Genotypes of <i>Sechium</i> spp. as a Source of Natural Products with Biological Activity
The genus <i>Sechium</i> P. Br. (Cucurbitaceae) includes ten species, two of which are edible. The inedible genotypes are in a fragile ecological niche, since they are not used by rural inhabitants. A rescue and genetic crossing program was designed to identify uses that favor their cons...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Life |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/1/15 |
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| Summary: | The genus <i>Sechium</i> P. Br. (Cucurbitaceae) includes ten species, two of which are edible. The inedible genotypes are in a fragile ecological niche, since they are not used by rural inhabitants. A rescue and genetic crossing program was designed to identify uses that favor their conservation due to their content of bioactive secondary metabolites (Sm) for health. Fruits of <i>S. compositum</i> (wild type), hybrid H-D Victor (inedible), and <i>S. edule</i> var<i>. nigrum spinosum</i> (edible) were evaluated by extraction methods such as juice and oven drying to determine the yields of Sm, with in vivo evaluations of liver damage. The dried biomass (40 °C) extracted with ethanolic and methanolic procedures showed lower Sm content than the juice (fresh biomass). More than 90% of phenolic acids and cucurbitacins in the extracts were degraded, possibly due to the drying time (oven). Biological activity showed that <i>nigrum spinosum</i> and HD-Victor have fewer toxic metabolites than <i>S. compositum</i>. The hybrid H-D Victor is of reduced cytotoxicity, showing the advantages of hybridization with wild types. Phytochemical and biological activity characterization may contribute to the conservation of genotypes and become a source of bioactive natural products. |
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| ISSN: | 2075-1729 |