Cyperus Esculentus Tubers Research Articles

Molecular characterization of CeOLE6, a diverged SH oleosin gene, preferentially expressed in Cyperus esculentus tubers.

CeOLE6, a tuber-specific gene in tigernut, encodes a diverged SH oleosin that functions in oil accumulation via homo and heteromultimerization. Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L.) is a rare example accumulating high levels of triacylglycerols (TAGs) in underground tubers; however, the mechanism underlying is poorly understood. Given essential roles of oleosins (OLEs) in oil accumulation, in this study, structural and functional analyses were conducted for CeOLE6, an oleosin gene preferentially expressed in tigernut tubers. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that CeOLE6 encodes a diverged oleosin in Clade SH, which also includes CeOLE4 and -5. Further synteny analysis and sequence comparison indicated that CeOLE6 is more likely to be a whole-genome duplication (WGD) repeat of CeOLE4, which underwent rapid evolution and deletion of the typical C-terminal insertion for SHs. Nevertheless, CeOLE6 retains the capacity of oligomerization and oil accumulation, because (i) CeOLE6 could not only interact with itself but also with CeOLE2 and -5, two tuber-dominant members belonging to Clades SL and SH, respectively, and (ii) overexpressing CeOLE6 in tobacco leaves could significantly enhance the TAG content. Though CeWRI1 exhibits a similar expression pattern as CeOLE6 during tuber development, both CeWRI1 and -3 could not activate the CeOLE6 promoter, implying that they are not transcription factors contributing tuber-specific activation of CeOLE6. These findings not only provide insights into CeOLE genes in tuber oil accumulation, but also lay a foundation for further genetic improvement in tigernut and other species.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of Cyperus esculentus and C. rotundus with contrasting oil contents in tubers defines genes and regulatory networks involved in oil accumulation

Plant vegetative organs present great potential for lipid storage, with tubers of Cyperus esculentus as a unique example. To investigate the genome and transcriptomic features of C. esculentus and related species, we sequenced and assembled the C. esculentus genome at the contig level. Through a comparative study of high-quality transcriptomes across 36 tissues from high-oil and intermediate-oil C. esculentus and low-oil Cyperus rotundus, we identified potential genes and regulatory networks related to tuber oil accumulation. First, we identified tuber-specific genes in two C. esculentus cultivars. Second, genes involved in fatty acid (FA) biosynthesis, triacylglycerol synthesis, and TAG packaging presented increased activity in the later stages of tuber development. Notably, tubers with high oil contents presented higher levels of these genes than those with intermediate oil contents did, whereas tubers with low oil contents presented minimal gene expression. Notably, a large fragment of the FA biosynthesis rate-limiting enzyme-encoding gene BCCP1 was missing from the C. rotundus transcript, which might be responsible for blocking FA biosynthesis in its tubers. WGCNA pinpointed a gene module linked to tuber oil accumulation, with a coexpression network involving the transcription factors WRI1, MYB4, and bHLH68. The ethylene-related genes in this module suggest a role for ethylene signaling in oil accumulation, which is supported by the finding that ethylene (ETH) treatment increases the oil content in C. esculentus tubers. This study identified potential genes and networks associated with tuber oil accumulation in C. esculentus, highlighting the role of specific genes, transcription factors, and ethylene signaling in this process.

Ultrasound-assisted extraction and physicochemical properties of starch from Cyperus esculentus tubers

The purpose of this study was to use ultrasound-based extraction to prepare starch from the tubers of Cyperus esculentus. Ultrasonic treatment of Cyperus esculentus powder with a medium of alkaline-treated water can effectively improve the starch extraction efficiency. Box-Behnken design was used to optimize the extraction process, and the results showed that the optimal parameters were ultrasound time of 30 minutes, pH value of 9.0, ultrasound temperature of 40 °C, and solid-liquid ratio of 10:1. The extraction percentage under these conditions was 90.1%. The physicochemical properties of C. esculentus starch were compared with those of cassava, potato, and corn starch. The particle size of C. esculentus starch was approximately 2 to 15 μm. The gelatinization temperature was 70.5 °C, and the peak viscosity was similar to cassava but with better thermal stability. Like other tuber starches, C. esculentus starch had higher swelling power and solubility at 85 °C.

Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Cyperus esculentus (Tiger Nut) Tubers on Blood Glucose Level and Lipid Profile in Alloxan-Induced Diabetes Mellitus in Male Wistar Rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. The prevalence of Diabetes mellitus is expected to increase to 5.3% by 2030. This study aimed to determine the effects of ethanolic extract of Cyperus esculentus tubers on alloxan-induced diabetes mellitus and lipid profile in male Wistar rats. A total of 25 Wistar rats were used for the study. Diabetes was induced by injection of alloxan 100 mg/kg and rats with blood glucose levels 200 mg/kg and above were considered diabetic. The rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 5), group 1, normal control, group II, negative (diabetic) control, and Group III and Group IV were diabetic rats treated with 400mg/Kg and 800mg/Kg body weight of the ethanolic extract of Cyperus esculentus tubers and group V were diabetic rats treated with 10mg/Kg body weight Metformin. All treatments lasted for 28 days and Blood glucose levels were checked at weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively. At the end of the treatment period, the rats were sacrificed and the blood samples collected were used to determine serum insulin level and lipid profile. The result obtained revealed a statistically significant (P<0.05) decrease in blood glucose levels in groups III, IV, IV, and V as compared to the diabetic untreated group. The results of serum total cholesterol revealed a significant decrease in group I and group IV. However, high-density lipoprotein shows a significant decrease in group V as compared to the diabetic untreated group. There was also a statistically significant decrease (P<0.05) in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in groups I, III, and IV when compared with the diabetic untreated group. There was also a statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum insulin level in the normal control group and the group treated with 800mg/kg of extract. This study revealed the potential benefits of the ethanolic extract of Cyperus esculentus tubers in reducing blood glucose levels and its effects in reversing hyperlipidemia associated with diabetes mellitus.

Exacerbation of Symptoms of Renal Toxicity by Aqueous Extract of <i>Cyperus esculentus</i> in a Gentamicin Nephrotoxicity Model

Oxidative stress plays a central role in the mechanism of gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. The antioxidant properties of Cyperus esculentus (CE) have been reported. This study aimed to explore its potential in ameliorating symptoms of nephrotoxicity in a gentamicin-induced model. Tubers of CE were extracted with distilled water. Phytochemical analysis was done using standard protocols. Twenty-five male Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups of five animals each and treated for 8 days: Group I received normal saline, Group II (Gentamicin group)-gentamicin 80 mg/kg + distilled water, Group III-V were administered 80 mg/kg gentamicin +100, 200 and 400 mg/kg CE respectively 1 hour after gentamicin treatment. The rats were anesthetized and blood was collected via cardiac puncture for biochemical analysis. The gentamicin group showed significant increase in serum urea and creatinine levels compared to the control group. Cyperus esculentus resulted in a further elevation of these parameters in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in serum potassium and a significant decrease in bicarbonate at 400 mg/kg CE. Histological results further buttressed the biochemical findings. In conclusion, oral administration of Cyperus esculentus in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity resulted in a further elevation in serum levels of urea, creatinine, and potassium as well as a decrease in serum bicarbonate, and failed to protect against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Analysis of oil synthesis pathway in Cyperus esculentus tubers and identification of oleosin and caleosin genes

