High-amylose starch forms complexes with bioactive compounds present in the Amphipterygium adstringent ethanol...

Area of Science:

• Pharmacognosy
• Natural Product Chemistry
• Food Science

Background:

• Plants have historically served as a source of therapeutic compounds.
• Bioactive compound bioaccessibility is crucial for therapeutic efficacy.
• Starch macromolecules like amylose can interact with bioactive compounds, forming complexes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the bioactive compounds within a complex formed by Amphipterygium adstringens (cuachalalate) extract and high-amylose starch.
• To investigate the protective effects of starch complexation on plant-derived bioactive compounds.

Main Methods:

• Ultra-high-resolution liquid chromatography was employed to analyze both the Amphipterygium adstringens extract and the starch-bioactive compound complex.
• Characterization of bioactive compound profiles before and after complexation.

Main Results:

• The Amphipterygium adstringens extract contained compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and anti-tumoral properties.
• Complexation with high-amylose starch resulted in a reduction of some compounds, with others remaining uncomplexed.
• The study demonstrated the potential for starch to protect orally ingested bioactive compounds.

Conclusions:

• Complexation with amylose offers a method for protecting bioactive compounds from medicinal plant extracts.
• This approach may enhance the stability and delivery of therapeutic agents derived from natural sources.
• Further research can explore optimizing complexation for improved bioaccessibility and therapeutic outcomes.