Evaluación del potencial nutracéutico de SESUVIUM PORTULACASTRUM obtenida de la Playa Varadero como aporte a la desnutrición crónica infantil

Abstract

Chronic malnutrition in children is a pathological condition caused by an inadequate intake of food with inadequate nutrients that has devastating effects on both the physical and cognitive growth of children, directly impacting their quality of life. The halophyte plant Sesuvium portulacastrum, due to its high content of secondary metabolites and nutrients, is positioned as a source of functional foods and nutraceuticals. For this reason, the nutraceutical potential of Sesuvium portulacastrum leaves obtained from three different points of Varadero Beach was explored as a contribution to chronic child malnutrition. For this, the concentration of macronutrients and micronutrients was identified by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Secondary metabolites were determined through phytochemical screening. In addition, a halophyte hydroponic culture system was designed to meet the optimal conditions for the cultivation of Sesuvium portulacastrum at the Maria Auxiliadora campus of the Salesian Polytechnic University. The results showed high contents of micronutrients (Cu, Fe, Cr and Zn) and macronutrients (Na, K, Mg, and Ca). The presence of secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins and terpenoids was determined. It was concluded that an ideal hydroponic culture for the growth of halophyte plants is the horizontal type, with a substrate made of coconut tow, sea sand and peat, with a perennial contact with salt water containing Steiner's nutrient solution and constant oxygenation. All the content of secondary metabolites and nutrients suggest that this halophyte plant can be positioned as a nutraceutical food that contributes significantly to improve the health and well-being of children affected with chronic malnutrition thanks to its bioactive properties.