The tubers of the widely distributed Cyperus esculentus are rich in oil, and therefore, the plant is considered to have a high utilization value in the vegetable oil industry. Oleosins and caleosins are lipid-associated proteins found in oil bodies of seeds; however oleosins and caleosins genes have not been identified in C. esculentus. In this study, we performed transcriptome sequencing and lipid metabolome analysis of C. esculentus tubers at four developmental stages to obtain the information on their genetic profile, expression trends, and metabolites in oil accumulation pathways. Overall, 120,881 non-redundant unigenes and 255 lipids were detected; 18 genes belonged to the acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), malonyl-CoA:ACP transacylase (MCAT), β-ketoacyl-ACP synthase (KAS), and fatty acyl-ACP thioesterase (FAT) gene families involved in fatty acid biosynthesis, and 16 genes belonged to the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT), diacylglycerol acyltransferase 3 (DGAT3), phospholipid:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (PDAT), FAD2, and lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase (LPAAT) gene families playing important roles in triacylglycerol synthesis. We also identified 9 oleosin- and 21 caleosin-encoding genes in C. esculentus tubers. These results provide detailed information on the C. esculentus transcriptional and metabolic profiles, which can be used as reference for the development of strategies to increase oil content in C. esculentus tubers.

IN VITRO GERMINATION AND ?-AMYLASE ACTIVITY OF CYPERUS ESCULENTUS L. TUBERS TREATED WITH METAL AND NACL SOLUTIONS

The effect of CuSO4, CdCl2, AsO3 and NaCl solutions on germination and ?-amylaseactivity of Cyperus esculentus tubers were studied invitro. Concentrations ofsolutions applied were 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 ppm. Viable tubers wereput in sterile Petri dishes previously mounted with Whatman No.1 filter paper andsoaked with the different solutions according to the experimental design. Thetreatments were replicated three times. Germination was observed for 14 days andthereafter the crude extracts of amylase enzyme were prepared from germinatedand ungerminated tubers. ?-amylase activity was measured spectrophotometricallyat 540 nm using 3,5-dinitrosalicylic acid (DNSA) reagent. The results obtainedshowed that germination was inhibited by the metal solutions at 50-300 ppmconcentrations applied. The values were significantly different from values recordedfor control treatments (p<0.05). NaCl solutions did not inhibit tuber germination.Values recorded for ?-amylase activity in the tubers suggested that the enzymeactivity was inhibited by metal solutions (p<0.05). NaCl solutions did not affect ?-amylase activity in the tubers negatively. The results indicated that storedcarbohydrate in the tubers treated with metal solutions were poorly degraded andhence the low percent germination response.

Preparation and physicochemical properties of Cyperus esculentus starch from its tubers using ultrasound-assisted alkali method

Cyperus esculentus tubers are rich in starch, oil, protein, dietary fiber, and other nutrients. Ultrasonic treatment can reduce the combination of starch, protein, and dietary fiber in C. esculentus tubers during extraction of C. esculentus starch, thereby improving the extraction yield and shortening of the extraction time. In this study, the extraction yield of C. esculentus starch was 92.2% using ultrasound-assisted alkali method. The microstructure analysis showed that the granule characteristics of C. esculentus starch and other starches were similar. X-ray diffraction analysis showed that C. esculentus starch possessed an A-type crystal structure. The onset temperature of gelatinization endotherm and peak temperature of gelatinization of C. esculentus starch were only lower than those of sweet potato starch, and higher than other starches, which is 67.9 °C. The content of resistance starch (RS) (11.0%) in C. esculentus starch was the highest among the six starches. As an underutilized resource, C. esculentus is a new crop with high quality, high yield, and high comprehensive utilization value. Its aerial parts can be used as feed, green manure, and its underground parts can be edible and oily. C. esculentus starch can be a valuable source to develop into new functional food.

Repeated Use of Cyperus esculentus Tubers, Towards Sustainable Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles

Repeated Use of Cyperus esculentus Tubers, Towards Sustainable Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles

Physicochemical Analysis and Characterization of the Lipid Fraction of the Tubers of Cyperus esculentus L. var. Sativus from Côte d’Ivoire

Aims: this work consists in determining the physical, physico-chemical parameters, the composition in fatty acids and unsaponifiables of the oil of tuber of Cyperus esculentus of Côte d'Ivoire.Methodology: After extraction of the fat by the Soxhlet method with hexane, the physico-chemical parameters were determined by colorimetric assay. The analysis of the fatty acid and unsaponifiable acid composition was carried out by GC-MS.Results: The fat content ranged from 23.64 to 27.66%, those of fatty and unsaponifiable acids were from 90.41 to 95.20% and 1.59 to 1.60%, respectively. As for the values of the acid, peroxide, saponification, iodine, ester, refraction and density indices, they varied respectively from 2.81 to 10.95 mg KOH/g, 1 to 2 meq of O2/Kg oil, 198.72 to 216.78 mg KOH/g, 54.64 to 73.86 g I2/100g oil, 193.11 to 205.83 mg KOH/g, 1.453 to 1.461, and 0.76 to 0.83. In the fatty acid compositionof oils, the predominance of unsaturated fatty acids (70.7-92.14%) was revealed, mainly oleic acid prevails (51.04-82.83%). Additionally, petroselinic (0.23-10.15%,) and 2,6-di-O-palmitoyl-L- ascorbic (8.58-8.84%) acids known for their medicinal properties (anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidants), were first discovered in the oil of Cyperus esculentus. As for the unsaponifiables, they are mainly dominated by phytosterols (22.30-44.03%) and hydrocarbons (27.70-50.8%).Conclusion: These results suggest that oil from Cyperus esculentus tubers from Côte d'Ivoire can be used as an excellent source of edible and medicinal oil.

Characterisation of two novel genes encoding Δ9 fatty acid desaturases (CeSADs) for oleic acid accumulation in the oil-rich tuber of Cyperus esculentus

Cyperus esculentus is considered one of the most promising oil crops due to its oil-rich tuber, wide adaptability and large biomass production. Preferable triacylglycerol (TAG) composition, especially high oleic acid content, makes tuber oil suitable for human consumption and biodiesel production. However, the mechanism underlying oleic acid enrichment in the tuber remains unknown. Plastidial stearoyl-ACP desaturase (SAD) catalyses the formation of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which may function crucially for high accumulation of oleic acid in C. esculentus tubers. In this study, two full-length cDNAs encoding SAD were isolated from the developing tubers of C. esculentus, namely, CeSAD1 and CeSAD2, with ORFs of 1194 bp and 1161 bp, respectively. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that CeSAD genes were highly expressed in tubers. The expression pattern during tuber formation was also significantly correlated with fatty acid and oil accumulation dynamics. Overexpression of each CeSAD gene could restore the normal growth of the defective yeast BY4389, indicating that both CeSADs had fatty acid desaturase activity to catalyse MUFA biosynthesis. A tobacco genetic transformation assay demonstrated that both CeSAD enzymes had high enzyme activity. Exogenous addition of exogenous fatty acids to feed yeast revealed that CeSAD1 has a more substantial substrate preference ratio for C18:0 than CeSAD2 did. Moreover, the overexpression of CeSAD1 significantly increased host tolerance against low-temperature stress. Our data add new insights into the deep elucidation of oleic acid-enriched oils in Cyperus esculentus tubers, showing CeSAD, especially CeSAD1, as the target gene in genetic modification to increase oil and oleic yields in oil crops as well as stress tolerance.

Green Preparation of Citric Acid Crosslinked Starch for Improvement of Physicochemical Properties of Cyperus Starch.

This study was undertaken to assess the properties of Cyperus esculentus tuber starch crosslinked with citric acid from liquid substrates of orange peel derived via the natural solid-state fermentation process; a green approach. The flow properties of the prepared starches were evaluated using standard methods. Water-holding capacity, swelling capacity, moisture sorption capacity, gelatinization temperature using differential scanning calorimetry, morphology, fourier infrared spectroscopy, and pH of the starches were evaluated. Results showed that the pH of the crosslinked starches were lower (3.39-4.07) than that of the native starch (5.25) and the flow profile was found to improve. The crosslinked starches' water-holding capacity (90.67%-96.69%) were higher, whereas its emulsion capacity (15.33) was similar to that of the native starch (15.33). No change was observed in the morphology of the crosslinked starches' granules. The infrared spectra of the native and crosslinked starches showed identical peaks; however, the enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔHgel) of the crosslinked products were found to differ from that of the native starch. Modified starches show propensity of being exploited as binding agents in food and pharmaceutical industries. The green modification process proved to be a valuable addition to the available starch modification processes.

Comparison on sensory profile, volatile composition and consumer's acceptance for PDO or non-PDO tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L.) milk

Cyperus esculentus tubers are the raw material to prepare tigernut milk (horchata), which can be marketed under Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) “C hufa de Valencia”. The aim of this study was to characterize commercial tigernut milks and compare PDO and non-PDO products. The following aspects were studied: (i) volatile profile, (ii) descriptive sensory profile, (iii) consumer satisfaction degree. The key volatile compounds were limonene, benzaldehyde, linalool and m-methoxyanisole. Principal component analysis indicated a mix of PDO and non-PDO samples in the groups formed. The highest consumer satisfactions were observed for 2 PDO samples. Penalty analysis showed that 80% of non-PDO samples needed improvements, while this percentage drastically decreased to 40% for PDO samples. The online study proved that a lot of people drink horchata, less people know the PDO Chufa de Valencia and even less people consume the protected product consciously. In conclusion, there was not a clear difference among protected and non-protected tigernut milks respect to volatile compounds but there were differences in the degree of consumer preference. So, it is clear that a lack of knowledge regarding the product and its PDO exists and needs attention.

The Cytotoxicity Effect for the Crude Extract of (Cyperus Esculentus) Tubers on Human Breast Cancer Cell Line (MCF-7) in Vitro

The study aimed to identify the aqueous and alcoholic extract of Cyperus esculentus tubers in affectinghuman breast cancer (MCF-7) Michigan Cancer Foundation,preliminary diagnosis chemical groups in theseextracts showed the presence of (Tannins, Terpenoids, Resins, Steroids, Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Glycosidesand Phenols). The effect of cellular toxicity of crude aqueous and alcoholic extract of Cyperus esculentustubers in vitro was tested in human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) through the use of six concentrations(midterm scares) (31.25,62.5,125,250,500,1000 ) ?g /mL and for periods of exposure (24, 48, 72) hours.Using the MTT Test. The study found that there is a toxic effect of the crude aqueous and alcoholic extractsof the grain of Cyperus esculentus tubers in cancer cells (MCF-7) and of all the concentrations used, Thehighest percentage and a significant difference (P ?0.01) for the average of the inhibitory average of cancercell growth (IR) was 68, 73 (%) for the aqueous extract and alcoholic extract, respectively, at the highestconcentration of 1000 ?g / mL and after 72 hours of exposure.

Isolation, Characterization of Phytochemical Compounds and Hepatoprotective Activity Evaluation in Rats of Various Extracts from Cyperus esculentus L. tubers

This study aimed to investigate different phytochemical compounds of Cyperus esculentus tubers grown in Egypt, as affected by different extracts (oil, methanol, chloroform), and evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of these various extracts in rats. Methanol fraction was subjected to silica gel column chromatography, resulted in isolation of three compounds reported for the first time from this plant, oleanolic acid, α –Amyrin 3-0- glucopyranoside, β -Amyrin3-0- glucopyranoside. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and comparing data with those reported in literature. GC/MS of oil showed twelve compounds, 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)-,2-hydroxy-1- (hydroxymethyl) ethyl ester represented the major compound, while hexylene glycol was the minor. GC/MS of chloroform gave ten compounds, 9 octadecenoic acid, (E) was the highest peak, and stigmasterol was the lower one. Chloroform, methanol and oil extracts of plant were evaluated for their hepatoprotective activity, in D-galactosamine induced hepatotoxicity in albino rats. The high (500 mg/kg), and low (250 mg/kg) doses of extracts, reduced levels of liver enzymes and total protein towards the normal value, which were comparable to that of reference drug silymarin and D-galactosamine indicating its hepatoprotective activity. Bioactive constituents and hepatoprotective activity of different extracts give this plant its therapeutic effects in addition to nutritional ones.

Functional Characterization of Three Novel Genes Encoding Diacylglycerol Acyltransferase (DGAT) from Oil-Rich Tubers of Cyperus esculentus.

