Ethanol Extract of Yacon Leaves (Smallanthus sonchifolius) Attenuates Fibroblast and Myofibroblast Expansion in Association With Downregulation of TGF β1 and Snail mRNA Expression in 5/6-Subtotal Nephrectomy Model in Mice

@#Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by fibroblast activation, myofibroblast formation, and up-regulation of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) that may activate Snail in fibroblast to myofibroblast transition. Ethanol extract of Yacon leaves is known to have a renoprotective effect on diabetic nephropathy but its effect in the CKD model is unknown. This experimental study aimed to elucidate the effect of ethanol extract from Yacon leaves in attenuating renal failure in a CKD mice model. Methods: Male Swiss-Webster mice (3 months, 30–40 grams, n=25) underwent 5/6 subtotal nephrectomy (SN) to induce CKD. The mice were divided into five groups: SN, SN mice with oral treatment of Yacon leaves ethanol extract with doses 0.735 μg/kg (SN+YK1), 1.47 μg/kg (SN+YK2), and 2.94 μg/kg (SN+YK3), and a Sham operation (SO) group with aquadest 0.1% supplementation. Mice were euthanized on day 14 after the operation and kidneys were harvested. Paraffin sections were used for histological analysis. Immunostaining was done for quantifying fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. We performed RT-PCR to measure TGF-β1 and Snail mRNA expressions. Results: The SN group had significantly higher fibroblast number, myofibroblast fraction area, TGF-β1 and Snail mRNA expressions compared to the SO. The fibroblasts number (p<0.001) and myofibroblast fraction areas (p<0.001) were significantly lower in Yacon treated-groups compared to the SN group. RT-PCR analysis showed lower mRNA expressions of TGF-β1 and Snail, but no significant differences were found among the various Yacon treated-groups. Conclusion: Ethanol extracts of Yacon leaves improved kidney damage in male mice with 5/6 subtotal nephrectomy model.

O consumo de produto à base de yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) aumenta glucagon-like peptide-1 e diminui o peso corporal de ratas Wistar ovariectomizadas / Yacon-based product consumption (Smallanthus sonchifolius) increases glucagon-like peptide-1 and reduces the body weight of ovariectomized Wistar rats

A raiz do yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius), em função da rica concentração de fruto-oligossacarídeos, é classificada como prebiótico e tornou-se promissora da obesidade pelo aumento da saciedade. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a inclusão de um produto à base de yacon (PBY) em ratas ovariectomizadas (OVX) no consumo alimentar, na modulação de medidas antropométricas e do imunomarcador da saciedade glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) em ratas Wistar ovariectomizadas (OVX). Analisou-se o consumo alimentar pela pesagem diária de sobra de dieta, a porcentagem de gordura corporal foi determinada pelo índice de Lee e também foram avaliados o peso, o índice de massa corporal (IMC) e circunferência abdominal. Fragmentos do ceco foram utilizados para imunomarcação de GLP-1, de ratas OVX, após serem alimentadas por 24 semanas com dieta padrão adicionadas ou não de 6% de FOS/inulina/PBY. Observou-se diminuição da circunferência abdominal (p=0,2173) em 3,5%, também houve decréscimo de IMC (p=0,3822) em 6,25% e de percentual de gordura corporal (p=0,3528) em 2,14% em animais que receberam PBY durante 24 semanas (G4) comparado aos animais do grupo controle. No grupo G4 o GLP-1 aumentou (p<.0001), os animais aumentaram o consumo (p=0,0064) e, paradoxalmente, tiveram menor ganho de peso (p<.0001), o que pode estar associado ao fato de que as fibras diminuem a eficiência de absorção de lipídeos ao longo do intestino delgado, o que pode diminuir a assimilação calórica de nutrientes. Esse fenômeno demonstra que o PBY possui potencial na modulação da obesidade, portanto, melhoria da qualidade de vida de mulheres na menopausa.(AU)

