Sechium Edule Research Articles

More than the usual suspect: diversity of pollinators of chayote (Sechium edule) at high elevations in Chiapas, Mexico

Crops that offer multiple types of value, for example, in terms of economy, culture, and health, frequently lack information on the basic ecological interactions that play a significant role in their persistence. Chayote (Sechium edule, Cucurbitaceae), a widespread squash valued for its nutritious fruit, is one example. We aimed at describing the assemblage of flower visitors to this crop at 2400 m where stingless bees, reported as the main pollinators, are naturally absent. We implemented flower exclusions, performed field observations, and inspection of pollen loads of captured visitors to be able to draw distinctions between primary and secondary pollinators. We recorded a total of 60 species or morphospecies of insects visiting the flowers. Bees, wasps, and flies, present in all sites and consistently carrying abundant pollen, are the main pollinators of S. edule at high altitudes. Our study adds to the building evidence of the fundamental role that native bees and wasps play as crop pollinators in subsistence farming. Basic ecological knowledge is essential to inform agricultural management policies and to foresee preventable food scarcity problems, especially in view of climate change scenarios that predict drastic alterations in plant geographical distributions.

Distribution update, male genitalia, natural history, and conservation of the stump-tailed porcupine Coendou rufescens in South America

Abstract The stump-tailed porcupine, Coendou rufescens, is a widely distributed but scarcely documented species inhabiting the Andean region of Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and an isolated population in Bolivia. Despite the wide distribution different aspects on its biology and ecology are still unknown. We present an update to the distribution of C. rufescens, and recent observations on the anatomy, natural history, and conservation in Colombia. For this, we described the male genitalia and present data on reproductive periods, plants used and consumed, and threats. The distribution of C. rufescens comprises 12 ecoregions in an area of 376,225 km2 for the northern group (Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru) and 393 km2 for the southern group (Bolivia). The highest elevational record is in Ecuador (4387 m), being the porcupine inhabiting at highest elevations. The anatomy of the glans is similar to that observed in Coendou quichua and constitutes the second species of Coendou with available information on glans morphology. C. rufescens consumes fruits and leaves of potato cider (Sechium edule: Cucurbitaceae) and woody shrub (Bejaria: Ericacea), and usually perches even in exotic species such as pines. Finally, common treats for the species in Colombia are related to hunting pressures, predation by domestic dogs, and roadkills.

GENETIC VARIABILITY IN Sechium spp. (Cucurbitaceae) EVALUATED WITH AFLP MARKERS

There are few studies in Mexico aimed at evaluating the genetic variability of Sechium spp. Despite certain biological variants are reported with very high potential to develop antineoplastic supplements to treat public health conditions. Using the Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) technique, the genetic variability of a sample of 95 accessions of three species of Sechium (S. edule, S. chinantlense, S. compositum) was evaluated, with leaf DNA from the Banco Nacional de Germoplasma de Sechium edule en Mexico. Four combinations of AFPL were applied (EcoRI + ACC/MseI + CAC, EcoRI + ACC/MseI + CAT, EcoRI + ACC/MseI + CGC, and EcoRI + ACC/MseI + CGG). DNA samples were classified into three groups based on the flavour of the fruit (sweet, neutral, bitter). An average of 47.91% polymorphism, 0.16 heterozygosity, 32.83 number of polymorphic bands, and a zero Wright fixation index (Fst) was obtained. The evidence showed that the domesticated accessions (sweet, neutral) were separated from the bitter-taste genotypes. A monophyletic tree was generated with the genetic distance matrix and the neighbour-joining methodology. Analyses showed S. edule as the root taxon, deriving S. compositum and S. chinantlense as subgroups, and suggesting that there is not enough differentiation to treat them as separate species. The evaluated sample showed that there is no apparent reproductive barrier for genetic cross breeding. Genotypes behaved as a complex with evolutive dynamism; that genetic complexity would allow the design of new variants.

