1. Chayote (Sechium edule): A review of nutritional composition, bioactivities and potential applications.
- Author
-
Vieira, Elsa F., Pinho, Olívia, Ferreira, Isabel M.P.L.V.O., and Delerue-Matos, Cristina
- Subjects
- *
CHAYOTE , *POLYPHENOLS , *BIOACTIVE compounds , *PHYTOCHEMICALS , *NUTRITION - Abstract
Highlights • Chayote possess several bioactive compounds known for their health-benefits. • Chayote possess several polyphenols compounds, vitamins and carotenoids. • The extraction of bioactive compounds from chayote is an important challenge. • In vitro and in vivo studies are vital in addressing chayote bioactivities. • Potential uses of chayote in food and non-food product development are suggested. Abstract Chayote (Sechium edule) has gained widespread consuming acceptance and recognized by its nutritional and bio-functional properties. The present review surveys and describes the current findings about the nutritional, phytochemical and pharmacological properties of chayote and identifies opportunities for further research. It also discusses chayote's versatile utility in nutrition, as a functional ingredient in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, as well as in nanotechnology and biotechnological processes. It was concluded that although the pharmacological properties of chayote are currently well-established, only a few reports have been conducted on the isolation and identification of individual chemical constituents, and similarly, only a few in vivo studies have been conducted to assess their biological efficacy. In addition, the valorisation of the underutilized chayote by-products can be an important aspect in waste management from both economic and environmental standpoints. Thus, the recovery and utilization of valuable compounds from chayote is an important challenge for scientists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF