Taro Research Articles

Optimization of β-cyclodextrin based ultrasound-assisted extraction: A green strategy to enhance the extraction of bioactive compounds from taro leaf byproduct

The present study aims to develop a green and sustainable process for the effective extraction of phytochemicals bearing antioxidant potency from Colocasia esculenta L. leaves, the by-product of taro cultivation, using β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) as a green booster for polyphenol isolation, along with ultrasound irradiation. Process optimization based on response surface methodology demonstrated that the maximum total phenolic content (11.90 mg gallic acid equivalents g−1 sample), total flavonoid content (4.66 mg catechin equivalents g−1 sample), and antioxidant activity in terms of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical inhibition (80.70%) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (85.39 μmol trolox equivalents g−1 sample) could be obtained by ultrasonication of leaves at 59.6 °C for 55.4 min using an ethanolic solution (50% v/v) of β-CD (15 mM) and a solvent-solid ratio of 25.4 mL g−1. The extract obtained with β-CD was significantly enriched in flavonoids and, in particular, flavone derivatives (mainly apigenin and luteolin glucosides). The outcomes of the present study suggest that the proposed extraction procedure can serve as a highly effective and green strategy for the recovery of taro leaf polyphenols opening new horizons in the valorization of underutilized by-products from food and pharmaceutical sector.

Chloroplast capture and range extension after hybridization in taro (Colocasia esculenta).

Complete chloroplast genomes of 17 samples from six species of Colocasia (Araceae) were sequenced, assembled, and aligned together with two previously reported complete genome sequences from taro (Colocasia esculenta). Analysis provides a well-supported phylogenetic tree for taro and closely-related wild Colocasia species in Southeast Asia. Two chloroplast lineages (CI and CII) form a well-defined haplotype group and are found in cultivated taros known as var. esculenta (dasheen, CI), var. antiquorum (eddoe, CII), and in a widespread, commensal wild form known as var. aquatilis (CI). A third lineage (CIII) is also found in wild taros known as var. aquatilis and in the wild species C. lihengiae, C. formosana, and C. spongifolia. We suggest three different scenarios to explain the grouping of CIII wild taros (C. esculenta) with other wild Colocasia species. Chloroplast lineages CI and CIII in C. esculenta and an unknown parent species may be involved in an as yet undated history of hybridization, chloroplast capture, and range extension. Substantial taxonomic revision may be needed for C. esculenta after further studies of morphological and genetic diversity within the crop, in wild populations, and in closely related wild species. The results also point to the Bengal delta as a region of key interest for future research on the origins of tropical wetland taros.

Research work on an inevitable component to treat type 2 diabetes from the margin of Colocasia esculenta

Research work on an inevitable component to treat type 2 diabetes from the margin of Colocasia esculenta

High-fiber and low-glycemic index egg-roll cookies made from non-itchy taro (Colocasia esculenta var. Febi521)

Indigenous taro is a notable carbohydrate-rich food ingredient with significant dietary fiber. However, its natural itchiness has limited its widespread use. A new non-itchy variant, Febi521, was developed through in-vitro soma-clonal induction. This study aimed to create a high-fiber snack, specifically egg-roll cookies, using non-itchy taro (Colocasia esculenta var. Febi521). The cookies underwent comprehensive evaluation for their physical, chemical, and nutritional characteristics, including polyphenol content, glycemic index (GI), and glycemic load (GL). By fully substituting taro Febi521 flour in the recipe, we produced egg-roll cookies that were sensorially preferred, high in fiber (19.2 % wet basis), and had a low GI (39) and low GL (3). This formulation also met nutritional requirements for claims related to total fat, saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Substituting taro flour increased fiber content threefold compared to wheat flour-based egg-roll cookies. This research highlights the potential of indigenous taro for diverse product development aimed at enhancing fiber intake among the population.

Metal content, bioaccumulation, translocation, and health risk assessment of root vegetables grown in KwaZulu-Natal small-scale farms of South Africa.