The yacon root (Smallanthus sonchifolius), due to the rich concentration of fructo-oligosaccharides, is classified as prebiotic and has become promising for obesity due to increased satiety. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of a yacon-based product (PBY) in ovariectomized rats (OVX) in food consumption, in the modulation of anthropometric measurements and in the satiety immunosorbent glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in rats Wistar ovariectomized (OVX). Food consumption was analyzed by daily weighing of leftover diet, the percentage of body fat was determined by the Lee index, and weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were also evaluated. Cecum fragments were used for immunostaining GLP-1, from OVX rats, after being fed for 24 weeks with a standard diet with or without 6% FOS / inulin / PBY. There was a decrease in abdominal circumference (p = 0.2173) in 3.5%, there was also a decrease in BMI (p = 0.3822) in 6.25% and a percentage of body fat (p = 0.3528) 2.14% in animals that received PBY for 24 weeks (G4) compared to animals in the control group. In the G4 group GLP-1 increased (p <.0001), the animals increased their consumption (p = 0.0064) and paradoxically, they gained less weight gain (p <.0001), which may be associated with the fact that fibers decrease the efficiency of absorption of lipids along the small intestine, which can decrease the caloric assimilation of nutrients. This phenomenon demonstrates that PBY has the potential to modulate obesity, thus improving the quality of life of women in menopause. (AU)

Effects of yacon flour associated with an energy restricted diet on intestinal permeability, fecal short chain fatty acids, oxidative stress and inflammation markers levels in adults with obesity or overweight: a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial

ABSTRACT Objectives Yacon flour is rich in bioactive compounds (phenolic compounds and fructooligosaccharides (FOS)), and may therefore reduce the risk of diseases associated with excess body weight. However, its effect on fecal short chain fatty acids (SCFA), intestinal permeability, oxidative stress and inflammation markers has not been studied in adult humans with excess body weight. Thus, we evaluated the effect of the consumption of yacon flour on these variables. Materials and methods Twenty-six excess body weight (30.4 ± 2.4 kg/m2) adults (31.3 ± 8.5y) were randomized to one of two groups (yacon flour or control; n = 13) on a double blind clinical trial. Subjects received a breakfast drink containing or not yacon flour (25g) associated with an energy restricted diet, for six weeks. The flour chemical characterization, FOS and total phenolics contents were evaluated. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated in vitro and in vivo (plasma). Intestinal permeability, fecal SCFA, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers also were evaluated in vivo. Results Yacon flour was well tolerated. It presented an in vitro and in vivo antioxidant capacity, increased plasma total antioxidant capacity (ΔYAC: 49.16 (-4.20; 156.63)) and reduced protein carbonyl concentrations (ΔYAC: -0.98 (-1.54; -0.42)). A reduction in SCFAs was observed in both groups (Δacetic: -3.16 (-5.07; -0.95) vs. -1.05 (-2.65; 1.11); Δpropionic: -1.05 (-2.60;-0.38) vs. -0.41 (-2.08; 0.09); Δbutyric: -0.75 (-1.38; -0.04) vs. -0.28 (-0.98; 0.11), for YAC and CON, respectively). Other variables did not change. Conclusion The yacon flour increased the plasma antioxidant capacity, decreased oxidative stress and SCFAs in adults with obesity or overweight.

Yacon Extract Attenuated Kidney Fibrosis in 5/6-subtotal Nephrectomy Mouse Model by Upregulating HGF and BMP-7 mRNA Expression

@#Introduction: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) leads to tubular injury, kidney fibrosis and anemia. These conditions are influenced by fibrotic and anti-fibrotic substances, such as Transforming Growth Factor beta-1 (TGF-β1), Hepatic Growth Factor (HGF), and Bone Morphogenic Protein-7 (BMP-7). Yacon is an herbal medicine which has not been elucidated in CKD. This study aimed to investigate the effect of ethanolic extract of Yacon leaves on attenuating renal injury in CKD model in mice. Methods: We performed 5/6 subtotal nephrectomy (SN) in male Swiss-Webster mice (3 months old, 30–40 grams) to induce chronic kidney disease, then the mice were sacrificed at day 14. The mice (n=25) were divided into five groups: one SN group, three groups of SN with administration of Yacon extract, and one group of sham operation (SO, with supplementation of 0.1% aquadest). There were three different doses of ethanolic extract of Yacon leaves: 98 mg/kg BW (SN+YK1), 49 mg/kg BW (SN+YK2), and 24.5 BW mg/kg (SN+YK3). Tubular injury, perivascular and interstitial fibrosis were quantified based on histopathological examination. Reverse-transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) was performed to quantify HGF and BMP-7. Results: SN group demonstrated CKD with elevation of creatinine level, anemia, tubular injury, glomerulosclerosis, and fibrosis. Yacon extract treatment showed attenuation of injury with lower creatinine level, tubular injury, glomerulosclerosis and fibrosis compared to the SN group. HGF and BMP-7 mRNA expressions were higher in Yacon-treated groups than the SN group. Conclusion: Yacon treatment might ameliorate CKD through reducing fibrosis and increasing expression of anti-fibrotic genes.