Cyperus esculentus is probably the only plant that is known to accumulate large amounts of oil in its tubers. However, the underlying metabolic mechanism and regulatory factors involved in oil synthesis of tubers are still largely unclear. In this study, one gene encoding type I diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) (CeDGAT1) and two genes encoding type II DGAT (CeDGAT2a and CeDGAT2b) from C. esculentus were identified and functionally analyzed. All three DGAT genes were found to be expressed in tuber, root and leaf tissues. CeDGAT1 is highly expressed in roots and leaves, whereas CeDGAT2b is dominantly expressed in tubers. Furthermore, the temporal expression pattern of CeDGAT2b is well coordinated with the oil accumulation in developing tubers. When each CeDGAT was heterologously expressed in triacylglycerol (TAG)-deficient mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Arabidopsis thaliana wild type or its TAG1 mutant with AtDGAT1 disruption, only CeDGAT2b showed the ability to restore TAG biosynthesis with lipid body formation in yeast mutant, enhance seed oil production of Arabidopsis wild type and rescue multiple seed phenotypes of TAG1 mutant. In addition, CeDGAT2b was shown to have a substrate preference for unsaturated fatty acids toward TAG synthesis. Taken together, our results indicated that CeDGAT2b from C. esculentus is an actively functional protein and is most likely the major contributor to tuber oil biosynthesis containing common fatty acids, in contrast to oil-rich seeds and fruits where DGAT1 plays a more central role than DGAT2 in oil production accumulating normal fatty acids, whereas DGAT2 is a primary regulator for oil synthesis rich in unusual fatty acids.

Enhancing Bioactive Antioxidants' Extraction from "Horchata de Chufa" By-Products.

During the production of a traditional drink produced from the tubers of Cyperus esculentus L. also known as “horchata de chufa,” a high quantity of by-products are generated. These by-products are rich with valuable biological compounds, hence, there is a need to report their extraction conditions for further use in food production as raw materials. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate and improve the conventional extraction process, applied for recovery of phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, and total antioxidant capacity from the by-products. Independent variables for extraction were: (i) Solvent type (mixtures of ethanol-water (v/v) at 0%, 25% and 50%); (ii) temperature (40, 50 and 60 °C), and (iii) extraction time (1, 2 and 3 h). The obtained results showed that solvent type, temperature, and time significantly influenced (p < 0.05) all investigated parameters. The highest content of total polyphenols (16.02 mg GAE/100 g of dry matter; d.m.), and total flavonoids (30.09 mg CE/100 g d.m.) was achieved by ethanol at 25% (v/v), after 3 h of extraction with temperatures of 60 °C and 50 °C, respectively. The highest value of antioxidant capacity (1759.81 µM Trolox equivalents/g d.m.) was observed with 50% aqueous ethanol (v/v), at 60 °C, and 3 h of extraction. From the obtained results, it can be concluded that the by-products of “Horchata de Chufa” are an important source of antioxidant bioactive compounds.

Sucrose metabolism in developing oil-rich tubers of Cyperus esculentus: comparative transcriptome analysis