Metal uptake by vegetables is becoming a threat to the life of consumers. Therefore, continuous monitoring of metals in vegetables and soils is becoming a necessity. In this study, the occurrence of 18 metals in amadumbe (Colocasia esculenta L.), sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas L.), potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.), and carrots (Daucus carrota L.) grown in small-scale South African agricultural farms was monitored using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy. All the 18 investigated elements were detected in soils and different vegetative plants parts. Bioaccumulation factors indicated the transfer of selected metals from soils into the plant roots. Toxic metals Cd, Cr, and Pb had their concentrations exceeding the maximum permissible levels set by the World Health Organization in the edible parts of all root vegetables. Cd and Pb varied between 18.89 and 19.19mgkg-1 and 10.46 and 11.46mgkg-1, respectively, while Cr remained constant at 16.78mgkg-1. The exact metals together with As and Ni had their total hazard quotients exceeding the threshold value of 1, which indicated that the daily consumption of the investigated root vegetables is likely to pose health risks to both adults and children. Therefore, this study points out to a possibility of toxic health effects that could arise when these vegetables are consumed daily.

Hydrologic modelling of niche construction at the Waitetoke Cultivation Complex, Ahuahu, Aotearoa New Zealand

The early Māori settlers of Ahuahu, a small island off the Coromandel Peninsula of Aotearoa New Zealand, engineered the environment to create a raised-bed irrigation system to grow taro (Colocasia esculenta). Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamic (CFD) modelling of water flow provides insights into how the irrigation system functioned. Excavation and coring data and a digital elevation model combine to simulate the hydrology of the raised-bed irrigation system at Waitetoke on Ahuahu. This modelling demonstrates that for operation, the system required a series of channels and weirs to divert water from a nearby spring. The slow-moving water delivered nutrients to the cultivation area and also promoted the growth of nitrogen fixing algae. Exogenous nutrients including wood ash and calcium carbonate along with fire modified rocks derived from nearby household hearths added to the cultivation matrix created ideal conditions for taro growth. Over the span of over two hundred years, Māori engaged in various forms of niche construction to enhance taro production by altering feedback relationships between the geomorphology of the area, a natural spring, the constructed channels and weirs, water, cultivars, algae, and soil nutrients.

Neuroprotective Effect of Colocasia esculenta Var. Mentawai Corm Flour High-Fat Diet Fed Mice

The transformation of our era, resulting in a change in dietary habits towards a higher intake of fatty foods, presents a worldwide health issue. Among these challenges is neurodegeneration, which leads to cognitive impairment. It is imperative to seek alternative solutions rooted in nature to address the limitations associated with non-natural treatment methods. This entails harnessing the properties of secondary metabolite compounds found in plants, such as Colocasia esculenta Var. Mentawai. This research aims to assess the efficacy of C. esculenta Var. Mentawai corm as neuroprotective agents in mitigating CNS damage and preventing cognitive decline associated with neurodegeneration. Daily administration of a high-fat diet and a mixture of taro flour is conducted on young adult male mice for a duration of 60 days. Furthermore, analysis of the neurocognitive ability of mice, determination of malondialdehyde levels, and observation of histopathological structures on brain tissue were carried out. The results showed that the group of mice fed with taro flour mixture effectively showed a positive impact on maintaining neurocognitive abilities and histopathological structure of brain tissue against neurodegeneration (p

Interplanted crops and rainfall variability regulate soil erosion in rainfed maize of the Indian Himalayas

AbstractSoil erosion is a serious threat to agriculture and environmental sustainability in the risk‐prone rainfed Himalayan ecosystem. Hence, runoff and soil loss mitigation ability of four maize‐based intensified systems; maize (Zea mays) + turmeric (Curcuma longa), maize + ginger (Zingiber officinale), maize + colocasia (Colocasia esculenta), and maize + sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) were tested against the sole maize. The study recorded 41 erosive events during the 2020–2022 monsoon season. A principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to transform correlated rainfall parameters into orthogonal principal components. A two‐dimensional biplot analysis examined the relationship between PCs, rainfall events, and rainfall parameters. The rainfall events were divided into three regimes based on cluster analysis using PC. Rainfall regime 1 was characterized by low rainfall, I30, rainfall erosivity (E), and moderate rainfall duration (D), regime2 with moderate rainfall, short duration, high I30, and E, and regime3 with high D, I30, and rainfall erosivity. The soil loss of regime‐3 was 9.29 and 3.24 times higher than regime‐1 and regime‐2, respectively. Cover crops reduced runoff by 21.5%–69.3% and soil loss by 54.1%–77.0% over control. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that rainfall parameters (I30, I60, D, and E) had a significant direct influence across the systems, explaining 37.7%–54.9% of response variable variance, with E being the most influential (47.4%–54.9%), indicating varied impacts on runoff and soil loss. The sweet potato was best suited with maize as an intercrop to minimize soil erosion and maximize the system's profitability.