Produto a base de yacon e modulação da microbiota, perfil de ácidos graxo e lipídico em ratas ovariectomizadas / Product based yacon and modulation of microbiota, fatty acid profile and lipid in ovariectomized female rats

RESUMO Objetivo: Este trabalho avaliou a modulação da microbiota gastrointestinal, do perfil de ácidos orgânicos e de lipídeos em ratas Wistar ovariectomizadas, sendo que algumas receberam dieta suplementada com 6% de fruto-oligossacarídeos e inulina, a partir do produto a base de yacon, e outras não. Métodos: Analisou-se o peso do ceco, pH e ácidos orgânicos, microbiota do conteúdo cecal, colesterol total e frações. Resultados: No grupo que recebeu a dieta suplementada durante todo o experimento ocorreu modulação benéfica da microbiota intestinal em função da fermentação dos fruto-oligossacarídeos/inulina, bem como aumento do perfil de lactato (p<0,05) e do nível de lipoproteina alta densidade (p<0,05). Conclusão: Isso sugere que o hábito de consumo contínuo do yacon tem potencial para modular a microbiota intestinal, o perfil de ácidos orgânicos e para diminuir as dislipidemias.

ABSTRACT Objective: Fructans, a type of inulin present in yacon based products, can modulate microbiota and fatty acid profile, performing many beneficial roles. From this perspective, this study assessed the modulation of the gastrointestinal microbiota, organic acid profile, and lipid profile of ovariectomized Wistar rats fed or not a diet containing 6% fructooligosaccharides and inulin from a yacon based product. Methods: Cecum weight, pH, and organic acids, cecal content microbiota, total cholesterol, and fractions were analyzed. Results: The group fed the diet supplemented with fructooligosaccharides and inulin during the study period experienced beneficial modulation of their intestinal microbiota stemming from fructooligosaccharide/inulin fermentation and increased lactate profile (p<0.05) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.05). Conclusion: This suggests that regular yacon intake can potentially modulate the intestinal microbiota and organic acid profile, and reduce dyslipidemia.

Hydroethanolic extract of Smallanthus sonchifolius leaves improves hyperglycemia of streptozotocin induced neonatal diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effect of hydroethanolic extract of yacon on the hyperglycemia induced by streptozotocin (STZ) in neonatal rats.@*METHODS@#Wistar rats aged two days old received an intraperitoneal injection of STZ (160 mg/kg); after seven weeks, glycosuria was determined and animals with glucose levels above 250 mg/dL were included in the study. Groups of diabetic and non-diabetic rats were treated orally with yacon extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg/d for 14 d. Tests were made for phytochemical characterization, glucose tolerance and toxicity.@*RESULTS@#The results showed that treatment with the extract reduced the glucose levels of fed diabetic rats and did not change the glucose levels of fasting diabetic and normal rats. Additionally, also it was observed that treatment with the extract reduced blood glucose levels of diabetic rats during the oral and intravenous glucose tolerance tests. There was no change in body weight, liver enzymes or mortality with yacon extract treatment. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid and gallic acid.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The data suggest that yacon extract reduces hyperglycemia, possibly by improving insulin sensibility through its phytochemicals constituents (phenolic compounds).

Hydroethanolic extract of Smallanthus sonchifolius leaves improves hyperglycemia of streptozotocin induced neonatal diabetic rats

Objective To evaluate the effect of hydroethanolic extract of yacon on the hyperglycemia induced by streptozotocin (STZ) in neonatal rats. Methods Wistar rats aged two days old received an intraperitoneal injection of STZ (160 mg/kg); after seven weeks, glycosuria was determined and animals with glucose levels above 250 mg/dL were included in the study. Groups of diabetic and non-diabetic rats were treated orally with yacon extract at a dose of 400 mg/kg/d for 14 d. Tests were made for phytochemical characterization, glucose tolerance and toxicity. Results The results showed that treatment with the extract reduced the glucose levels of fed diabetic rats and did not change the glucose levels of fasting diabetic and normal rats. Additionally, also it was observed that treatment with the extract reduced blood glucose levels of diabetic rats during the oral and intravenous glucose tolerance tests. There was no change in body weight, liver enzymes or mortality with yacon extract treatment. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, ferulic acid and gallic acid. Conclusions The data suggest that yacon extract reduces hyperglycemia, possibly by improving insulin sensibility through its phytochemicals constituents (phenolic compounds).