Impact of Encapsulation Wall Materials and Drying Method on Physicochemical Properties and Digestibility of Encapsulated Chayote (<em>Sechium edule</em> (Jacq.) Swartz) and Kohlrabi (<em>Brassica oleracea var gongylodes</em> L.) Extracts

Chayote (Sechium edule (Jacq.) Swartz) and kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var gongylodes L.) are medicinal plants widely distributed in Thailand. Several traditional medicines usually contain these extracts due to their pharmaceutical activities. However, appropriate technologies that are used for protection, stabilization, and slow release of plant extracts are a lot desired in terms of food application. In this study, chayote and kohlrabi extracts were encapsulated by several kinds of wall materials (maltodextrin, and the combination of maltodextrin and gum arabic or alginate) and drying methods (freeze-drying and tray-drying techniques). Thus, the objective of this research was to determine morphological and physicochemical properties, wall materials releasing, and antioxidant activity of encapsulated chayote and kohlrabi extracts powder. The morphology of all encapsulated chayote and kohlrabi extracts powder showed irregular spherical shape, monodispersity, and smooth surface. The encapsulated chayote and kohlrabi extracts powder with tray-drying technique tend to have more darkness and redness in color than the freeze-drying technique. Wall material releasing was expressed in glucose liberation of encapsulated extracts powder after amylolytic enzyme digestion. Encapsulation using maltodextrin as wall material provided higher wall material releasing than the other samples. After digestion analysis, the digested residues were examined for antioxidant activity. The results showed that the combination of maltodextrin and alginate for both freeze-drying and tray-drying techniques provided higher antioxidant activity after 60 and 120 min of digestion. Thus, the combination of maltodextrin and alginate, and drying with the freeze-drying technique was the best treatment in this experiment. This data can lead to a better understanding of wall materials types and releasing characteristics, which are used to control bioactive compounds liberation in the gastrointestinal tract.

The effect of chayote leaves (Sechium edule)’s flavonoid fraction on the reduction of the serum uric acid levels through the inhibition of xanthine oxidase activity

Uric acid is the final product of purine metabolism and is categorized as hyperuricemia when it reaches >6.0 mg.dL-1 for women and >7.0 mg.dL-1 for men. The chayote leaves (Sechium edule) contain a high amount of flavonoid and might be used as an alternative to reduce hyperuricemia. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of chayote leaves (Sechium edule)’s flavonoid fraction on the level of uric acid and the activity of xanthine oxidase (XO) in Sprague Dawley Rats. The flavonoid fraction (FF) was obtained by extracting the chayote leaves, fractionating with n-hexane, hydrolyzing with HCl, and finally re-fractionating with ethyl acetate. Thirty male Sprague Dawley rats were induced for hyperuricemia by potassium oxonate and broth block for 21 days, and the interventions were given orally for 14 days. The rats were divided randomly into five groups: normal control (K-), hyperuricemia control (K+), hyperuricemia with FF dose 50 mg.200g-1 body weight (P1), hyperuricemia with FF dose 100 mg.200g-1 body weight (P2) and hyperuricemia with allopurinol 1.8 mg.200g-1 body weight. Xanthine oxidase activity was measured by CheKineTM Xanthine Oxidase Assay Kit, with simple colorimetry methods. The statistical analysis for XO activity was done using Kruskal-Wallis followed by Mann Whitney. The results showed that chayote leaves (Sechium edule)’s flavonoid fraction contains apigenin, apigenin o-glucoside, and luteolin. It also has antioxidant activity with 98.45% inhibition. There was a significant reduction in xanthine oxidase activity in groups treated with FF (p <0.005). The best dose of FF affecting XO activity was 100 mg.200g-1 body weight. The combination of FF and allopurinol can be more effective in decreasing uric acid levels by inhibiting XO activity.

Origin, Evolution, Breeding, and Omics of Chayote, an Important Cucurbitaceae Vegetable Crop.

