Chemical Components and Pharmacological Activities of Smallanthus sonchifolius （Yacon）：A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Smallanthus sonchifolius， a plant resource with both medicinal and edible values， has been taken as fruit for a long history. Studies have proved that phenolic acids， flavonoids， sesquiterpene lactones， and fructooligosaccharides are the major compounds in S. sonchifolius. The extract of S. sonchifolius demonstrates noticeable antioxidant， anti-inflammatory， antimicrobial， and anti-cancer effects， as well as the activities of lowering blood glucose level， regulating intestinal function and so on. The rhizomes and leaves of S. sonchifolius contain abundant phenolic acids， mainly caffeic acid and its derivatives， which endow S. sonchifolius with remarkable antioxidant effect. Moreover， these substances can reduce blood glucose by improving insulin sensitivity. Fructooligosaccharides are abundant in the tuber of this plant， which can improve intestinal function by regulating intestinal flora. The sesquiterpene lactones in glandular trichomes on the leaf surface can inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells， among which uvedafolin and enhydrofolin have particularly strong activities. Furthermore， the sesquiterpene lactones have obvious inhibitory effect on Gram-positive bacteria. In terms of structure， the number of epoxy groups is linked to the strength of anticancer and antimicrobial effects. In addition， S. sonchifolius contains other compounds such as volatile oils， fatty acids， sterols， diterpenes， p-hydroxyacetophenone derivatives， and octulosonic acid derivatives， thereby exhibiting the pharmacological effects of treating Alzheimer's disease， protecting kidney， and lowering blood lipids. However， the isolation and identification of the main compounds in S. sonchifolius need further exploration， and the mechanism of action remains to be studied. Here we summarized the principal chemical components and pharmacological activities of S. sonchifolius， aiming to give a clue for the comprehensive development and utilization of this plant.

Refrigerated storage period of Rhizophores for Yacon propagation / Períodos de armazenamento refrigerado de rizóforos para propagação de yacon

The yacon plant produces tuberous roots, used mostly for fresh consumption. This crop is propagated primarily via vegetative structures, called rhizophores. However, since these propagules have short periods of viability after harvest, storing them in cold chamber conditions may be a viable alternative to optimize yacon seedling production. The objective of this study was to test the effect of the refrigerated storage period of yacon rhizophores on seedling development. The experimental design was completely randomized, with eight replications, containing 30 useful plants per replication. Treatments were cold storage periods of propagative materials (35, 28, 21, 14, and 7 days) and a control (planting without storage). The results show that keeping rhizophores in cold storage under temperatures of 8 ºC (± 2 ºC) for a period between 21 to 35 days improves sprouting rates (speed and vigorousness), reducing seedling mortality and favoring initial yacon growth. The refrigerated storage for 21 and 35 days proved to be an alternative to achieve improved plant stand in production fields, reflecting in more uniform harvest, and minimizing the problem of seasonal availability of propagative material.Yacon, is known for its tuberous roots, which are consumed as functional food and is propagated mostly in the vegetative form, via propagules, so-called rhizophores. However, they are organs with little durability in its propagation form. Storing them in cold chamber conditions, can be a viable alternative for the seedlings production of the culture. The objective of this study was to verify the influence of the refrigerated storage period of yacon rhizophores in the initial plant development. The experimental design was completely randomized with eight replicates and six treatments and the rhizophores were place in the refrigerated storage for: 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days; and time zero (planting without storage). The results show that the rhizophores in the refrigerated storage in a temperature of 8 to 10°C, for a period between 21 to 35 days had better sprouting rate (speed and vigor), reducing mortality, which favored the initial yacon growth. The refrigerated storage between 21 and 35 days showed to be an alternative that resulted in a uniform plant stand in crops, also reflecting the uniformity in the harvest, and minimizes the problem of seasonality offering culture propagation material.

A yacon, conhecida por suas raízes tuberosas, que são consumidas como alimento funcional, é propagada em sua maioria na forma vegetativa, via propágulos, assim chamados de rizóforos. No entanto, são órgãos de pouca durabilidade na sua forma propagativa. Logo, o armazenamento dos mesmos em condições de câmara fria, pode vir a ser uma alternativa viável para a produção de mudas da cultura. Assim, objetivou-se com o presente trabalho, verificar a influência do período de armazenamento refrigerado dos rizóforos de yacon no desenvolvimento inicial das plantas. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com oito repetições e seis tratamentos constituídos pelos períodos de armazenamento refrigerado em que os rizóforos foram submetidos: 7, 14, 21, 28 e 35 dias; e o tempo zero (plantio sem armazenamento). Os resultados demonstraram que o armazenamento refrigerado dos rizóforos, em temperatura de 8 a 10 ºC, por um período entre 21 a 35 dias, proporcionou melhores índices de brotação (velocidade e vigorosidade), diminuindo a taxa de mortalidade, o que favoreceu o crescimento inicial da yacon. O armazenamento refrigerado entre 21 e 35 dias apresentou ser uma alternativa que resultou em maior uniformidade na formação do estande de plantas na lavoura, inclusive repercutindo na uniformidade de colheita, além de minimizar o problema de sazonalidade da oferta de material propagativo da cultura.