Use of Different Kinds of Solutes Alternative to Sucrose in Osmotic Dehydration of Yacon

The present work aimed to evaluate glycerol, maltodextrin, polydextrose and sorbitol for the osmotic dehydration of yacon for diabetics, keeping its properties as prebiotic. Osmotic dehydration was carried out using a yacon to 33% concentrated syrup weight ratio of 1:12, with magnetic stirring at 23ºC and atmospheric pressure. The best results were achieved for glycerol and sorbitol with 80 ± 4% and 81± 1% of water removal and increase of 3.73 ± 0.11 and 4.30 ± 0.16 times in total soluble solids respectively. Maltodextrin did not promote dehydration.

The effect of yacon (Samallanthus sonchifolius) ethanol extract on cell proliferation and migration of C6 glioma cells stimulated with fetal bovine serum

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Yacon (Samallanthus sonchifolius), a common edible plant grown throughout the world, is well known for its antidiabetic properties. It is also known to have several other pharmacological properties including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-allergic, and anti-cancer effects. To date, the effect of yacon on gliomas has not been studied. In this study, we investigated the effects of yacon on the migration and proliferation of C6 glioma cells stimulated by fetal bovine serum (FBS). MATERIALS/METHODS: Cell growth and proliferation were determined by evaluating cell viability using an EZ-Cytox Cell Viability Assay Kit. FBS-induced migration of C6 glioma cells was evaluated by performing the scratch wound healing assay and the Boyden chamber assay. We also used western blot analysis to determine the expression levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), a major regulator of migration and proliferation of glioma cells. Matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) 9 and TIMP-1 levels were measured by performing reverse transcription PCR. RESULTS: Yacon (300 microg/mL) reduced both the FBS-induced proliferation of C6 glioma cells and the dose-dependent migration of the FBS-stimulated C6 cells. FBS-stimulated C6 glioma cells treated with yacon (200 and 300 microg/mL) showed reduced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and inhibition of MMP 9 expression compared to those shown by the untreated FBS-stimulated C6 cells. In contrast, yacon (200 and 300 microg/mL) induced TIMP-1 expression. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of these results, we suggest that yacon may exert an anti-cancer effect on FBS-stimulated C6 glioma cells by inhibiting their proliferation and migration. The most likely mechanism for this is down-regulation of ERK1/2 and MMP9 and up-regulation of TIMP-1 expression levels.

Caracterización química y cuantificación de fructooligosacáridos, compuestos fenólicos y actividad antirradical de tubérculos y raíces andinos cultivados en el noroeste de Argentina / Chemical characterization and quantification of fructooligosaccharides, phenolic compounds and antiradical activity of Andean roots and tubers grown in Northwest of Argentina

Existe un creciente interés por consumir alimentos que además de aportar los componentes básicos para una buena nutrición provean otros compuestos benéficos para la salud. El objetivo del trabajo fue determinar la composición química de alimentos autóctonos de la región andina y cuantificar algunos componentes funcionales. Se determinó composición centesimal, contenido de vitamina C y compuestos fenólicos totales, actividad antirradical (DPPH) en cáscara y pulpa, fibra dietaria soluble e insoluble, fructooligosacáridos (FOS), almidón total y resistente (en tubérculos y raíces crudos, hervidos y hervidos y almacenados) de 6 variedades de Ocas (Oxalis tuberosa), 4 clones de Mandiocas (Manihot esculenta Crantz) y Yacón (Smallanthus sonchifolius). Los resultados mostraron mayor cantidad de compuestos bioactivos y actividad antirradical en la cáscara de ocas. En todos los casos el contenido de fibra insoluble fue mayor que la soluble. Las mandiocas tuvieron mayor contenido de almidón total que las raíces y tubérculos andinos. El proceso de ebullición disminuyó el contenido de almidón resistente en ocas y mandiocas pero cuando éstas se almacenaron por 48h a 5°C, el contenido de almidón resistente aumentó nuevamente. El contenido de FOS en ocas fue similar para todas las variedades (Aproximadamente 7%). El principal componente de los carbohidratos del yacón fueron los FOS (8,89%). Se puede concluir que las raíces y tubérculos estudiados, además de aportar nutrientes, contienen compuestos funcionales que les confieren un valor adicional como alimentos útiles para la prevención de algunas enfermedades no trasmisibles.

