From Ethnobotany to Food Innovation: Applications and Functional Potential of Mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum)

Abstract

Mashua (Tropaeolum tuberosum), a resilient and underutilized Andean tuber, is a high-potential nutritional and functional food innovation resource. This review surveys information on the nutritional composition, bioactive profile, and functional properties of the tuber based on a comprehensive literature search conducted in the Scopus database. The search strategy employed eight Boolean operators combining the following terms: (“Tropaeolum tuberosum” OR “mashua”) AND (“bioactive compounds” OR “functional properties” OR “glucosinolates” OR “antioxidant activity” OR “food processing”). The review included English-language research articles published between 2000 and 2025. Its diverse constituents, such as glucosinolates, phenolics, and anthocyanins, have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and a