Yacon production at different planting seasons and growing environments / Produção de yacon em diferentes estações de plantio e ambientes de cultivo

Yacon is a functional food with great potential for horticultural exploitation and its cultivation demands the generation of agronomic information. To address these needs, this study was performed to evaluate the production of yacon planted in different planting seasons under two growing conditions in Brazil. The experiments were conducted in two different locations, one in the mountain region (tropical microclimate at altitude with milder temperatures) and the other in the lowland region (warm tropical microclimate with higher temperatures). At both sites, yacon was planted in four seasons: autumn (April), winter (July), spring (September) and summer (December). At harvest, the tuberous roots were evaluated for leaf area index and the variables of vegetative development and productivity of plants (for total and standard commercial roots). It was concluded that yacon cultivation in mountain conditions (tropical climate with milder temperature) promotes the development and production of yacon. Additionally, planting in the autumn for both growing conditions (mountain or lowland) promotes the development and production of yacon, including increased production of roots of better commercial grade, allowing greater economic profitability. These results indicate that temperature has an influence on the growth and yield of the tuberous roots of yacon, and milder temperatures were more favourable.

A yacon é um alimento funcional com grande potencial para exploração hortícola e seu cultivo exige a geração de informações agronômicas. Para atender a essas necessidades, este estudo foirealizado com o objetivo de avaliar a produção de yacon plantada em diferentes estações de plantio sob duas condições de crescimento no Brasil. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em dois locais diferentes, um em região montanhosa (microclima tropical de altitude com temperaturas mais amenas) e o outro em região de baixada (microclima tropical quente com temperaturas mais elevadas). Em ambos os locais, a yacon foi plantada em quatro estações: outono (abril), inverno (julho), primavera (setembro) e verão (dezembro). Por ocasião da colheita das raízes tuberosas foram avaliados o índice de área foliar e variáveis de desenvolvimento vegetativo e produtividade das plantas (raízes tuberosas totais e por padrão). Concluiu-se que o cultivo de yacon em condições de montanha (clima tropical com temperatura mais suave) promove melhor desenvolvimento e produção de yacon. Além disso, plantar no outono para ambas as condições de crescimento (montanha ou baixada) promove melhor desenvolvimento e produção de yacon, incluindo o aumento da produção de raízes tuberosas de melhor qualidade comercial, permitindo maior rentabilidade econômica. Estes resultados indicam que a temperatura influenciou o crescimento e o rendimento das raízes tuberosas de yacon e as temperaturas mais amenas foram mais favoráveis.

Smallanthus sonchifolius roots ameliorate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by reducing redox imbalance and hepatocyte damage in rats fed with a high fructose diet

Objective: To evaluate the potential of Smallanthus sonchifolius (S. sonchifolius) roots in ameliorating hepatic damage of rats fed with a high fructose diet. Methods: The effect of S. sonchifolius roots on energy intake, body weight, fat and liver mass was determined in male rats fed with a high-fructose diet. Plasma glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, lipoproteins and aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were analyzed. Histological changes of the livers were evaluated by electronic microscopy and apoptosis was examined using the TUNEL method. The levels of malondialdehyde, reduced-glutathione and antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase) activities were also determined. Results: S. sonchifolius roots significantly decreased energy intake, body weight, fat and liver mass (P < 0.05). S. sonchifolius roots ameliorated liver steatosis and mitochondrial morphology, avoiding cellular apoptosis and normalizing transaminase activity in the liver of rats fed with high fructose. Enzymatic assays revealed that S. sonchifolius roots had a modulatory effect on the oxidative stress induced by fructose-feeding by reducing lipid peroxidation (P < 0.05) and antioxidant enzyme activities (P < 0.05) in liver. Conclusions: S. sonchifolius roots can ameliorate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by improving oxidative stress and liver injury.

Smallanthus sonchifolius roots ameliorate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by reducing redox imbalance and hepatocyte damage in rats fed with a high fructose diet

To evaluate the potential of Smallanthus sonchifolius (S. sonchifolius) roots in ameliorating hepatic damage of rats fed with a high fructose diet. Methods: The effect of S. sonchifolius roots on energy intake, body weight, fat and liver mass was determined in male rats fed with a high-fructose diet. Plasma glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, lipoproteins and aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were analyzed. Histological changes of the livers were evaluated by electronic microscopy and apoptosis was examined using the TUNEL method. The levels of malondialdehyde, reduced-glutathione and antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase) activities were also determined. Results: S. sonchifolius roots significantly decreased energy intake, body weight, fat and liver mass (P < 0.05). S. sonchifolius roots ameliorated liver steatosis and mitochondrial morphology, avoiding cellular apoptosis and normalizing transaminase activity in the liver of rats fed with high fructose. Enzymatic assays revealed that S. sonchifolius roots had a modulatory effect on the oxidative stress induced by fructose-feeding by reducing lipid peroxidation (P < 0.05) and antioxidant enzyme activities (P < 0.05) in liver. Conclusions: S. sonchifolius roots can ameliorate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by improving oxidative stress and liver injury.