There is great interest in consuming foods that can provide the nutrients for a good nutrition and other health beneficial compounds. The aim of this work was to determine the chemical composition of native foods of the Andean region and to quantify some functional components. Proximal composition, vitamin C, total phenolic compounds, antiradical activity (DPPH) in peel and pulp, dietary fiber soluble and insoluble, fructooligosaccharides (FOS), total and resistant starch (in tubers and raw roots, boiled and boiled and stored) of 6 varieties of Oca (Oxalis tuberosa), 4 clones of manioc (Manihot esculenta Crantz) and yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius were determined. The results showed greater amount of bioactive compounds and antiradical activity in the skin of these products. The highest content was found in the oca peel. In all cases, the content of insoluble fiber was greater than the soluble. The manioc had higher total starch than Andean roots and tubers. The boiling process decreased the resistant starch content of ocas and maniocs, but when these are stored for 48 h at 5 ° C, the resistant starch content increased. The FOS content of the ocas was similar for all varieties (7%). The main component of yacon carbohydrates were FOS (8,89%). The maniocs did not contain FOS. It can be concluded that the roots and tubers studied, in addition to provide nutrients, contain functional compounds that confer additional helpful value for preventing no communicable diseases.

Comparative evaluation of polysaccharides isolated from Astragalus, oyster mushroom, and yacon as inhibitors of α-glucosidase / 中国天然药物

The incidence of diabetes has increased considerably, and become the third serious chronic disease following cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Though acarbose, metformin, and 1-deoxynojirimycin have good efficacy for clinical application as hypoglycemic drugs, their expensive costs and some degree of side effects have limited their clinical application. Recently, increasing attention has concentrated on the polysaccharides from natural plant and animal sources for diabetes. In order to illustrate the pharmaceutical activity of polysaccharides as natural hypoglycemic agents, polysaccharides isolated from Astragalus, oyster mushroom, and Yacon were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase. Polysaccharides were extracted and purified from Astragalus, Oyster mushroom, and Yacon with hot water at 90 °C for 3 h, respectively. The total sugar content of the polysaccharide was determined by the phenol-sulfuric acid method. The α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was measured by the glucose oxidase method. The results exhibited that the inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase were in decreasing order, Astragalus > oyster mushroom > Yacon. The α-glucosidase inhibition percentage of Astragalus polysaccharide and oyster mushroom polysaccharide were over 40% at the polysaccharide concentration of 0.4 mg·mL(-1). The IC50 of Astragalus polysaccharide and oyster mushroom polysaccharide were 0.28 and 0.424 mg·mL(-1), respectively. The information obtained from this work is beneficial for the use polysaccharides as a dietary supplement for health foods and therapeutics for diabetes.

Physicochemical characterization of saccharides powder obtained from yacon roots (Smallanthus sonchifolius) by membrane technology

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are food ingredients applied due to combination of prebiotic benefits and interesting technological properties, being used as a sugar substitute. The knowledge of their physicochemical characteristics is important for predicting the stability of the food products where they are added. For this reason, a saccharides powder extracted from yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) roots by membrane technology and freeze-dried was investigated. Color, water activity (aw), microstructure by Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled to Energy- dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and crystallinity by X-ray diffraction were evaluated. The obtained product, containing 19.75% FOS, 36.66% glucose and 43.59% fructose (w/w) was a whitish granulated powder, with aw of 0.284 and CIELAB color coordinates L*, a* and b* of 76.25±1.19, -1.03±0.09 and 1.02±0.03, respectively. It was highly hygroscopic and with agglomeration tendency, confirmed by the formation of bridges between particles on the SEM images. No peaks were identified at X-ray diffractograms, indicating its amorphous characteristics, but sample high hygrospicity and formation of a rigid mass might have hampered a trustable X-ray analysis.

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.