Chayote (Sechium edule), a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, is cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world and utilized in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries because it is an excellent source of minerals, dietary fibers, protein, vitamins, carotenoids, polysaccharides, phenolic and flavonoid compounds, and other nutrients. Chayote extracts process various medicinal properties, such as anti-cardiovascular, antidiabetic, antiobesity, antiulcer, and anticancer properties. With the rapid advancements of molecular biology and sequencing technology, studies on chayote have been carried out. Research advances, including molecular makers, breeding, genomic research, chemical composition, and pests and diseases, regarding chayote are reviewed in this paper. Future exploration and application trends are briefly described. This review provides a reference for basic and applied research on chayote, an important Cucurbitaceae vegetable crop.

Flavonoid fraction from chayote (Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw) leaves reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in hyperuricemic rats

PurposeThis paper aims to study the effect of the flavonoid fraction of chayote (Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw) leaves (FFCL) on uric acid (UA) levels, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in hyperuricemia rats.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 30 Sprague–Dawley rats were divided randomly into 5 groups. A healthy control group was established. Hyperuricemia was induced by the administration of block broth and potassium oxonate for three weeks. FFCL at dosages of 50 and 100 mg/200 g BW/d or allopurinol at a dosage of 1.8 mg/200 g BW/d was given orally for 2 weeks. Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate differences among groups before and after the intervention.FindingsTreatment with two different doses FFCL (50 and 100 mg/200 g BW/d) and one dose of allopurinol (1.8 mg/200 g BW/d) for 2 weeks significantly reduced UA from 8.04 ± 0.23 to 3.88 ± 0.10; 8.03 ± 0.18 to 2.87 ± 0.10; 8.23 ± 0.21 to 2.53 ± 0.19 (p < 0.05), respectively. The oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde levels were reduced (p = 0.001) from 9.68 ± 0.28 to 4.06 ± 0.58; 10.01 ± 0.23 to 2.12 ± 0.09; 9.88 ± 0.21 to 2.02 ± 0.17 (p = 0.001). The inflammatory marker tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were also reduced from 26.43 ± 0.87 to 12.20 ± 0.32; 27.38 ± 0.53 to 9.60 ± 0.53; 27.55 ± 0.68 to 8.83 ± 0.21 with p = 0.001. The 100 mg/200 g BW/d FFCL decreased UA levels, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers more extensively compared to 50 mg/200 g BW/d FFCL.Research limitations/implicationsThis study includes some limitations that may affect the generalizability of its findings. First, the flavonoid levels of FFCL were not measured. Second, other oxidative stress biomarkers (e.g. superoxide dismutase) and inflammatory biomarkers (e.g. IL-6) were not investigated. Finally, the experiments were conducted on the model animals over a relatively short period of time. Further research is needed to evaluate the effect in humans at chronic use.Practical implicationsChayote (Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw) leaves are rich in flavonoids, especially apigenin and luteolin, which can improve oxidative stress and inflammation conditions caused by hyperuricemia.Social implicationsHyperuricemia is a risk factor for non-communicable diseases, mostly caused by oxidative stress and inflammation in the body due to high levels of UA, one of the treatment strategies is through diet modification.Originality/valueThe results of this investigation imply that the administration of the flavonoid fraction of chayote leaves has significant effects on UA and oxidative stress and inflammatory markers. Further research is necessary to confirm the results.

Influence of Sechium edule starch on the physical and chemical properties of multicomponent microcapsules obtained by spray-drying

This research aimed to evaluate the S. edule fruit starch (SS) in combination with whey protein concentrate (WPC) and gum arabic (GA) as wall material for the encapsulation of cinnamon oleoresin by spray-drying. The morphology of SS granules was characterized using SEM, X-ray diffraction pattern, and FTIR spectrum. Dispersions of wall material were prepared using 20 % total solids, and oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions were prepared at a 6:1 ratio (wall material: cinnamon oleoresin) to obtain microcapsules by spray-drying. SEM micrographs showed that SS granules are oval-shaped and X-ray diffraction determined SS shows a C-type crystallinity pattern. FTIR spectrum showed characteristic bands similar to the starch used as wall materials. SEM images of cinnamon oleoresin microcapsules obtained by spray-drying showed that microcapsules were spherical. The combination of SS with GA and WPC reduces the flow and rehydration properties of microcapsules. Ternary combinations showed more synergy in phenolic compound retention and significantly different (p < 0.01) encapsulation efficiency. In conclusion, the physical and chemical properties of microcapsules proved that SS in a ternary combination with the wall materials studied provides greater protection against active lipid agents.