Relationship Between Parameters of Development and Functional Compounds of Yacon Leaves

Abstract Yacon is a tuberous root from the Andean region being increasingly grown across the world due to the low caloric values of their roots and the functional properties of extractions of its leaves. However, there is still a gap in the knowledge of how the plant develops, and if physical and chemical changes are noticed regarding maturity. The subject of this work was to investigate the dynamics of a group of parameters and to establish correlations across them. To achieve this goal, leaves collected from three different parts of the plant in three months were assessed regarding size (plant height and leaf area), color and the presence of sesquiterpene lactones. Different methods of extraction were also studied and the total phenolic content was analyzed. The analysis of the results revealed different patterns in the quantity, size and leaf distribution according to the age of the plant. From three different methods of extraction studied, decoction seems to be the most appropriate one to obtain phenolic compounds with greater yield and safety. Besides, the greenness of yacon leaves showed a linear correlation to the total phenolic content, being a simple and promising estimator of the corresponding bioactive group. Sesquiterpene lactones were identified in all extracts, indicating the ease of their extractability even in simple procedures of tea-making.

Yacón como planta promisoria en el manejo de enfermedades

Una de las grandes preocupaciones en la medicina humana es el aumento significativo del número de pacientes con enfermedades que disminuyen la expectativa de vida y afectan su calidad, como es el caso de la diabetes, dislipidemias y cáncer de colón, entre otras. Los tratamientos convencionales para estas enfermedades en algunos casos no son exitosos, lo que conlleva a empeorar la condición clínica o incluso, la muerte del paciente. Por lo anterior, surge la necesidad de buscar otras opciones terapéuticas que conlleven a mejorar la condición clínica, que sean de fácil adherencia, y su consumo sea seguro y accesible para la población. Por tanto se sugiere el yacón como una planta medicinal con un amplio historial de consumo seguro y una gran evidencia científica que respalda su uso. Sus propiedades biológicas únicas, tales como antimicrobianas, antifúngicas, antioxidantes, inmunomoduladoras, prebióticas y anticancerígenas, entre otras, hacen de esta planta, una promesa para la medicina tradicional humana.

One of the major concerns in human medicine is the significant increase in the amount of patients with diseases that reduce life expectancy and affect its quality, such as diabetes, dyslipidemias and colon cancer, among others. The conventional treatments for these diseases some times are not successful, which lead the patient to a worst clinical condition or even cause death. Due to the above, there is a need of other therapeutic options that lead to improve the clinical condition, which can be easily performed, and its consumption is safe and accessible to the population. Therefore, Yacón is suggested as a medicinal plant that has a long history of safe consumption and a great scientific evidence to support its use. Its unique biological properties, such as antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, prebiotic and anticancer, among others, make this plant a promise for traditional human medicine.

Uma das principais preocupações da medicina humana é o aumento significativo do número de pacientes com doenças que reduzem a expectativa de vida e afetam sua qualidade, como diabetes, dislipidemias e câncer de cólon, entre outros. Tratamentos convencionais para essas doenças, em alguns casos, não são bem-sucedidos, o que leva a piorar a condição clínica ou até mesmo a morte do paciente. Portanto, existe a necessidade de buscar outras opções terapêuticas que levem à melhora da condição clínica que sejam de fácil adesão, e de consumo seguro e acessível à população. Portanto, yacon é sugerido como uma planta medicinal com uma longa história de consumo seguro e uma grande evidência científica para apoiar seu uso. Suas propriedades biológicas únicas como planta antimicrobiana, antifúngica, antioxidante, imunomoduladora, prebiótica e anticâncer, entre outros, fazem desta planta uma promessa para a medicina humana tradicional.

Evaluación de la toxicidad subcrónica de la variedad colombiana de Smallanthus sonchifolius (Yacón) en ratas hembra / Subchronic toxicity evaluation of colombian variety of Smallanthus sonchifolius (Yacón) in female rats

Smallanthus sonchifolius (Yacón) es una planta usada comúnmente por largos periodos de tiempo con el fin de ayudar en el control de la diabetes y otros desordenes metabólicos, por lo que con el propósito de evaluar la toxicidad subcrónica de la variedad colombiana de esta planta, fueron tratadas 30 ratas hembra de 8 semanas de edad dividas en 6 grupos. A cada uno de ellos se administró durante 28 días una de las siguientes dosis de infusión acuosa liofilizada (500, 250 y 125 mg/kg de peso), evaluando paralelamente grupos control (positivo y negativo) e incluyendo entre ellos grupos con y sin dieta hipercalórica. Para el seguimiento del perfil metabólico de los animales, se tomaron muestras de sangre periódicamente durante el ensayo y se evaluaron los niveles séricos de: glucemia, triglicéridos, colesterol total y HDL. Además, también se realizó el control del peso, así como estudios comportamentales que incluyeron el Test de Irwin y el Test Hipocrático. Al final de estudio (28 días), se realizó el análisis anatomopatológico e histológico comparativo con el fin de detectar posibles daños tisulares. Como resultado pudo observase que el liofilizado, si bien puede tener un efecto antihiperglucemiante, no modificó significativamente el perfil lipídico. Además, a pesar de que la administración se hizo durante 28 días, no se observaron cambios comportamentales que evidencien toxicidad, pero sí pudieron observarse cambios histológicos en el tejido cardiaco como hialinización, separación y redondeo de fibras.

