Researchers identify probiotic potential in Peruvian tocosh

Researchers from the Universidad Nacional del Centro del Perú (UNCP), in collaboration with the Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM), have conducted a study on the medicinal potential of tocosh. The research, funded by Prociencia, utilized DNA analysis to map the bacterial diversity and metabolic genes within the traditional fermented potato product.

Key findings include the identification of lactic acid bacteria with genes capable of inhibiting pathogenic microorganisms. While the study suggests a promising probiotic potential that could benefit the human gastrointestinal system, researchers emphasized that further clinical trials on humans are necessary to confirm these biological effects.