Determinación de metabolitos secundarios de la Selenicereus megalanthus, para brindarle un valor agregado

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the secondary metabolites present in the stem (cutting) and peel of the fruit of the Yellow Pitahaya plant (Selenicereus megalanthus); using a phytochemical study. The identification of secondary metabolites was carried out in two phases; in the first phase, the methodology of treatment of the stem (cutting) and peel of the fruit was carried out, proceeding with the collection, drying, grinding and conditioning of the aforementioned plant species. In the second stage, the families of secondary metabolites present in the extracts (ethereal, alcoholic and aqueous) of the stem and shell (separately) were qualitatively identified. For the statistical analysis, previous phytochemical studies were used on the pulp and seed of the yellow pitahaya and red pitahaya compared to this phytochemical study of the stem and shell of the yellow pitahaya, resulting in the presence of chemical compounds in both the pulp, seeds, stem and shell of the pitahaya in concentrations (+/++/+++). The chemical compounds found in high concentrations (+++) were: alkaloids, triterpenes and/or steroids, saponins, az. redoubts, coumarins, phenols and flavonoids. It is concluded that the secondary metabolites identified in the stem and shell have a higher concentration than those analyzed in the pulp and seeds, so a great potential for use in the pharmaceutical industry is visualized. It is prospectively recommended to carry out the characterization of the chemical components of the stem and shell, in order to establish their active ingredients and their future applications in the different industries.