Abstract. Smallanthus sonchifolius (Yacón) is a plant commonly used over long periods of time to help control diabetes and other metabolic disorders. To assess the sub-chronic toxicity of the Colombia variety of this plant, it was tested on 30 eight-week-old female rats, divided into six groups. For 28 days each group was administered with the following doses: three groups with lyophi­lized aqueous infusion (500 mg, 250 mg and 125 mg per kg of weight), two control groups (positive and negative) being assessed in parallel; this groups receiving hyper-caloric diet, and the last group was the general control or normal control. To monitor the animals' metabolic profile, blood samples were taken from time to time during the test period, and the serum levels of glycemia, triglycerides, total cholesterol and HDL were measured. Weight tracking was also carried out, as well as behavioral studies, including the Irwin Test and the Hippocratic Test. At the end of the study (28 days), comparative anatomo-pathological and histological analyses were performed to detect possible tissue damage. The results showed that, although the lyophilized infusion could have an antihyperglycemic effect, it did not significantly change the lipid profile. Moreover, though the infusion was administered during 28 days, it was found that it did not lead to any behavioral changes indicating toxicity, but did produce in heart tissue histological changes such as hyalinization, separation and rounding of fibers.

Estabilidade de uma bebida funcional de frutas tropicais e yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) durante o armazenamento sob refrigeração / Stability of a functional beverage composed by tropical fruits and yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) under refrigerated storage

O desenvolvimento de bebidas com perfil funcional deve considerar também a conservação dos compostos ou propriedades funcionais durante o período de armazenamento. Assim, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a estabilidade de uma bebida funcional de frutas tropicais e yacon durante o armazenamento em refrigeração (5°C). A bebida, composta por 50% de extrato de yacon e 50% de blend de frutas tropicais (camu-camu, acerola, caju, cajá, açaí e abacaxi) foi pasteurizada (90 segundos/85°C) e armazenada sob refrigeração (5°C). No tempo inicial, e a cada 45 dias do período de estocagem, foram determinados os compostos bioativos (ácido ascórbico e polifenóis extraíveis totais), atividade antioxidante total, sólidos solúveis totais, acidez total titulável, pH, cor (L*, a* e b*), açúcares totais, sacarose, glicose e frutose, sendo que a análises físicas e químicas foram limitadas pela diminuição da atividade antioxidante total e de seus componentes bioativos. A bebida manteve relativa qualidade física e química durante o período de armazenamento, sendo que em 225 dias de estocagem, os teores de polifenóis extraíveis totais e atividade antioxidante total apresentaram uma queda mais acentuada, e desta forma, estes parâmetros foram avaliados somente até este período. Porém, o principal limitante para o armazenamento da bebida foi devido a aceitabilidade sensorial e segurança microbiológica, que embora de acordo com a legislação vigente, limitou o período de armazenamento para 90 dias(AU)

The development of beverages with functional properties must consider the preservation of the bioactive or functional properties during storage. For this reason, the aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of a functional beverage of tropical fruits and yacon, stored under refrigeration. The beverage, composed by 50% of yacon and 50% of a blended tropical fruits (camu-camu, acerola, cashew-apple, yellow mombin, acai and pineapple), was pasteurized (90 seconds/ 85°C) and stored under refrigeration (5°C). After processing and on 45 day intervals until the end of storage, were assayed the bioactive compounds (ascorbic acid and total extractable polyphenols), antioxidant activity, total soluble solids, titratable total acidity, pH, color (L*, a* and b*), total sugar content, sucrose, glucose and fructose, and nd the physical and chemical analyzes were limited by decreased total antioxidant activity and their bioactive components. The beverage showed relative physical and chemical quality during storage period , and in the 225 days of storage, the total extractable polyphenols and total antioxidant activity showed a significantly decline , and thus , these parameters were evaluated only until this period. However, the main limitation for the beverage storage was due to sensory acceptability and microbiological safety, which although in accordance with Brazilian legislation, limited storage period for 90 days(AU)

Use of yacon in natura and its flour in the development of diet and conventional cakes / Uso do yacon in natura e em farinha no desenvolvimento de bolos diet e convencional

Yacon is a tuberous root that has bioactive components in its composition, such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS). The objective of this study was to evaluate physicochemical and sensory characteristics of diet and conventional cakes made with yacon in natura and its respective flour. Cakes were prepared in chocolate and carrot flavors with the addition of 50% yacon in natura and 70% yacon flour. Cakes prepared with 50% yacon in natura with the addition of sucrose in the formula showed physical aspects closer to conventional cakes. The yield of the cakes was considered satisfactory at around 90%, regardless of yacon in natura or yacon flour usage. The chocolate cakes had higher ratings regarding the sensory attributes and the purchase intent in relation to the carrot cakes, especially when using yacon in natura in the formula. The cakes containing sweetener were rated as good as those with sucrose, especially in regards to the flavor of the chocolate cakes. According to the chemical composition, cakes with 70% yacon flour had higher dietary fiber content as well as FOS, giving credit to their claim as a bioactive component.

