Effect of the consumption of yacon flour and energy-restricted diet on glycation markers, and association between these markers and factors linked to obesity in adults with excess body weight: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Effects of Smallanthus sonchifolius Flour on Metabolic Parameters: A Systematic Review

Smallanthus sonchifolius, popularly known as yacon, is a member of the Asteraceae family. Due to its medicinal and edible value, yacon is consumed by different populations. Yacon is unique due to its high fructo-oligosaccharide and inulin content, as well as flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, and phenolic acids. Roots can be used to produce flour, which is less perishable and can be applied in various industrial products. This systematic review focuses on the effects of yacon flour on metabolic parameters. PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were consulted, and PRISMA guidelines were followed in the selection of the studies. In total, 526 articles were found in the databases, and of these, only 28 full texts were eligible for inclusion. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, seven studies were finally included. The results showed that the use of yacon flour can reduce glycemia, HbA1c, advanced glycation ends, plasma lipids, body fat mass, body weight, and waist circumference and improve intestinal microbiota and the antioxidant status. Further exploration of the effects of yacon flour is warranted, and additional clinical trials are necessary to determine the optimal daily consumption levels required to assist in improving metabolic parameters.

Daily Intake of Smallanthus sonchifolius (Yacon) Roots Reduces the Progression of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver in Rats Fed a High Fructose Diet

High-fructose diet is associated with an increased risk of dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) through chronic inflammation. The present study aimed to elucidate the potential benefit of daily consumption of Smallanthus sonchifolius (yacon) roots, rich in fructooligosaccharides (FOS), on the progression to liver fibrosis, in a rat model of NAFLD induced by a high-fructose diet. Male Wistar rats were fed a standard diet (CD, n = 6) or a standard diet plus 10% fructose solution (FD; n = 18). After 20 weeks, FD rats were randomly separated into the following groups (n = 6, each): FD; FD treated with yacon flour (340 mg FOS/body weight; FD + Y) and FD treated with fenofibrate (30 mg/kg body weight; FD + F), for 16 weeks. Daily intake of yacon flour significantly reduced body weight gain, plasma lipid levels, transaminase activities, and improved systemic insulin response in FD rats. In the liver, yacon treatment decreased fructose-induced steatosis and inflammation, and reduced total collagen deposition (64%). Also, yacon decreased TGF-β1 mRNA expression (78%), followed by decreased nuclear localization of p-Smad2/3 in liver tissue. Yacon significantly reduced the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Col1α1, and Col3α1 mRNAs (85, 44, and 47%, respectively), inhibiting the activation of resident hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). These results suggested that yacon roots have the potential to ameliorate liver damage caused by long-term consumption of a high-fructose diet, being a promising nutritional strategy in NAFLD management.