Valorizing neglected crop byproducts through eco-friendly techniques has gained attention as underutilized crops offer new sources of bioactive components. This study examined the chemical composition, phytochemicals, and antioxidant activities in six fractions of the underutilized chayote (Sechium edule). Each fraction was microwave-dried and extracted with ultrasound assistance. Shoots were high in ash and fiber, while pulp had high moisture and carbohydrates, and seeds were rich in fat and protein. Shoots, leaves, roots, and peels had high mineral levels, particularly Ca, K, Mg, P, Fe, and Zn. Shoots were also high in phenolics, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid, while leaves had a high carotenoid content. Polyphenol compounds such as myricetin and catechin were abundant in shoots, which exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. Chayote shoots, roots, and leaves are abundant in bioactive compounds that can be utilized in food and, therefore, offers an opportunity for utilization of a currently neglected plant byproduct.

中文翻译：

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探索干燥和提取后未充分利用的佛手瓜组分


通过环保技术为被忽视的作物副产品增值已引起关注，因为未充分利用的作物提供了生物活性成分的新来源。本研究检查了未充分利用的佛手瓜 （Sechium edule） 的六个部分的化学成分、植物化学物质和抗氧化活性。每个馏分都经过微波干燥并在超声辅助下提取。嫩芽的灰分和纤维含量很高，而果肉的水分和碳水化合物含量很高，种子富含脂肪和蛋白质。芽、叶、根和果皮的矿物质含量很高，尤其是 Ca、K、Mg、P、Fe 和 Zn。芽的酚类物质、类黄酮和抗坏血酸含量也很高，而叶子的类胡萝卜素含量很高。杨梅素和儿茶素等多酚化合物在芽中含量丰富，表现出最高的抗氧化活性。佛手瓜的芽、根和叶富含可用于食品的生物活性化合物，因此为利用目前被忽视的植物副产品提供了机会。