O yacon é uma raiz tuberosa que possui em sua composição, componentes bioativos como frutooligossacarídeos (FOS). O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar características físico-químicas e sensoriais de bolos diet e convencionais elaborados com yacon in natura e sua respectiva farinha. Foram elaborados bolos, nos sabores chocolate e cenoura, com adição de 50% de yacon in natura e 70% de farinha de yacon. Os bolos elaborados com 50% de yacon in natura, com a adição de sacarose na formulação apresentaram aspectos físicos mais próximos aos bolos convencionais. O rendimento dos bolos, em torno de 90% foi considerado satisfatório, independente da utilização do yacon in natura ou farinha. Os bolos de chocolate obtiveram notas mais elevadas quanto aos atributos sensoriais e intenção de compra, em relação aos bolos de cenoura, em especial quando se utilizou o yacon in natura nas formulações. Os bolos contendo adoçante foram tão bem avaliados quanto àqueles que possuíam sacarose, em especial, em relação ao sabor dos bolos de chocolate. De acordo com a composição química, os bolos com 70% de farinha yacon apresentaram maiores teores de fibra alimentar bem como de FOS, sendo considerados alimentos com alto teor de fibras, sugerindo-se também sua alegação como um componente bioativo.

Yacon: benefícios à saúde e aplicações tecnológicas / Yacon: health benefits and technological applications

No início dos anos 90, foi introduzido na cultura Brasileira o plantio da batata yacon, uma raiz tuberosa, que vem despertando grande interesse por parte dos pesquisadores, devido as suas propriedades nutricionais e tecnológicas. Essa raiz caracteriza-se principalmente por ser rica em frutanos e ácidos fenólicos, apresentando efeito prebiótico e antioxidante, respectivamente. Muitos estudos in vivo e in vitro já foram realizados, utilizando este tubérculo e seus derivados, comprovando suas atividades benéficas à saúde, além deter grande potencial na tecnologia do desenvolvimento de novos produtos alimentícios. A presente revisão objetivou agrupar alguns desses estudos, tanto na área da saúde como na da tecnologia de alimentos. O potencial prebiótico, redução do índice glicêmico e a melhora na saúde óssea são os efeitos que se destacam nas pesquisas in vivo. Percebe-se também uma tendência na elaboração de produtos de panificação utilizando-se a farinha de yacon, e os resultados apresentam-se satisfatórios, tanto nas propriedades tecnológicas quanto nas avaliações sensoriais.

In the early nineties was introduced in Brazil the yacon potato planting. This tuberous roots have been attracting interest from researchers due to their nutritional and technological properties.Yacon is its mainly characterized by being rich in fructans and phenolic acids, with prebiotic and antioxidant effects, respectively. Many studies in vivo and in vitro were carried out with yacon and products produced from it, showing its health benefits, besides having great technological potential for developing new food products .This review aimed to outline some of these studies, in both health and food technology. The prebiotic potential, glycemic index reduction and improvement of bone health are the effects that stand out in the in vivo researches. It can be noted a trend for bakery products formulations using yacon flour, and the outcomes were positive for both technological properties as well as for sensory evaluations.

CAPACIDAD CAPTADORA DE RADICALES LIBRES DEL ACEITE ESENCIAL Y EXTRACTOS ETANÓLICOS DE YACÓN (Smallanthus sonchifolius Poepp. & Endl) H. Robinson, CULTIVADO EN COLOMBIA / FREE RADICAL SCAVENGING CAPACITY OF ESSENTIAL OIL AND ETHANOLIC EXTRACTS OF YACÓN (Smallanthus sonchifolius Poepp. & Endl) H. Robinson, CULTIVATED IN COLOMBIA

