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

Autor(es)

Caetano, Brunno F. R. ; de Moura, Nelci A. ; Almeida, Ana P. S. ; Dias, Marcos C. ; Sivieri, Katia ; Barbisan, Luis F.

• Tipo de documento: Artigo de Revisão
• Fonte: NUTRIENTS; v. 8, n. 7 JUL 2016.
• Citações Web of Science: 17

Resumo

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. (AU)

• Processo FAPESP: 11/01126-2 - Yacon (Polymnia sonchifolia) e carcinogênese de cólon em ratos: efeitos sobre a incidência e subtipos de focos de criptas aberrantes e tumores beta-catenina positivos
• Beneficiário: Brunno Felipe Ramos Caetano
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Iniciação Científica
• Processo FAPESP: 09/12239-2 - Efeitos da ingestão de yacon (Polymnia sonchifolia) sobre o processo de carcinogênese de cólon induzido pela 1,2-dimetilhidrazina em ratos wistar
• Beneficiário: Nelci Antunes de Moura
• Modalidade de apoio: Bolsas no Brasil - Mestrado