EFEKTIVITAS FRAKSI AKTIF EKSTRAK ETANOL LABU SIAM (Sechium edule (Jack) Sw) SEBAGAI ANTIHIPERTENSI PADA TIKUS HIPERTENSI YANG DIINDUKSI MONOSODIUM GLUTAMAT

ABSTRACT&#x0D; Previous studies accomplished that the chayote ethanol extract (Sechium edule (Jack) Sw) had an&#x0D; antihypertensive effect. To get and identify the active compound, we fractionated the extract and&#x0D; evaluated its antihypertensive activity. This study aims to investigate the antihypertensive effect of&#x0D; the n-hexane fraction (HF-CEE) and ethyl acetate fraction of chayote ethanol extract (EAF-CEE)&#x0D; in monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced hypertensive rats. We made the chayote extract using the&#x0D; maceration method by soaking the chayote simplicia in ethanol 70%. HF-CEE and EAF-CEE were&#x0D; obtained by stratified fractionation using n-hexane and ethyl acetate. An antihypertensive effect of&#x0D; the fraction measured on MSG-induced hypertension male Wistar rats after MSG 100 mg/kg&#x0D; BW/day (p.o) treatment for 14 days. The study concluded that HF-CEE and EAF-CEE had an&#x0D; antihypertensive effect in MSG-induced hypertensive rats. The EAF-CEE antihypertensive effect is&#x0D; higher than HF-CEE. Therefore, the FEAF-CEE active compounds need to be isolated, identified,&#x0D; developed, and their potential as an antihypertensive candidate.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Antihypertensive, chayote, ethyl-acetate fraction, Sechium edule, monosodium&#x0D; glutamate

Determination of nutritional constituents, antioxidant properties, and α-amylase inhibitory activity of Sechium edule (chayote) shoot from different extraction solvents and cooking methods

Sechium edule shoot (chayote shoot, CS) is widely grown in Cameroon Highlands, Malaysia. However, its consumption is limited to the locals. Many studies on chayote fruits are available, whereas little is known about the shoot. Therefore, CS was analysed for its nutritional constituents using the Association of Official Analytical Chemists methods. Hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water were used to study the effect of solvents on phytochemicals extraction. The effect of stir-frying, microwaving, steaming, and blanching on bioactive compounds retention was also investigated. Data revealed CS to be a source of calcium and iron. Water extract had the highest extraction yield and total phenolic content (TPC) while methanol extract had the highest total flavonoid content (TFC) and β-carotene content (BCC). Meanwhile, hexane extract demonstrated the best antioxidant performance. The highest α-amylase inhibitory activity was observed in methanol and ethyl acetate extracts, at 0.62 mg/mL and 2.50 mg/mL, respectively. The cooked CS had significantly higher TFC compared to the raw CS. A significant increase in BCC was observed in microwaved, steamed, and blanched CS. Overall, methanol and steaming were identified as the best extraction solvent and cooking method, respectively, because of their considerable extraction efficiency and retention of bioactive compounds.

Phylogenetic relationships among Mexican species of the genus Sechium (Cucurbitaceae)

The genus Sechium includes 11 species, which are highly related to the genus Sicyos. Sechium is native to Mesoamerica, but only S. edule and S. tacaco have been domesticated. Sechium edule is the most exploited species of the genus due to its broad phenotypic variability. A total of 68 samples from the species S. chinantlense, S. compositum, S.hintonii and S.edule were evaluated, as well as their respective varietal complexes (albus, nigrum and virens groups), thereby amplifying the loci of mitochondrial DNA (CoxIII), chloroplast DNA (rbcL) and the nuclear ribosomal ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region. This was done with the aim of establishing phylogenetic relationships that help to understand evolutionary processes, which, in turn, will contribute to the taxonomy of the Mexican clade of Sechium and its exploitation in breeding. Phylogenetic trees obtained from Bayesian inference and the maximum parsimony show that S. chinantlense, S. compositum, and S. edule form a cluster with a high phylogenetic kinship. Sechium chinantlense and S. compositum could possibly be populations or varieties derived from S. edule.