Introducción: El Smallanthus sonchifolius es un cultivo andino con importantes propiedades medicinales y nutricionales, usado principalmente como hipoglucemiante. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la actividad captadora de radicales libres del aceite esencial y fracciones fenólicas de un extracto etanólico de hojas de yacón, cultivado en Colombia. Materiales y Métodos: El aceite esencial de las hojas se extrajo mediante hidrodestilación asistida por radiación de microondas y se analizó usando cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas (CG-EM). También se separaron fracciones fenólicas de diferente polaridad desde un extracto etanólico de las hojas usando la resina Amberlita XAD-2. Los compuestos fenólicos totales se determinaron con el reactivo de Folin-Ciocalteu y analizados mediante cromatografía líquida acoplada a espectrometría de masas (HPLC-EM). La actividad antioxidante se evaluó usando los radicales DPPH (2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidracilo) y ABTS [2,2-azino-bis (3-etilbenzotiazolina-6-sulfonato]. Resultados y Discusión: El aceite esencial mostró actividad captadora del radical ABTS (CE50 = 2,11 mg/ml). Los compuestos mayoritarios identificados en el aceite esencial fueron: Sabineno (40,75%), D-Germacreno (15,36%), Cariofileno (9,93%) y 1-Terpinen-4-ol (5,51%). El contenido de fenoles totales en las fracciones separadas con Amberlita XAD-2 fue: F1 (H2O) > F2 (H2O/MeOH, 1:1 v/v) > F3 (MeOH). Todas las fracciones presentaron actividad captadora del DPPH• y ABTS•+. Los ácidos fenólicos identificados por HPLC-EM fueron derivados de los ácidos quínico, cafeoilquínico, dicafeoilquínico, dicafeoilglucárico, cafeoiltartárico e hidroxiferúlico. En conclusión, las hojas de yacón cultivado en Duitama (Boyacá) contienen metabolitos secundarios capaces de proteger a las células frente al estrés oxidativo inducido por radicales libres.

Introduction: Smallanthus sonchifolius is an Andean crop with important medicinal and nutritional properties, used mainly as a hypoglycemic. The aim of this study was to determine free radical scavenging activity of essential oil and phenolic fractions of an ethanolic extract of yacón leaves grown in Colombia. Materials and Methods: The essential leaf oil was extracted through hydrodistillation assisted by microwave radiation and was analyzed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Phenolic fractions of different polarity were also separated from an ethanolic leaf extract using Amberlite XAD-2 resin. The total phenolic compounds were determined with the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). The antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH radicals (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS [2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate]. Results and Discussion: The essential oil showed the ABTS radical scavenging activity (EC50 = 2.11 mg / ml). The major compounds identified in the essential oil were: Sabinene (40.75%), D-germacrene (15.36%), Caryophyllene (9.93%) and 1-Terpinen-4-ol (5.51%). The total phenolic content in the fractions separated on Amberlite XAD-2 was F1 (H2O) > F2 (H2O/MeOH, 1:1 v/v) > F3 (MeOH). All fractions showed scavenging activity with DPPH• and ABTS•+. Phenolic acids identified using HPLC-SM were quinic, hidroxiferulic, caffeoylquinic, dicaffeoylquinic, dicaffeoilglucaric and caffeoiltartaric derivatives. In conclusion, yacón leaves grown in Duitama (Boyacá) contain secondary metabolites able to protect cells against oxidative stress induced by free radicals.

Topical anti-inflammatory activity of yacon leaf extracts

Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp.) H. Rob. , Asteraceae, known as yacon, is an herb that is traditionally used for the treatment of diabetes in folk medicine. However, recent studies have demonstrated that this plant has other interesting properties such as anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory actions. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the topical anti-inflammatory property of different extracts prepared from yacon leaves and analyze the role of different chemical classes in this activity. Three yacon leaf extracts were obtained: aqueous extract, where chlorogenic acid derivatives and sesquiterpene lactones were detected; leaf rinse extract, rich in sesquiterpene lactones; and polar extract, rich in chlorogenic acid derivatives. All the extracts exhibited anti-edematogenic activity in vivo (aqueous extract: 25.9% edema inhibition at 0.50 mg/ear; polar extract: 42.7% inhibition at 0.25 mg/ear; and leaf rinse extract: 44.1% inhibition at 0.25 mg/ear). The leaf rinse extract furnished the best results regarding neutrophil migration inhibition, and NO, TNF-α and PGE2 inhibition. These data indicate that both sesquiterpene lactones and chlorogenic acid derivatives contribute to the anti-inflammatory action, although sesquiterpene lactones seem to have more pronounced effects. In conclusion, yacon leaf extracts, particularly the sesquiterpene lactone-rich extract, has potential use as topical anti-inflammatory agent.

The Spermatogenic Effect of Yacon Extract and Its Constituents and Their Inhibition Effect of Testosterone Metabolism

We screened the pharmacological effects of a 50% ethanol extract of Yacon tubers and leaves on spermatogenesis in rats. As a result, we found that Yacon tuber extracts increased sperm number and serum testosterone level in rats. It has been reported that the crude extract of Yacon tubers and leaves contain phenolic acids, such as, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid and caffeic acid by HPLC/MS analysis. We were interested in the contributions made by phenolic acid, particularly chlorogenic acid of Yacon tuber extract to the spermatogenic activity. After administering Yacon tuber extract or chlorogenic acid to rats for 5 weeks, numbers of sperm in epididymis were increased by 34% and 20%, respectively. We also administered ferulic acid, which has been reported to be a metabolite of chlorogenic acid and a constituent of Yacon tuber extract to investigate its spermatogenic activity in rats. Yacon tuber extract and ferulic acid increased sperm numbers by 43% and 37%, respectively. And, Yacon tuber extract, and chlorogenic acid showed significantly inhibition effect of testoeterone degradation in rat liver homogenate. We considered that the spermatogenic effect of Yacon tuber extract might be related to phenolic compounds and their inhibitory effect of testosterone degradation. Yacon showed the possibility as ameliorable agents of infertility by sperm deficiency and late onset hypogonadism syndrome with low level of testosterone.