Colocasia esculenta L. Extract Increase Growth and Motility of Rotenone Induced Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Larvae Stunting Model

Colocasia esculenta L. Extract Increase Growth and Motility of Rotenone Induced Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Larvae Stunting Model

Hubungan Kekerabatan Tanaman Talas (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) di Kabupaten Bengkayang Berdasarkan Karakter Morfologi

Taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Scott) is a plant classified as a tuber derived from the genus Colocasia and belongs to the Araceae tribe. Analysis of kinship relationships can be done by observing morphological characters. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between taro plants in Bengkayang Regency based on morphological characters. This research was conducted from April to June 2023. Taking 30 samples in 6 sub-districts using purposive sampling method. Analysis of kinship relationships using the NTSys program with the UPGMA method. The results showed that 30 taro accessions had a similarity coefficient value of 0.52-0.93 or 52-93%. The results of kinship relationship analysis obtained 4 clusters at a similarity coefficient value of 0.60 or 60%. The results of morphological characterization based on qualitative and quantitative characters show that taro accessions have diversity in leaf and cormus characters of taro, especially in color characters.

Performance Evaluation of a Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Assisted Vermifilter for Swine Wastewater Treatment

Untreated swine wastewater is one of the main contributors to the problem of water pollution in areas where swine farming is prevalent. Lack of wastewater treatment facilities can cause nutrient buildup in bodies of water, that result in adverse environmental effects such as eutrophication and can cause the buildup of pathogens in bodies of water. This study evaluated the feasibility of a vermifilter using African Night Crawlers (Eudrilus eugeniae) and taro (Colocasia esculenta) in treating swine wastewater. The cylindrical vermifilters each had a diameter of 35cm, 50cm of freeboard, 15cm of soil substrate, and 35cm of gravel of mixed sizes. One vermifilter was planted with taro plants (TAVF) while the other was not (VF). Water samples were collected from the effluent of the respective setups, and were analyzed for electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), dissolved oxygen (DO), and pH. Results from the Taro Assisted Vermifilter showed an average of 70.45% and 70.50% removal efficiencies for EC and TDS, respectively. The observed average increase in pH was 0.66, while the effluent ORP values for the TAVF exceeded 220mV. The TAVF showed no signs of clogging throughout the wastewater loading period, and a significant increase in the earthworm mass was observed. The plants used were also observed to have grown significantly throughout the experiment. The TAVF, however, did not perform better than the VF in terms of removal efficiency. Overall, the system demonstrated potential as a treatment facility for swine farms with significant wastewater effluent and showed efficiency with extended periods of acclimatization.

Evaluation of Seven Taro Cultivars [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schot] for Yield and Corm Quality under Poultry Manure Fertilization in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria

Evaluation of Seven Taro Cultivars [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schot] for Yield and Corm Quality under Poultry Manure Fertilization in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria

Assessing the genetic diversity of taro germplasm collection in Vietnam using simple sequence repeat markers

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the genetic diversity of 253 taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) germplasm accessions collected in Vietnam at the molecular level using 20 Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers. High genetic diversity in the taro germplasm accessions were detected with 100% polymorphic SSR loci, and 89 alleles were obtained at the 20 SSR loci with an average of 4.45 alleles per locus, of which 14 markers had high polymorphism (3 alleles/locus). Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) values obtained at 20 SSR loci ranged from 0.31 (Ce0078) to 0.85 (HK34), with an average of 0.65. The genetic similarity coefficient within the accessions ranged from 0.39 to 1.00. All 253 accessions were classified into 2 groups at a genetic similarity level of 0.60; one of the groups (group 2) was divided into 8 sub-groups at a genetic similarity level of 0.64. Some accessions (such as 28279 and SP-19-009; SP-19-061 and SP-19-023; 28278 and SP-19-006) with a high genetic similarity coefficient (1.00) showed a very close genetic relationship, while others (such as 10063 and 11544) with a low genetic similarity coefficient (0.39) showed a fairly distant genetic relationship. The study’s results provide a foundation for preserving and breeding taro in Vietnam. Five taro accessions (28211, SP-19-017, T.3578, T.3515, and 10098) carrying specific alleles that could be identified by 6 SSR markers (uq55–112, uq73–164, HK35, Ce0078, HK22, and HK31) were detected. Furthermore, the SSR marker approach showed the potential application in identifying genetic relationships and distinguishing different taro cultivars.

