Tamizaje Fitoquímico y Determinación de la Actividad Laxante de Tallos y Semillas de Pitahaya (Hylocereus triangularis).

Abstract

The objective of this research is to carry out the Phytochemical Screening and determine the laxative activity of Pitahaya stems and seeds (Hylocereus triangularis), in the Pharmacology laboratory and in the Bioterio of the Faculty of Sciences, of the Polytechnic Superior School of Chimborazo; trying to remedy a very common public health problem such as constipation. The first step was to collect the plant material, identify it taxonomically, disinfect it and dry it in the case of seeds, and use the fresh stem for the preparation of extracts. The following metabolites were identified in the seeds: alkaloids, coumarins, fatty compounds, catechins, saponins, free amino acids or amines, reducing sugars, mucilages, in the stems the above was found except for saponins. Laxative activity was determined using different extracts (alcoholic, hydroalcoholic, aqueous) prepared from seeds and stems; to later administer them to experimental animals (Wistar rats), observing good results with the aqueous extracts. The extract prepared from seeds has the desired pharmacological effect; the stem extract gave good results, but altered the coloration of the stool and when combining the two extracts an antagonistic effect occurs. In conclusion, the laxative activity of pitahaya stems and seeds was verified and the use of seeds is recommended for the preparation of a phytomedicine.