Efecto hepatoprotector del extracto acuoso de Smallanthus sonchifolius (yacón) en un modelo de intoxicación con acetaminofén / Hepatoprotective effect of Smallanthus sonchifolius (yacon) aqueous extract in an acetaminophen intoxication model

En la medicina tradicional se ha publicado que las hojas de Smallanthus sonchifolius (yacón) poseen efectos antidiabético y hepatoprotector. Objetivos: Evaluar en suero y hematíes el efecto hepatoprotector del extracto acuoso de hojas de yacón (EAY) en un modelo de intoxicación con acetaminofén en ratas. Diseño: Experimental, transversal. Institución: Centro de Investigación de Bioquímica y Nutrición, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Perú. Material biológico: Hojas de yacón. Intervenciones: Se formó cinco grupos de ratas hembra (n=6) que recibieron por cinco días, por vía oral, suero fisiológico (SF), EAY o silimarina (Sil) (50 mg/kg) y luego de 1 hora, SF o acetaminofén (A) 250 mg/kg, según lo siguiente: G1 (control; SF-SF), G2 (SF-A), G3 (EAY (200 mg/kg)-A), G4 (EAY (400 mg/kg)-A) y G5 (Sil-A). Principales medidas de los resultados: Actividad de aspartato amino transferasas (AST), alanina amino transferasa (ALT), fosfatasa alcalina (FAL) γ γ-amino transferasa (γ-GTP); niveles de bilirrubina total (BT), proteνnas y lipoperoxidaciσn (MDA). En hematíes, actividades de superóxido dismutasa (SOD), catalasa (CAT) y hemoglobina. Resultados: Se observó aumento significativo (p<0,05) en la actividad de γ-GTP entre el grupo G2 y los grupos G3 y G4. Hubo disminuciσn significativa (p<0,05) de proteνnas en el grupo G2 con respecto G1. El nivel de MDA fue menor en el grupo que recibió 200 mg/kg de EAY con respecto al control. Las actividades de AST, ALT y FAL no mostraron diferencias significativas. La relación SOD/CAT fue similar entre los grupos G1, G4 y G5, evidencia de una recuperación del daño causado por el acetaminofén. Conclusiones: La administración del EAY tuvo un efecto hepatoprotector comparable a la silimarina.

In traditional medicine Smallanthus sonchifolius (yacon) leaves are reported to have antidiabetic and hepatoprotective effects. Objectives: To determine in serum and erythrocytes the yacon leaves (EAY) aqueous extract hepatoprotective effect in a model of acetaminophen poisoning in rats. Design: Experimental, cross sectional. Institution: Biochemistry and Nutrition Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru. Biological material: Yacon leaves. Interventions: Five groups of female rats (n = 6) received orally for five days either saline (SF), EAY or silymarin (Sil) (50 mg/kg) and after 1 hour, SF or acetaminophen (A) 250 mg/kg, as follows: G1 (control; SF-SF), G2 (SF-A), G3 (EAY (200 mg/kg)-A), G4 (EAY (400 mg/kg)-A) and G5 (Sil-A). Main outcome measures: Aspartate amino transferase activity (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ γ-amino transferase (γ-GTP); total bilirubin levels (BT), protein and lipid peroxidation (MDA). Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and hemoglobin activities in erythrocytes. Results: There was significant increase of γ-GTP activity (p <0.05) between group G2 and groups G3 and G4, and significant decrease (p <0.05) in proteins in group G2 in relation to group G1. MDA level was lower in the group receiving 200 mg/kg of EAY with respect to control. AST, ALT and FAL activities showed no significant differences. SOD/CAT ratio was similar between groups G1, G4 and G5, evidence of recovery from acetaminophen damage. Conclusions: EAY administration had hepatoprotective effect comparable to silymarin.

Influence of passion fruit juice on colour stability and sensory acceptability of non-sugar Yacon-based pastes

This work was aimed at studying the influence of PFJ and/or sodium disulphite on Yacon pulp colour, and evaluating the sensory attributes of Yacon non-sugar pastes. A colour kinetic evaluation of browning in 11 treatments containing Yacon tubers, yellow passion fruit juice (PFJ) and/or sodium disulphite, over the course of 240 minutes was studied to inactivate the PPOs activity. The evaluation of the colour alterations of Yacon tuber by the addition of variable amounts of PFJ and sodium disulphite enabled identification of efficient treatments for the inhibition of browning: T7 (300 g kg -1 PFJ), T8 (400 g kg -1 PFJ), and T10 (150 g kg -1 PFJ + 0.25 g kg -1 sodium disulphite). These treatments presented high colour intensity (C*) and an insignificant (P <0.05) total colour degradation (ΔE). The products elaborated by the cooking of these ingredients were submitted to the acceptability test and data showed that T7 garnered an acceptance index of 78 percent.