Eco-friendly green synthesis of (Cu, Ce) dual-doped ZnO nanoparticles with Colocasia esculenta plant extract using microwave assisted technique for antioxidant and antibacterial activity

In the realm of biomedical applications, the inclusion of plant-derived components stands out as a critical consideration due to their non-toxic nature and antioxidant properties. In our research, we opt for Colocasia esculenta plant extract, utilizing microwave technology to create dually doped ZnO nanopowder with copper (Cu) and cerium (Ce). Authors employ XRD analysis to explore the structural attributes and crystallite size of the nanoparticles, which are found to be within the range of 16–19 nm. The surface and internal characteristics of these nanoparticles are precisely scrutinized using SEM-EDS and TEM characterization techniques. Additionally, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy is utilized to determine the forbidden energy gap of the samples, providing insights into their potential applications in UV-protected devices. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibit significant antibacterial and antioxidant properties, highlighting their adaptability for various biomedical uses.

Phytochemical analysis, Thin Layer Chromatography and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy profile of colocasia esculenta and manihot esculanta extracts and their potential for drug discovery

Phytochemical analysis, Thin Layer Chromatography and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy profile of colocasia esculenta and manihot esculanta extracts and their potential for drug discovery

Bio-accessibility of phenols, flavonoid and antioxidant capacity of tropical leafy vegetables through in-vitro gastro-intestinal digestion

To provide a new insight to the nutritionist and processing industries, in-vitro digestion studies of 20 tropical green leafy vegetables were conducted. The results indicated significant (P < 0.05) changes in phenolics, flavonoids and antioxidants level based on food matrix properties where the leaf extracts exhibited higher antioxidant activity than corresponding stem extracts. The most flavonoids bio-accessibility were observed in Ipomoea aquatic leaves (463.4%), Colocasia esculenta stem (335.5%), Alternanthera philoxeroides (260.7%). The transformation of phenolic compounds during in-vitro digestion may lead to different structural forms possessing different chemical properties and functions. Compared to fresh state, except for Trigonella foenum graecum, Ipomoea aquatica stem, all vegetables exhibited decrease in antioxidant activity (DPPH) value (4.7%–76.9%), nine vegetables exhibited a decrease in antioxidant activity (ABTS) value (3.01%–22.8%) and except for Amarantus cruentas, all vegetables exhibited decrease in FRAP value (15.29%–85.24%). Only four vegetables (Colocasia esculenta stem and leaf, Amaranthus cruentas and Murraya koenigii) had shown decrease (1.7%–13.2%) and rest 16 vegetables followed 9.6%–314.13% increase in β-carotene bleaching. Interestingly, all vegetables displayed sharp increase in Super Oxide Dismutage (SOD) value (94.99%–174.78%) after duodenal phase even significant changes in phenolic content and flavonoid contents were observed. Correlation analysis showed weak correlation between phenolic content with antioxidant activity in successive gastric and duodenal phase.

Karakterisasi Roti Manis Subtitusi Tepung Rumput Laut (Eucheuma Cotonii), dan Tepung Ubi Talas (Colocasia Esculenta L Schott)

This study aims to analyze the organoleptic and chemical characteristics of sweet bread substituted with seaweed flour (Eucheuma cottonii) and taro flour (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott). The research used four treatments with different ratios of seaweed flour to taro flour, namely P1 (0%:100%), P2 (30%:70%), P3 (35%:65%), and P4 (40%:60%), each with two replications. The parameters tested included fat content, protein content, moisture content, ash content, and organoleptic tests using the hedonic method. The study was designed using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Chemical data were analyzed using ANOVA and further tested with Duncan's test, while organoleptic data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The results showed that the P4 treatment (40% seaweed flour: 60% taro flour) provided the best results in organoleptic tests. The Kruskal-Wallis test results indicated that the different proportions of seaweed flour and taro flour significantly affected the appearance, aroma, color, texture, and taste of the resulting sweet bread. The chemical characteristics of the sweet bread in the best treatment (P4) were 2.58% fat content, 8.69% protein content, 27.07% moisture content, and 1.75% ash content. This research indicates that the substitution of seaweed flour and taro flour can produce sweet bread with good sensory quality and a chemical composition that is potential for food product diversification.