Diversify the processing of chayote (Sechium edule) into dodol to increase its added value

Chayote (Sechium edule) or often called jipang or labu siam in Indonesian, is generally consumed by the public as a vegetable. If the harvest is abundant, the chayote’s price will be low; thus, many of the chayotes are left alone or thrown away or become livestock feed. The chayote processing into “dodol” is an alternative to overcome the abundance of chayote during the harvest season so that the chayote farmers still have a decent income from their chayote farming. This research was conducted in Bernung Village, Gedong Tataan District, Pesawaran Regency, Lampung Province, from October to December 2018. The parameters observed were the content of water, ash, crude fiber, fat, protein, carbohydrate, vitamin C, energy levels, consumer preference (color, flavor, taste, and stickiness), and economic analysis of the chayote dodol. The results of this research showed that the chayote dodol contained complete nutritional content, i.e., water (20.07%), ash (1.26%), crude fiber (1.18%), fat (3.09%), protein (2.15%), carbohydrate (72.24%), vitamin C (0.46 mg/g), and energy (701.03 cal/g). Moreover, consumer acceptance for the color, flavor, taste, and stickiness were excellent, with an average score of > 4 (very like) and very feasible to develop into commercial, with an R/C ratio of 1.95.

Synthesis of Cu2O NPs using bioanalytes present in Sechium edule: Mechanistic insights and application in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction to formate

Efficient electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to value-added chemicals is a promising and challenging task as well. In fact, synthesis of low-cost electrocatalysts in an environmentally benign process is the need of the hour. Bioactive compounds including polyphenols, reducing sugars, and ascorbic acid (AA) present in different plant organs are proven competent in reducing metal ions to their lower or zero oxidation states. The present study focuses on the synthesis of Cu2O NPs using the bioactive compounds present in Sechium edule fruit. The mechanistic pathways for the understanding of the formation of the face-centred cubic Cu2O NPs (37.5−42 nm) and metal-organic (intermediates) ligand leading to the development of its stabilizing cap are investigated in details. Cu2O NPs were decorated on the Toray carbon paper electrode. The modified electrodes could decrease the charge transfer resistance by 50 folds and catalyze the electrocatalytic CO2 reduction to HCOO‾, a sole liquid product in 0.5 M KHCO3 electrolyte with a faradaic efficiency of 65.3–66.6 % within 60 min as the existence of predominant Cu2O (111) NPs could be responsible for selective formation of formate. Nevertheless, Cu2O underwent oxidation to CuO after 100 voltammetric cycles which was resulted in declining CO2 reduction reaction rate. The stability of Cu2O NPs and its delamination from the electrode surface was also studied in this work.

Postharvest storage of three chayote (Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw.) varieties

The consumer demand for chayote (Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw.) fruits has increased in recent years, virens levis being the most important variety, although other chayote varieties are gaining importance such as nigrum xalapensis and n. spinosum. However, the postharvest behavior of these varieties is different, so it is important to evaluate the factors that limit the shelf life of each variety. Therefore, in this study, fruits of each variety from the Mexican National Germplasm Bank of Sechium edule were used. The following fruit quality variables were evaluated: weight loss, humidity (%), color, chlorophyll, titratable acidity, total soluble solids (TSS), total sugars, and stomatal characteristics. In addition, the storage potential of each variety was evaluated for two weeks at different temperatures, 7°, 13° (85% RH) and 24 °C (60% RH), with the application of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP). The variables evaluated were viviparism, disease severity, weight loss, dehydration and chilling injury (CI). The fruits of n. xalapensis and n. spinosum have a higher content of chlorophylls and carotenoids, but similar contents of TSS, acidity and total sugars than v. levis fruits. The use of 1-MCP reduced viviparism in all varieties, and the severity of blisters was higher in v. levis. The fruits of the three varieties presented severe CI when stored at 7 °C but the most susceptible to dehydration and diseases severity is n. spinosum.