Antimicrobial activity from endophytic fungi Arthrinium state of Apiospora montagnei Sacc. and Papulaspora immersa

Papulaspora immersa and Arthrinium state of Apiospora montagnei Sacc. were isolated from the roots of Smallanthus sonchifolius (yacón). The crude extracts from their cultures inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Kocuria rhizophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. The more relevant results were observed in the ethyl acetate extract from P immersa against P aeruginosa (90 µg/mL) and ethyl acetate extract from Arthrinium state of A montagnei Sacc. against P aeruginosa (160 µg/mL). The two endophytic fungi isolated from yacón roots as well as their antimicrobial activity detected in the crude extracts cultures were being reported for the first time.

Mesmo havendo grandes investimentos, a resistência a fármacos continua sendo um grave problema de saúde pública. Produtos naturais têm prevalecido como a maior fonte de novas drogas e muitos deles são isolados de sistemas simbióticos: microorganismos-plantas. Os fungos endofíticos Papulaspora immersa e Arthrinium state of Apiospora montagnei Sacc. foram isolados de raízes de Smallanthus sonchifolius (yacón). Extratos de culturas destes fungos apresentaram atividade antibacteriana frente Staphylococcus aureus, Kocuria rhizophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Escherichia coli, sendo as mais relevantes observadas nas frações acetato de etila provenientes dos fungos P. immersa e Arthrinium state of Apiospora montagnei Sacc. frente a P. aeruginosa, apresentando CIM de 90µg/mL e 160µg/mL, respectivamente.

Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp.) H. Rob. (yacón): identificação microscópica de folha e caule para o controle de qualidade farmacognóstico / Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp.) H. Rob. (yacon): microscopical identification of the leaf and stem for the pharmacognostic quality control

Yacón é a denominação popular da erva perene nativa dos Andes, Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp.) H. Rob. (Asteraceae), cultivada em diferentes países como recurso alimentar e medicinal. Raízes tuberosas e partes vegetativas aéreas são freqüentemente empregadas como coadjuvante no tratamento do diabetes. Este trabalho objetivou estudar os caracteres anatômicos de folha e caule, a fim de fornecer informações para a identificação microscópica no controle de qualidade farmacognóstico. O material botânico foi fixado e preparado de acordo com técnicas usuais de microscopia de luz e eletrônica de varredura. A folha é anfiestomática, com predominância de estômatos anomocíticos. Tricomas tectores e glandulares estão presentes, sendo os primeiros pluricelulares e unisseriados. Os tricomas glandulares são curtos e pluricelulares, com duas séries de células. O mesofilo é dorsiventral e a nervura central possui vários feixes vasculares colaterais em disposição cêntrica. O caule jovem apresenta epiderme persistente, colênquima angular, parênquima cortical, endoderme e cilindros contínuos de floema e xilema. Dutos secretores encontram-se na folha e no caule. O conjunto dos caracteres observados, como a presença de tricomas tectores e glandulares, dutos secretores e endoderme com estrias de Caspary, é útil para o controle de qualidade dessa espécie.

Yacon is the common name of the perennial herb native to the Andes, Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp. ) H. Rob. (Asteraceae), cultivated in different countries as food and medicinal resource. Fleshy roots and aerial vegetative organs are often used in the treatment of diabetes. This work has aimed to study the anatomical characters of the leaf and stem, aiming to supply information for microscopic identification of the pharmacognostic quality control. The botanical material was fixed and prepared according to standard techniques of light and scanning electron microscopy. The leaf is amphistomatic, predominantly with anomocytic stomata. Non-glandular and glandular trichomes are present, being the former multicellular and uniseriate. The glandular ones are short and multicellular, with two series of cells. The mesophyll is dorsiventral and the midrib has various collateral vascular bundles in centric arrangement. The young stem has remaining epidermis, angular collenchyma, cortical parenchyma, endodermis and continuous cylinders of phloem and xylem. Secretory ducts are found in the leaf and stem. The assembled characters, such as non-glandular and glandular trichomes as well as secretory ducts and endodermis with Casparian strips, are useful for the quality control of this species.

Studies on chemical constituents from leaves of Smallanthus sonchifolius / 中草药

Objective To study the chemical composition from leaves of Smallanthus sonchifolius.Methods Some chromatography methods were used in the isolation procedure,while the structures were determined on the aids of NMR and MS spectral analyses.Results A new compound,together with five known compounds,was isolated from the ethanolic extract of the leaves.The new compound is characterized as 5,8-dihydroxyl-(5H,8H)-?-ionol(Ⅰ).Other compounds are obtained for the first time from the title plant and identified as ent-kaurane-3?,16?,17-triol(Ⅱ),entkaurane-16?,17-diol-19-oic acid(Ⅲ),3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde(Ⅳ),1-pentacosanol(Ⅴ),and 1-octacosanol(Ⅵ),respectively.Conclusion Compounds Ⅰ-Ⅵ are isolated from the plants of genus Smallanthus for the first time.Compound Ⅰ is a ?-ionol derivate firstly isolated from genus Smallanthus.It is named as sonchifolol.