species with different invasive patterns in the southern Iberian Peninsula) were analyzed through spectrophotometric methods and Fourier transform ion cyclotron mass spectroscopy (FT-ICR-MS). A total of 3042 molecular formulas were identified from the different extracts. The HO extracts were the most molecularly different. presented the highest content of nitrogenous compounds (proteins, CHON) and sulphur content, whereas was rich in carbonated compounds (total carbon, lipids, CHO, and CHOP). Antioxidant capacity and phenolic content were higher in than in . Antimicrobial activity was detected from both species. showed capacity to inhibit human and fish pathogens (e.g., or ), whereas only showed inhibition against human bacteria ( and ). In , molecules with a great number of pharmaceutical activities (e.g., anti-inflammatory or antitumoral), antibacterial, biomaterial, and other utilities were found. The main molecules of had also pharmaceutical applications (e.g., antimalarian, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, or antiarthritis). The valorization of these species can help to counteract the environmental effects of the bioinvasions.