Obtención, análisis y microencapsulación de extractos etanólicos de las hojas 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 extraction, analysis and microencapsulation of ethanol extracts from the leaves of Mortiño (Vaccinium floribundum Knuth), collected in the parish of Pilahuín, Tungurahua. It stands out for its comprehensive approach in the use of bioactive compounds of this plant, valued for its antioxidant and medicinal properties. The experimental quantitative study focused initially on ethanol extraction, using 96% ethyl alcohol for its efficiency in the extraction of flavonoids and other relevant secondary metabolites, followed by a meticulous qualitative and quantitative analysis of the compounds present, with special emphasis on flavonoids for their known antioxidant properties. Subsequently, the most promising ethanol extracts were microencapsulated, a technique that preserves the integrity and improves the bioavailability of the bioactive compounds. This process is essential to enhance their application in the development of new pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using recognized methods such as DPPH and ABTS, where the extracts showed significant antioxidant capacity, mainly attributed to their high content of phenols and flavonoids. The results obtained not only reaffirm the therapeutic potential of mortiño leaves, but also open new avenues for the sustainable utilization of this endemic plant. The research was based on the importance of microencapsulation techniques for the conservation and optimization of plant extracts, projecting their future application in the pharmaceutical and food industry. This study not only contributes to the scientific knowledge about mortiño leaves, but also proposes a viable alternative for the use of natural resources for medicinal and nutritional purposes, thus promoting biodiversity and sustainable development in the Tungurahua region.