BackgroundCyperus esculentus is unique in that it can accumulate significant amounts of oil, starch and sugar as major storage reserves in tubers with high tuber yield and therefore considered as a novel model to study carbon allocation into different storage reserves in underground sink tissues such as tubers and roots. Sucrose (Suc) plays a central role in control of carbon flux toward biosynthesis of different storage reserves; however, it remains unclear for the molecular mechanism underlying Suc metabolism in underground oil-rich storage tissues. In the present study, a comprehensive transcriptome analysis of C. esculentus oil tuber compared to other plant oil- or carbohydrate-rich storage tissues was made for the expression patterns of genes related to the Suc metabolism.ResultsThe results revealed some species-specific features of gene transcripts in oil tuber of C. esculentus, indicating that: (i) the expressions of genes responsible for Suc metabolism are developmentally regulated and displayed a pattern dissimilar to other plant storage tissues; (ii) both of Suc breakdown and biosynthesis processes might be the major pathways associated with Suc metabolism; (iii) it was probably that Suc degradation could be primarily through the action of Suc synthase (SUS) other than invertase (INV) during tuber development. The orthologs of SUS1, SUS3 and SUS4 are the main SUS isoforms catalyzing Suc breakdown while the vacuolar INV (VIN) is the leading determinant controlling sugar composition; (iv) cytosolic hexose phosphorylation possibly relies more on fructose as substrate and uridine diphosphate glucose pyrophosphorylase (UGP) plays an important role in this pathway; (v) it is Suc-phosphate synthase (SPS) B- and C-family members rather than SPS A that are the principal contributors to SPS enzymes and play crucial roles in Suc biosynthesis pathway.ConclusionsWe have successfully identified the Suc metabolic pathways in C. esculentus tubers, highlighting several conserved and distinct expressions that might contribute to sugar accumulation in this unique underground storage tissue. The specific and differential expression genes revealed in this study might indicate the special molecular mechanism and transcriptional regulation of Suc metabolism occurred in oil tubers of C. esculentus.

The Glidant Properties of Cyperus esculentus, L (Tigernut) Starch in Metronidazole Tablet Formulation

The glidant property of starch obtained from the tubers of Cyperus esculentus, L is evaluated in comparison with purified talc and aerosil in metronidazole tablet formulation. C. esculentus starch is characterized using material, proximate, FTIR, and rheological properties in comparison with corn starch BP. Metronidazole granules are prepared using wet granulation method, the granules are mixed with glidants (1–4% w/w) for 5 min and the flow characteristics determined. Tablets are compressed with a single punch machine at predetermined loads and evaluated using mechanical and release properties. The results shows that the proximate and material properties of C. esculentus are significantly different (p &lt; 0.05) from corn starch in fat content, particle size, carr's index, water absorption capacity, and solubility. The FTIR revealed functional groups similar to that of corn starch while rheological profiles revealed that the starch will be able to withstand heat during tablet compression. The granules after the addition of glidants shows excellent flow according to Hausner ratio and Carr's index values. C. esculentus starch improved the flowabilty of granules used for the tablet formulations thus enhancing production process and outcome. The tablets with the highest balance of mechanical and release properties were those containing 2% w/w of C. esculentus starch and the difference is significantly higher in comparison to tablets containing other glidants. The results shows that C. esculentus starch could be suitable as a glidant in pharmaceutical tablet formulations.

Influence of Cyperus esculentus tubers (tiger nut) on male rat copulatory behavior.

BackgroundCyperus esculentus tubers (tiger nut) are one of the ancient food sources known to humanity. It is traditionally used in the Middle East to stimulate sexual arousal in men. However, there has been no scientific evidence about its assumed aphrodisiac properties. This study aimed to investigate the influence of tiger nut on the copulatory behavior of sexually active male rats.MethodsTwo sets of sexually active male rats -highly active and moderately active- were identified depending on baseline sexual activity. Rats in each set were randomly divided into a control and treated groups. Highly active rats were treated with doses of 1 and 2 g/kg/d of raw tiger nut powder, while moderately active rats were treated with a dose of 2 g/kg/d. After 30 days’ treatment, copulatory behavior and serum hormonal levels were measured and compared between the groups within each experimental set. Phytochemical analyses including liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry and atomic absorption were performed to elucidate the main constituents of tiger nut that may be responsible for altering serum hormones.ResultsTiger nut stimulated sexual motivation in both highly and moderately active rats, indicated by reduced mount and intromission latencies in these rats compared to controls. Furthermore, tiger nut improved sexual performance, indicated by increased intromission frequency and ratio, in treated moderately active rats compared to controls. Serum testosterone levels increased significantly after tiger nut administration. Lastly, phytochemical analyses revealed the presence of quercetin, vitamin C, vitamin E, and mineral zinc in tiger nut.ConclusionsTiger nut has positive effects on the copulatory behavior of adult male rats.