Transcriptome-based identification and validation of reference genes for corm growth stages, different tissues, and drought stress in Taro (Colocasia esculenta)

Taro is a widely utilized starch resource plant. It is essential to quantify the expression levels of functional genes associated with taro growth using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). However, to obtain reliable RT-qPCR results, appropriate reference genes (RGs) are required for data normalization. In this study, we screened seven novel candidate RGs using transcriptome datasets from taro, encompassing data from growth corms and various tissues. The expression stability of these seven new RGs, along with the commonly used RGs Actin, EF1-α, and β-tubulin, was assessed using Delta Ct, BestKeeper, geNorm, and NormFinder algorithms. Furthermore, we conducted a comprehensive analysis using the RefFinder program and validated the results using the target gene, CeAGPL1. The findings revealed that ACY-1 and PIA2 were the optimal multiple RGs for normalization during corm growth, while COX10 and Armc8 were suitable for samples including various types of tissues. Furthermore, we found three RGs, Armc8, COX10 and CCX4L, were the optimal RGs for drought stress. This study assessed the suitability of RGs in taro for the first time. The identified RGs provide valuable resources for studying corm growth, diverse tissues, and drought stress. This study contributes to the advancement of our understanding of the underlying mechanisms that govern the growth of taro.

Characterization of Acid Hydrolyzed Taro Boloso-I (Colocasia esculenta Cultivar) Starch as a Diluent in Direct Compression of Tablets.

Corn, wheat, rice, potato, and cassava starches have been widely used as pharmaceutical excipients. However, the search for cost-effective local starch alternatives is necessary due to the availability and usage constraints. In Ethiopia, various plant species, including Taro Boloso-I, have been explored as potential sources of pharmaceutical starch. It is a variety of Colocasia esculenta with a high tuber yield and high starch content. However, the native starch requires modifications to enhance its functionality. Therefore, this study aimed to improve the native starch through acid modification and evaluate its performance as a direct compressible tablet excipient. The native starch was treated with a 6% w/v HCl solution for 192 hours, resulting in acid-modified Taro Boloso-I starch, which was then evaluated for suitability for direct compression. XRD patterns of both the native and modified starch showed characteristic A-type crystals, with significantly higher relative crystallinity observed in the latter. Additionally, the acid-modified starch exhibited a lower moisture content and improved flow properties. The compaction study also demonstrated its improved compactibility (tensile strength: 16.82 kg/cm2), surpassing both the native starch (13.17) and Starch 1500® (11.2). The modified starch also showed a lower lubricant sensitivity compared to the native starch and Starch 1500®. Furthermore, paracetamol tablets made with the modified starch exhibited higher mechanical strength and lower friability in all paracetamol concentrations. It incorporated up to 40% paracetamol while maintaining acceptable tablet characteristics, whereas the native starch and Starch 1500® were limited to 30% (w/w). Based on these findings, the modified starch showed promise as an alternative direct compressible excipient in tablet manufacturing.

Fabrication and optimization of extended-release beads of diclofenac sodium based on Ca++ cross-linked Taro (Colocasia esculenta) stolon polysaccharide and pectin by quality-by-design approach

The present investigation was aimed to fabricate and optimize extended-release beads of diclofenac sodium based on an ion-cross-linked matrix of pectin (PTN) and taro (Colocasia esculenta) stolon polysaccharide (TSP) with 23 full factorial design. Total polysaccharide concentration (TPC), polysaccharide ratio (PR), and cross-linker concentration ([CaCl2]) were taken as independent factors with two levels of each. Initially, TSP was extracted, purified, and characterized. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) showed drug-polymer compatibility. The study also revealed the significant positive effect of TSP on drug entrapment efficiency (DEE) and sustaining drug release. The response variables (DEE, cumulative % drug-release at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 10 h, release-constant, time for 50 % and 90 % drug release (T50%, T90%), release-similarity factor (f2), and difference factor (f1) were analyzed, and subsequently, independent fabrication variables were numerically optimized by Design-Expert software (Version-13; Stat-Ease Inc., Minneapolis). The optimized batch exhibited appreciable DEE of 88.5 % (± 2.2) and an extended-release profile with significantly higher T50%, T90%, and release-similarity factor (f2) of 4.7 h, 11.4 h, and 71.6, respectively. Therefore, the study exhibited successful incorporation of the novel TSP as a potential alternative adjunct polysaccharide in the pectin-based ion-cross-linked inter-penetrating polymeric network for extended drug release.