Influence of in vitro gastro-duodenal digestion on the antioxidant activity of single and mixed three “Jarilla” species infusions

Abstract

Zuccagnia punctata Cav. (Zp), Larrea cuneifolia Cav. (Lc) and Larrea divaricata Cav. (Ld), are shrubs commonly called “Jarillas” and used in Argentinian local communities as medicinal plants. In this work, phytochemical profile and antioxidant activity of infusions prepared from aerial parts and mixtures in different proportions, before and after a simulated gastro-duodenal digestion was determined. The main phytochemical groups, protein, sugar and mineral content were analyzed, whereas some chemical markers were quantified by HPLC-DAD. All infusions exhibited antioxidant activity measured by different mechanisms (total reducing power and free radical scavenging). Although the antioxidant potential was lower after passing through the gastro-duodenal digestion process, in some cases an enhancement or synergism was observed. The mixture infusion prepared from 50% Lc, 25% Ld and 25% Zp showed higher antioxidant power after digestion and bioactive component recovery. These beverages could be important sources of antioxidant compounds for the prevention of chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress.