A B S T R A C TThe "red chilto" (Solanum betaceum Cav) is a native fruit from the Yungas forest of Argentina. Red chilto is a neglected and underutilized native species (NUS). The objective of this work was to evaluate the potentiality of pulp, seed and skin from "red chilto" as a functional food ingredient to add value to a native resource of Argentine Yungas to promote sustainable integral use of it. The powders have low carbohydrate and sodium content and are a source of vitamin C, phenolic acids (rosmarinic acid and caffeoylquinic acid), anthocyanins, condensed tannins, carotenoids, potassium, and fiber. The phenolics of chilto powders showed, before and after simulated gastroduodenal digestion, antioxidant activity (ABTS þ ; H 2 O 2 ; O 2 ; HO ) and were able to inhibit enzymes related to metabolic syndrome, such as α-glucosidase, α-amylase and lipase. Chilto powder showed hypoglycemic effect by increasing glucose adsorption, decreasing glucose diffusion rate and by promoting glucose transport across the cell membrane. These results suggest the potential of Argentinean "red chilto" fruits as functional food ingredients or dietary supplements to prevent metabolic syndrome principally by its antioxidant, hypoglycemic and hypolipemic effects.

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The aim of this work was to determine the effects of two geographically different strains of Rhizophagus intraradices (M3 and GA5) on the total biomass and essential oil (EO) yield and composition of Calamintha nepeta, with or without phosphorus (P) fertilization, under greenhouse conditions. The plant biomass was not significantly affected by any of the treatments, showing higher values in control plants. Strains had a differential response in their root colonization rates: M3 reduced these parameters while GA5 did not modify them. Both strains affected EO yield in absence of P fertilization: M3 promoted EO yield in C. nepeta plants and GA5 resulted in negative effects. The percentage composition of EO was not significantly modified by either strain or P fertilization. M3 strain could be a potential fungal bioinoculant for production and commercialization of C. nepeta in the aromatic plant market.