Evaluación de la actividad antioxidante de los concentrados proteicos de la pepa de zambo (Cucurbita ficifolia B.) tras la simulación de la digestión gastroduodenal in vitro

Abstract

Plant proteins represent a significant source of nutrition in the human diet, especially when obtained from residues, such as the seeds of Cucurbita ficifolia B. (zambo). These seeds, which are not only abundant and accessible but also affordable, still lack extensive research on their bioactive properties. This lack of scientific studies on the potential of the zambo seed motivates the implementation of this project, which responds to the growing global need to ensure food security and sovereignty. In this sense, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the protein concentrates previously extracted from the club seed, which were preserved at minus 80 degrees Celsius. Subsequently, an in vitro gastroduodenal simulation was carried out at three different pH values (1.2, 3.2 and 3.5), in order to study the effect of these conditions on the release of peptides with antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, the degree of hydrolysis of the gastric and intestinal digests of the concentrates was qualitatively evaluated by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, with complete hydrolysis observed at the end of the duodenal simulation. The measurement of antioxidant activity, using the ABTS method, showed that the treatment at pH 3.2 presented the highest antioxidant activity, reaching a value of 275.57 plus-minus 2.26 micro mole of Trolox per gram, which significantly exceeds the antioxidant activity. of commonly consumed fruits, such as tree tomatoes and pears.