Evaluación de la actividad antinflamatoria de los compuestos bioactivos del tomate (Solanum betaceum), liberados durante la simulación de la digestión gastroduodenal in vitro

Abstract

In Ecuador, tree tomato plantations are found throughout the provinces of Cotopaxi, Pichincha, Imbabura, Carchi, Azuay, Bolívar, Loja and, mainly, Tungurahua. Mostly, the consumption of this fruit is internal, being recognized for the great content of beneficial bioactive compounds for diet and health of the Ecuadorian population. This research project aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity of tree tomato (solanum betaceum) pulp and its digestates, using the in vitro gastrointestinal simulation technique. The method described by Minekus et al was used, with certain modifications. 62.63 grams of tree tomato produced in the canton of Patate were used. From these, the pulp was extracted, separating the shell and seeds to later carry out lyophilization, pulverization and in vitro gastrointestinal simulation. The reagents, materials and equipment were provided through the economic fund of the research project, and the economic fund of the master's degree. The process was carried out in the facilities of the Universidad Técnica de Ambato and in the Universidad Estatal de Guaranda, located in Bolívar province. Regarding the results obtained, it is mentioned that simulated gastrointestinal digestion favors the release of bioactive compounds; during the gastric phase, phytochemicals with good antioxidant activity are found, while in the duodenal phase, compounds with anti-inflammatory activity are evident. Hydrolyzates from tree tomato pulp could be used as functional ingredients in the food industry. The results help to promote the consumption of this highly valued fruit in first world markets. It is recommended to carry out a study taking into account other components of the tree tomato such as peel and seeds, which will allow comparison with the results obtained in this investigation.