Formulación de barra dietética funcional prebiótica a partir de harina de Yacón (Smallanthus sonchifolius) / Making a functional prebiotic dietetic bar using yacon flour

Se elaboró harina de yacón a partir de raíces con 8 meses de edad de cultivo, variedad blanca, las mismas fueron secadas en estufa con corriente de aire a 70°C por 23 horas; efectuándose una caracterización física, química y sensorial. La harina obtenida se empleó en la formulación de una barra dietética funcional prebiótica (BDFP) determinándose preferencia/aceptabilidad de las formulaciones y composición química. Se obtuvo una harina de 4,5% de humedad con un contenido de fructanos de 70,23 g% (base seca). La BDFP resultó de valor calórico reducido, bajo valor glucídico, alto contenido de proteínas y de alto contenido en fibra; resultando aceptable para el 93% de los consumidores

ASSESSMENT OF THE OSMO-CONVECTIVE DEHYDRATION ON THE QUALITY ATTRIBUTES AND CENTESIMAL COMPOSITION OF YACON (Smallanthus sonchifolius)

This work has studied the application of the osmo-convective dehydration on yacon roots, regarding its composition and quality attributes. Slices of yacon were submitted to osmotic treatment with sucralose solution followed by convective dry. The experiments followed a complete 23 factorial design to assessthe effect of three variables of the process (temperature, stirring rate of the osmotic solution and drying temperature) over four quality attributes (moisture content, color, luminosity and soluble solid content). The application of the osmotic treatment before convective drying provided quality gains to the dried product, such as low browning and shrinkage rates, and reduction of the structural damages towards angular distortions and fissures, in comparison to the samples dried directly on the tray dryer. The effect of osmotic treatment over the centesimal composition of yacon have resulted on absorption of sucralose and water loss without a significance compromise of its nutritional attributes. The obtained product presented different contents of moisture, but similar levels of darkening and color alteration at diverse experimental conditions.

Investigou-se a aplicação da desidratação osmo-convectiva em raízes de yacon, com relação à sua composição centesimal e atributos de qualidade. Fatias de yacon foram submetidas ao tratamento osmótico em solução de sucralose e depois à secagem convectiva. Os experimentos seguiram planejamento fatorial completo (2

Yogur bajo en calorías añadido con harina de yacón: desarrollo y evaluación físico-química / Low-calorie yogurt added with yacon flour: development and physicochemical evaluation

Yacon flour has been used in several food products due to its high fructooligosaccharides and inulin contents, compounds that present health promoting properties. In this study, yacon flour was used as an ingredient in light yogurt in the following concentrations: 1.58; 2.56; 3.00 and 3.86%. Centesimal composition, pH, soluble solids, acidity and apparent viscosity of the yogurt supplemented with yacon were determined. Results were evaluated through analyses of variance and regression. Centesimal composition of the yogurts allowed for their classification as low-fat foods, presenting low carbohydrate content and containing dietary fiber, especially those supplemented with more than 2.56% yacon flour, which may be considered as sources of fiber and, consequently, prebiotics. Physicochemical analysis revealed significant (p<0.05) changes in analysis of color, soluble solids, acidity and viscosity at the temperatures of 10 and 25 °C with the increase in yacon flour.

La harina de yacón se ha utilizado en muchos productos alimenticios, debido a su alto contenido de fructooligosacáridos y inulina, compuestos que tienen propiedades promotoras de la salud. En este estudio, la harina de yacón fue utilizada como ingrediente en yogur "light" en las siguientes concentraciones: 1,58, 2,56, 3,00 y 3,86%. Se determinaron la composición centesimal, pH, sólidos solubles, acidez y la viscosidad del yogur suplementado con yacón se determinaron. Los resultados fueron evaluados mediante un análisis de varianza y de regresión. La composición centesimal de los yogures permite que los clasifiquen como alimentos bajos en grasa, con bajo contenido de carbohidratos y que contenga fibra dietética, particularmente aquellos suplementados con más de 2,56% de harina de yacón, que puede considerarse como fuente de fibra y, en consecuencia, prebióticos. El análisis físico-químico reveló cambios significativos (p <0,05) en el análisis de color, sólidos solubles, viscosidad y acidez a temperaturas de 10 y 25 °C con la harina de yacón en aumento.

