Metabolome Profiling of Eight Chinese Yam (Dioscorea polystachya Turcz.) Varieties Reveals Metabolite Diversity and Variety Specific Uses.

Xiaoxuan Zeng,Luqi Huang,Dahui Liu

doi:10.3390/life11070687

Abstract

The Chinese yam (Dioscorea polystachya Turcz.) is an underutilized orphan tuber crop. However, in China it has been used in traditional medicine and food for centuries due to the presence of high starch, protein, fiber, and biologically active compounds. Knowledge on the metabolomic profiles of Chinese yam varieties is needed to explore the underutilized metabolites and variety specific uses. Here, the metabolome of eight Chinese yam varieties that are cultivated in different Chinese regions was profiled. A total of 431 metabolites belonging to different biochemical classes was detected. The majority of detected metabolites were classified as amino acids and derivatives. The different yam varieties offer unique uses; e.g., Hebei Ma Yam, Henan Huai Yam, and Henan Wild Yam were the most metabolically enriched and suitable as food and medicine. Yams from Hubei region had comparable nutritional profiles, which is most probably due to their geographical origin. Specifically, Henan Wild Yam had the highest concentrations of diosgenin, vitamins, and polysaccharides. Overall, this study presents a metabolome reference for D. polystachya varieties.

Highlights

Yam (Dioscorea polystachya Turcz.) is indigenous to China, Korea, Kuril Islands, and Taiwan
Profiling of the yam tuber extracts through UPLC-MS/MS analysis resulted in the detection of 431 metabolites (Supplementary Figure S1)
Shandong Tiegun Yam (ST) and Tiegun Yam (TG) replicates were grouped in principal component analysis (PCA), whereas HS and WS replicates were distributed close to ST and TG but not strictly clustered together

Summary

Introduction

Yam (Dioscorea polystachya Turcz.) is indigenous to China, Korea, Kuril Islands, and Taiwan. It has been introduced to United States of America, Japan, and Himalayas [1]. China, it is commonly known as “Huai Shan Yao” and is cultivated for food and medical purposes [2]. Yam production has been doubled over the last two decades; in 2018, the global yam production reached 72.58 million tons China receives a major share (17%) of global yam production. Within China, it is mainly produced in Henan province, where different varieties/cultivars are grown [3]

Results

Discussion

Conclusion