Evaluation of Proximate and Mineral Composition of Biscuit Formulated Using Chayote (Sechium edule) and Mung Bean (Vigna radiata) Flours

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the quality of biscuits formulated using chayote and mung bean flours to be used as health food products. METHODS: The thermogravimetric method was used to analyses proximate evaluation for moisture content, the dry ashing method was used to analyses ash content, and the Soxhlet method was used to analyses fat content. Crude protein was measured using the spectrophotometric method, while mineral content was measured using the atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. RESULTS: Proximate analysis obtained the highest water content value in F3 (5.298%) and the lowest in F5 (2.118%). The highest value of ash content was in F1 (2.87%) and the lowest was in F5 (1.42%). The highest value of carbohydrate content was in F5 (59.88%) and the lowest was in F2 (53.68). The highest value of fat content was in F1 (32.64%), and the lowest was in F5 (24.33%). The highest amount of protein content was in F5 (12.25%) and the lowest was in F1 (5.65%). Mineral analysis obtained the highest value of potassium content in F5 (429.12%) and the lowest in F1 (142.22%). The highest value of calcium levels was in F5 (69%) and the lowest was in F2 (26.8%). The highest amount of sodium levels was in F5 (417.39%). The highest iron content value was in F5 (14.06). CONCLUSIONS: The quality of the biscuit products made from chayote flour, green bean flour, and both formulations are in the good category with indicators that are acceptable for human consumption because they have high macronutrients and minerals.

Partial characterization of novel inulin‐like prebiotic fructooligosaccharides of Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw. (Cucurbitaceae) tuberous roots

The fruits and aerial parts of Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw. (Cucurbitaceae) are a popular cook vegetable being used in different parts of the world with ethnomedicinal and pharmacological values. However, the beneficial health attributes of the tuberous roots have been less exploited. The present study aimed to determine the prebiotic potentiality of the storage carbohydrates from this part. The carbohydrate fractions were harvested by hot-water, cold-water, hot-acid, hot-alkali, and hot 80% ethanol treatments following the standard protocol. The fractions were tested for in vitro prebiotic efficacy, hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant potentials, and in vivo health attributes in Swiss albino mice. The partial characterization was performed by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and spectroscopic analyses by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The highest prebiotic index was observed in hot-water and ethanol (Et-OH) fractions with the antioxidant IC50 values of 35.46±0.33 and 32.56±0.48µg/ml, respectively. The HPTLC, FT-IR, and ESI-MS analyses showed that the hot-water and Et-OH carbohydrate fractions are rich in low-degree polymerizing inulin-like fructooligosaccharides (FOS). The fractions had a significant prebiotic index, hypocholesterolemic, and antioxidant activities. The synbiotic combination of the fractions with the probiotic LAB improved gut colonization and gut immune enhancement with significantly lowered triglycerides, serum LDL, and serum VLDL cholesterols. A significantly enhanced HDL cholesterol level proves its health beneficial attributes comparable to the commercial inulin prebiotics. Thus, this plant's novel inulin-like FOS may substitute the high-cost commercial prebiotics for our daily life. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Prebiotics are low-degree polymerizing oligosaccharide food ingredients having multifaceted health benefits. For this reason, there is an ever-increasing global demand for such novel prebiotics. Therefore, finding out some novel prebiotic from conventional food sources may provide an alternative dietary source to fulfill the consumer demand. Sechium edule is a famous cook vegetable used by many ethnic communities across the globe. For the first time, the study revealed novel inulin-like fructooligosaccharides in the tuberous roots having hypocholesterolemic and synbiotic efficacy with GRAS lactic acid bacteria.

