Sustained antioxidant properties of yacón (Smallanthus Sonchifolius) for digestive health improvement

Abstract

Smallanthus sonchifolius (known in Colombia as yacón) is a vegetable characterized by high polyphenol and fructooligosaccharides (FOS) content, which confer antioxidant properties beneficial in metabolic, neoplastic, and cardiovascular diseases. The primary contribution of yacón lies in its ability to promote multiple health benefits, including immunoregulation, anti-inflammatory effects, and antioxidative activity. FOS are short-chain fructans composed of linear chains of fructose molecules that are not enzymatically digestible in the upper digestive tract. These compounds are naturally present in yacón, providing carbohydrates that meet basic daily energy requirements (approximately 2200 Kcal) while also offering antioxidant and prebiotic properties. In this study, the concentration of polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant potential in yacón was examined, with particular focus on how the efficiency and speed of extraction influence absorption processes. The relationship between total flavonoid content and redox activity demonstrated a close correlation, with higher flavonoid concentrations associated with increased redox activity. This highlights the significant capacity of yacón as a natural source with potential applications in the biological field, especially for anti-inflammatory, anti-glycemic, and anti-lipidemic activities. Further in vitro and in vivo assays are necessary to determine the effective applications of polyphenols extracted from natural sources, including yacón, to better understand their therapeutic potential and optimal extraction methods.