Obtención, análisis y microencapsulación de extractos etanólicos del fruto de mortiño (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth) recolectados en la parroquia de Pilahuín – Tungurahua

Abstract

The main objective of this research study was to focus on the use of mortiño fruit as a therapeutic alternative for inflammatory diseases, taking advantage of its polyphenol compounds with antioxidant activity. It sought to identify the secondary metabolites of the fruit and employ microencapsulation to preserve its bioactive compounds. It was aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goal to promote healthy living and wellbeing, taking advantage of Ecuador's plant diversity. In the study, ethanol extracts and microencapsulation of mortiño fruits were evaluated using a quantitative and experimental approach. Hypotheses were established on the influence of extraction solvents and microencapsulation on the conservation of active ingredients. Variables such as phenol and flavonoid concentration were identified, and an experimental design was carried out to analyze the existing variation. Results showed that the 80%:20% (ethanol-water) extract had the highest extraction yield, and several bioactive compounds were identified in the fruit. Microencapsulation showed an efficiency of 79.527%, confirming its effectiveness in preserving the mortiño compounds. These findings suggest the potential of mortiño fruit in pharmaceutical and medicinal applications, highlighting its antioxidant capacity and its relevance as a natural resource for the benefit of public health.