Desarrollo de una bebida aromática funcional a partir de polvos de mentol y luteolina obtenidos mediante Spray-Drying

Abstract

Aromatic plants represent about 0.7% of medicinal plants. The most common are chamomile (major active ingredient: flavonoids such as luteolin) and spearmint (major active ingredient: menthol). These are usually consumed in infusions or tisanes using "tea bags", but the use of these bags involves relatively long preparation time, generates waste, and carries a high probability of ingesting microplastics and nanoplastics. In this work, menthol and luteolin powders obtained by Spray-Drying from an infusion of chamomile and spearmint (75% water, 8% herbs 1:1 and 17% wall material (WM)) were used. To evaluate its potential as a new product in the market, 3 beverages with vitamins B1 and B9 were prepared using powders (1 g, 2 g and 3 g) with maltodextrin and soy protein at 15% (w/w) (WM). A sensory analysis was conducted with 57 consumers, where the formulation with 2 g of capsules obtained better scores for color, smell, and overall acceptability. In addition, 95% of the participants stated that they would consume any of the evaluated beverages. Results suggest the potential of the powders as an innovative product that is easy to consume, environmentally friendly and can be commercialize as an instant or prepared aromatic beverage in the market.