Multivariate Analysis of the Phytochemical Composition and Evaluation of the Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity of Hexane Extracts from Bixa orellana L. Leaves of Different Cultivars from Campeche, Mexico

This study aimed to analyze the phytochemical composition of hexane extracts from Bixa orellana L. leaves using multivariate analysis and to evaluate their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. A total of 74 compounds were identified by Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) from three cultivars, Peruvian red (PR), Peruvian green (PG), and Criolla (Cr), collected in distinct regions of Campeche, Mexico: Bécal (Be), Calkiní (Ca), and Bacabchén (Ba). The chemical classes identified included sesquiterpenes, sesquiterpenoids, alkanes, quinones, tocopherols, and sterols. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated a clear separation of PRCa, PRBa, and CrBe from the other samples, with 86% of the total variation explained by 22 components. In PRCa (+)-ledol, (E)-β-farnesene, germacrene D, cis-β-santalene, and α-bisabolol were found abundantly. PRBa showed an abundance of β-elemene and moderate levels of caryophyllene oxide, guaiol, and γ-sitosterol. CrBe contained abundant (−)-spathulenol and phytol. The antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus showed that PRCa extracts exhibited the largest inhibition zones (23.5 ± 2.12 mm), statistically influenced by geographic origin (p = 0.0005). Conversely, PRBe and PRBa showed higher total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity, with the geographic origin × variety interaction significantly influencing these traits (p < 0.001). The findings highlight the importance of B. Orellana, particularly the Peruvian red variety, as a valuable source of bioactive secondary metabolites and underscore the influence of cultivar phenotype and geographic origin on phytochemical variability and its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.