Desarrollo de jalea de yacón de reducido valor calórico: caracterización físico-química, microbiológica y sensorial / Development of a low calorie yacon jam: physico chemical, microbiological and sensory characterization

This study aimed to evaluate the physical-chemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of four formulations of yacon jams. The following characteristics were analyzed: chemical composition, soluble solids, pH, microbiological presence of total coliforms and salmonella at 45 °C, and presence of fungi and yeasts. The yacon jams exhibited high moisture content (> 62%) as well as high concentrations of carbohydrates (> 28%) and total dietary fiber (2.5%), mainly fructooligosaccharides (> 0.9%). The average energy value was 124.6 kcal/100 g. The average pH was 3.8 and the soluble solids measured 27.6 °Brix. All yacon jams complied with standard microbiological requirements and received high acceptance scores, especially the yacon jam and yacon jam with cinnamon. Yacon jam products may offer an excellent alternative to more common jams due to their lower concentrations of simple sugar, lower calorie value, increased presence of dietary fibers, and desirable sensory characteristics.

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar las características físico-químicas, microbiológicas y sensoriales de cuatro formulaciones de mermeladas de yacón. Las características analizadas fueron: composición química, contenido de sólidos solubles, pH, presencia microbiológica de coliformes totales, coliformes y salmonella a 45 °C, y la presencia de hongos y levaduras. Los atascos de yacón mostraron alto contenido de humedad (> 62%), así como altas concentraciones de hidratos de carbono (> 28%) y fibra dietética total (2, 5%), principalmente fructooligosacáridos (> 0, 9%). El valor energético promedio fue de 124, 6 kcal/100g. El pH promedio fue de 3, 8 y los sólidos solubles mide 27, 6 ° Brix. Todas las mermeladas de yacón cumplido con los requisitos microbiológicos estándar y recibió altos puntajes de aceptación, en especial la mermelada de yacón y mermelada de yacón con canela. Productos de mermelada de yacón pueden ofrecer una excelente alternativa a los atascos más comunes debido a sus concentraciones más bajas de azúcar simple, un valor más bajo de calorías, el aumento de la presencia de fibras dietéticas y las características sensoriales deseadas.

Análise descritiva de iogurte light suplementado com farinha de yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) / Descriptive analysis of light yogurt supplemented with yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) flour

A farinha de yacon é ingrediente alimentar rico em fibras, especialmente fruto oligossacarídeos (FOS) e inulina, considerados como prebióticos. Neste estudo, foram produzidos iogurtes light suplementados com 1,58%, 2,56%, 3,00% e 3,86% de farinha de yacon e quantificados os teores de fibras. O efeito da concentração de farinha de yacon foi avaliado no perfil sensorial e na aceitabilidade dos produtos. A quantidade de farinha de yacon foi estimada para obter iogurtes que poderiam ser classificados como fontes de fibra alimentar total (FAT), inulina e/ou FOS. A FAT foi mensurada pelo método enzimático gravimétrico, e FOS e inulina por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. O painel sensorial avaliou 11 atributos pelo método espectro (n = 9) e a aceitabilidade (n = 92) pela escala hedônica de nove pontos. Os resultados foram analisados por meio de Anova e regressão. Os iogurtes contendo 2,56% a 3,86% de farinha de yacon podem ser considerados como fontes de FAT. No perfil sensorial, os descritores para aparência, textura, aroma e sabor de yacon aumentaram linearmente (p < 0,01) com adição de farinha de yacon. Não houve mudança nos gostos doce e ácido, porém o aroma fermentado diminuiu com a suplementação. Houve maior aceitação de iogurtes com menor quantidade de farinha de yacon.

Chemical composition and functional properties of chocolate cakes formulated with yacon tube roots (Smallanthus sonchifolius)

This present work aimed at developing a cake using yacon flour (20% and 40%), for replacing partially thew heat flour. The products were characterized on the nutritional composition, glycemic index, glycemic charge and in vitro prebiotic effect. The physico chemical analyses showed a high fiber concentration in the experimental cakes, in compliance with the legislation in force, being 7.49g% for the cake A (yacon 20%)and 10.75g% for the cake B (yacon 40%). Low concentrations of available carbohydrates of 11.22g% and 9.35g% were found in both cake A and B, respectively. Glicemic index lower than 55 and glycemic chargelo wer than 10 were detected. The prebiotic effect was observed by keeping the lactic bacteria above 106UFC/g of substrate. On that account, cakes containing high fiber concentrations were achieved. Regard lessof the added amounts of yacon flour to the experimental cakes, they were classified as of low glycemic index and glycemic charges products, besides their in vitro prebiotic effect.