Effect of Administration of CHAGURO Made of Chayote (Sechium edule) and Tuna (Thunnus sp.) on Rats Induced with Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide and a High-Fat Diet

This study was conducted to develop Chaguro, a low-cost supplementary food made of chayote (Sechium edule (Jacq.) Swartz) and tuna fish (Thunnus sp.), for diabetes and dyslipidemia diet therapy. In order to find a formula with effective hypoglycaemic and antidyslipidemic properties, dried tuna and chayote were mixed at different ratios: F1 (75% tuna, 25% chayote), F2 (50% tuna, 50% chayote), and F3 (25% tuna, 75% chayote). Thirty male Sprague Dawley rats were assigned into healthy control group or groups induced with streptozotocin-nicotinamide and a high-fat diet. Chaguro was administered 2.7 g/ kgBW/ day using a gavage for 28 days. The administration of all Chaguro formulas improved blood markers compared to the negative control group (p &lt; 0.001). Chaguro F2 lowered fasting blood glucose (97.07±1.18 vs 266.31±5.31), total cholesterol (113.59±2.22 vs 208.78±4.31), triglycerides (89.93±2.51 vs 142.35±2.83), LDL-c (33.87±1.87 vs 87.85±3.34) and increased HDL-c (69,08±1,85 vs 23,91±1,64) level the most compared to the negative control group (p &lt; 0.001). Streptozotocin-induced weight loss was also prevented in all diabetic rats fed with Chaguro, with the bodyweight being similar to that of healthy controls at the end of the intervention (p &lt; 0.001). This study found that Chaguro may be a potential food product to help lower blood glucose and improve lipid profile in diabetes and dyslipidemia.

An Analysis of Uric Acid Level Differencebefore and After Chayote Biscuit Treatment (Sechium Module) on Rats (Rattus Norvegicus)

Chayote (Sechium module) is a type of vegetable that can be used for various types of food. It is not native to Indonesia but comes from Thailand. It has a fairly complete nutritional content and is also low in purine content. Besides it can be processed as a vegetable, it can also be processed as biscuits. The results of the laboratory test analysis of the content: uric acid level on rats average before intervention (3.84 mg/dL), and mean uric acid level in the day the 8 of intervention (3.26 mg / dL). Differences in treatment levels: before and after the 8th day (p-value = 0.110). This research was conducted at the Laboratory of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Tadulako. This type of research is a laboratory experimental research using paired t-test statistical tests based on the analysis of uric acid levels in rats (Rattus norvegicus) in 2 interventions (treatments). It is expected that the public will make more use of the chayote (Sechium edule) because there are many nutritional contents in chayote which are very beneficial for the health of the body, especially for gout sufferers.

Phenolic Acid and Flavonoid Patterns in Twelve Sechium edule Varieties

Phenolic Acid and Flavonoid Patterns in Twelve Sechium edule Varieties

Antioxidant Activity Test of Chayote (Sechium edule (Jacq.) Swartz) Ethanol Extract using DPPH Method

The chayote (Sechium edule (Jacq.) Swartz) is thought to have excellent antioxidant activity. Fresh chayote has been used empirically by the public as an antihypertensive and to reduce cholesterol levels. This is because chayote contains several vitamins including vitamin A, B, C, and several secondary metabolites. The antioxidant activity found in chayote can prevent the oxidation of a molecule thus stopping the free radical chain reaction and maintaining the working system in the body. This study aims to determine what secondary metabolites are contained in the ethanol extract of chayote and to determine their antioxidant activity. The chayote used is young and old. The research stages were extraction by maceration method, phytochemical screening, determination of functional groups using the FT-IR method, and testing for antioxidant activity using the DPPH method (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl). The results of the phytochemical screening of the chayote’s ethanol extract contained chemical compounds of the alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and glycosides. The FT-IR results of the chayote extract showed the presence of functional groups O-H, C-H, C-N, C = C, C≡C, and C-O. The results of the examination of antioxidant activity using the DPPH method for the ethanol extract of young and old chayote fruit obtained IC50 values of 1281.1 and 847.5 µg/ml.