Health properties of oca (Oxalis tuberosa) and yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius)

Abstract

Andean roots and tubers are underexploited crops; many contain compounds beneficial to health, so a greater knowledge of their properties is important for encouraging their consumption. The aim of this work was to study the content of bioactive compounds of yacon and oca and their effect on intestinal health using as a model rats of the Wistar strain. Two varieties of ocas (Overa and Rosada) and yacon, which contain significant amounts of fructooligosaccharides and phenolic compounds, were chosen. Rats of the Wistar strain were fed for two months with diets containing these foods in amounts sufficient to provide 8% of fiber. A significant decrease in pH values and an increment in lactobacilli and bifidobacteria counts in the cecum of rats fed with inulin, oca Rosada and Overa were observed; there was no significant decrease in enterobacteriaceae and enterococci counts. The cecum antioxidant activity was incremented in rats fed with the experimental foods with respect to the control diets. The components of dietary fiber and phenolic compound contents in yacon and oca produce effects that contribute to the intestinal health of the experimental animals.

Yacón (Smallanthus sonchifolius) prevented inflammation, oxidative stress, and intestinal alterations in an animal model of colorectal carcinogenesis

“…Another study observed that intake of YF (80 g kg −1 FOS) improved the antioxidant capacity of healthy Wistar rats as evidenced by an increase in the content of phenolic components in the cecum. 43 Thus, because cellular damage by ROS is one of the main drivers of mutations, 44 cancer should be considered a disease with highly oxidative characteristics. This highly oxidative state of cancer may explain why YF did not change the TAC in animals with induced carcinogenesis.…”

“…In the present study, the TAC of the plasma was reduced in groups with induced CRC (groups C and CY) and YF treatment was not able to decrease the oxidative damage caused by the carcinogenesis. Another study observed that intake of YF (80 g kg −1 FOS) improved the antioxidant capacity of healthy Wistar rats as evidenced by an increase in the content of phenolic components in the cecum 43 . Thus, because cellular damage by ROS is one of the main drivers of mutations, 44 cancer should be considered a disease with highly oxidative characteristics.…”

Effect of Two Different Drying Methods on Molecular Structure, In Vitro Digestibility and Chemical Properties of Oca Tuber Flour

“…Unsold Oca tubers are used for compost. Several studies have analyzed the nutritional characteristics [ 2,3 ] and the starch properties [ 4,5 ] of Oca tubers. These authors [ 2–5 ] report higher values of Vitamin C (30.4−44.8 mg 100 g −1 ), phenolic compounds (149−200 mg AG 100 g −1 ), and anti‐radical activity expressed as vitamin C equivalent (81−128 mg AA 100 g −1 ) in the pulp and peel of Oca tubers (wet basis), respectively.…”

Evaluación de una pasta enriquecida con harina de Oxalis tuberosa en ratas Wistar con inducción del síndrome metabólico

“…The metabolic syndrome (SM) is defined as the set of cardiovascular risk factors constituted by central distribution obesity, Atherogenic dyslipidemia, glucose metabolism abnormalities and arterial hypertension, closely associated with insulin resistance [3,10]. The metabolic syndrome is a major and growing public health clinical challenge throughout the world following urbanization, surplus energy consumption, increased obesity and sedentary lifestyle habits [7].…”