Physicochemical Properties, Bioactive Compounds, and Antioxidant Activity of Andean Fruits: Optimization of Extraction by Response Surface Methodology

Native fruits from the Peruvian Andes, such as ushpa (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth) and sachon (Hesperomeles obtusifolia (Pers.) Lindl.), grow in high-altitude environments that favor the accumulation of bioactive compounds. However, limited characterization has restricted their sustainable utilization. This study analyzed the physicochemical properties, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), vitamin C (VC), and antioxidant activity (AA) of both fruits. It also evaluated the effects of solvent type (ethanol and methanol) and concentration (70% and 80%), and extraction time (60, 90, and 120 minutes) on extraction efficiency using response surface methodology. Both fruits exhibited higher levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity compared to other berry species. Optimal conditions for ushpa (64.86% methanol, 139.68 minutes) and for sachon (64.86% ethanol, 90 minutes) yielded TPC = 3,587 and 948 mg GAE/100 g, TFC = 1,821 and 701 mg CE/100 g, TAC = 252 and 8 mg C3G/100 g, and AA = 563 and 501 µmol TE/g, respectively. These findings support further research and potential valorization of these native fruits.