Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) as a Food Supplement: Health-Promoting Benefits of Fructooligosaccharides

Abstract

Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius), a perennial plant of the family Asteraceae native to the Andean regions of South America, is an abundant source of fructooligosaccharides (FOS). This comprehensive review of the literature addressed the role of yacon supplementation in promoting health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. According to several preclinical and clinical trials, FOS intake favors the growth of health-promoting bacteria while reducing pathogenic bacteria populations. Moreover, the endproducts of FOS fermentation by the intestinal microbiota, short chain fatty acids (SCFA), act as substrates or signaling molecules in the regulation of the immune response, glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism. As a result, glycemic levels, body weight and colon cancer risk can be reduced. Based on these findings, most studies reviewed concluded that due to their functional properties, yacon roots may be effectively used as a dietary supplement to prevent and treat chronic diseases.

Andean roots and tubers crops as sources of functional foods

“…The tuberous yacon roots may be considered a functional food by its content in FOS, a prebiotic which confers its functional properties, mostly related to the increase of lactobacilli and bifidobateria in the gut (Miyaguchi et al, 2015), and the resulting benefits for hyperglycemic and hyperlipidemic (high cholesterol) individuals. However, it should be consumed in moderate quantities (Sabater-Molina et al, 2009;Aluko, 2012;Mentreddy et al, 2007;Ojansivu et al, 2011;Choque et al, 2013;Almeida et al, 2015;Caetano et al, 2016). Side-effects like flatulence or diarrhoea might occur in individuals with dietary fructose intolerance because of the high levels of this sugar found in some yacon extracts.…”

“…Further positive effects of including FOS in the diet are improvement of glucose control in hyperglycemic individuals (Ludeña et al, 2004;Scheid et al, 2014;Gomes da Silva et al,2017), reduction in plasma cholesterol (Caetano et al, 2016) and increase in the formation of healthy colonocytes (Aluko 2012; de Almeida et al, 2014). Evidence of improvement in the immune system has been described in mice after yacon feeding (Choque Delgado et al, 2012).…”

Effect of yacon syrup on blood lipid, glucose and metabolic endotoxemia in healthy subjects: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial

“…) H. Robinson] is a perennial herbaceous plant of the family Asteraceae, native to the Andean regions of South America and cultivated in other countries, such as Brazil (Castro et al, 2017). They store their carbohydrates in the form of β-1,2-fructooligosaccharides (FDS), which are able to resist the hydrolysis of enzymes from the upper gastrointestinal tract (Delgado et al, 2013), and selectively stimulate the growth of bifidobacteria, a gram-positive microorganism that play a regulatory role in the colon by inhibiting the growth of putrefactive bacteria (Caetano et al, 2016). Thus, FDS are considered as a prebiotic, which was recently defined as "[…] a substrate that is selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit" (Gibson et al, 2017, p. 493).…”

“…Furthermore, the short chain fatty acids (SCFA), such as butyrate, propionate, and acetate -the endproducts of FDS fermentation by the intestinal microbiota -act as substrates or signaling molecules in the regulation of the glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism. On this sense, the glycemic levels and body weight, for instance, can be reduced (Caetano et al, 2016;Kim et al, 2014;Nakamura & Dmaye, 2012;Wanders et al, 2011). On addition, specific intestinal bacteria (gram negative) seem to serve as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) sources and increased intestinal permeability and to play a role in systemic inflammation (Nakamura & Dmaye, 2012;Kim et al, 2014).…”

Os Principais Fármacos Utilizados Como Adulterantes Em Amostras De Cocaína

“…É caracterizada por desregulação no metabolismo dos macronutrientes provocada por deficiências na ação e/ou secreção da insulina, causando altos níveis de glicose sanguínea e glicosúria (ALBUQUERQUE;ROLIM, 2011;RUSSO et al, 2015).A hiperglicemia crônica é capaz de induzir um alto estresse oxidativo, gerando elevados níveis de radicais livres, contribuindo para a progressão da doença e aumento dos riscos de desenvolvimento de outras complicações, como doenças cardiovasculares, câncer e desordens neurológicas(RUSSO et al, 2015).A Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) é uma planta herbácea perene da família Asteraceae, proveniente das regiões andinas da América do Sul, suas raízes são de diferentes formas e tamanhos, possuem sabor doce e geralmente são consumidas cruas, devido sua textura crocante comparável com a de uma maçã. É uma planta de fácil adaptação as diferentes regiões e climas, sendo assim, é cultivada atualmente em países como a Argentina, Brasil, República Checa, Itália, Nova Zelândia e outros(CAETANO et al, 2016). É considerada um alimento funcional por conter diversos compostos bioativos, capazes de promover melhorias na manutenção da saúde humana, incluindo atividade antioxidante, hipoglicemiante e prebiótica (GUSSO;MATTANNA; RICHARDS, 2015).…”