Structural and morphological modulation of the myocardium by Dioscorea bulbifera saponins in experimentally induced cardiotoxicity.

Electrocatalytic potentials of biochars derived from Dioscorea bulbifera peel for hydrogen evolution reactions- experimental and tight binding quantum chemical study.

The double-edged sword of Dioscorea bulbifera L.: Recent advances in its pharmacological benefits and hepatotoxicity, and the quest for detoxification strategies.

The aim of this work was to develop a low-glycemic-index, gluten-free biscuit by completely replacing wheat flour with flours from three local food plants, namely dana (Dioscorea bulbifera), tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus), and a fatty composition consisting of a 50/50 blend of avocado (Persea americana) and margarine. Using an extreme summit mixture design, nine formulation trials (M1 to M9) were conducted on which the nutritional, functional, and antinutritional properties were assessed. The same design was used to define the optimal formulation according to nutritional composition and sensory appeal. This optimal formulation was characterized as previously described and its glycemic load was also determined using standardized protocols. These analyses showed that the nine mixtures (M1 to M9) obtained had fiber, starch, and reducing sugar content ranging from 10.4% to 14.3%, 13.32% to 29.49%, and 1.26% to 2.98%, respectively. Analysis of the optimal biscuit with a ratio of 58.40/25/16.6 for tiger nut, dana, and fat showed that the fiber content and energy value were 18.95 g/100 g and 449.86 kcal/100 g, respectively. The oil to water absorption capacity ratio was 1.13 ± 0.37 with a pH of 6.49 ± 0.01. The glycemic index of the biscuit was 53.81 ± 5.48 with a glycemic load of 3.4 ± 0.56. In conclusion, the formulated biscuit exhibits favorable nutritional characteristics and a low glycemic index making it a promising future alternative as a snack for people at risk of diabetes.

Diosgenin, a steroid with multiple pharmacological properties such as anti-cancerous, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, etc., is primarily derived from Dioscorea species, and represents an important component of steroidal medications. Due to its economic importance and rising demand, identifying sustainable alternative sources of diosgenin is imperative. Endophytes, a group of plant-associated microbial communities inhabiting the internal tissues of plants, have been reported to produce a wide range of bioactive compounds, including host metabolites. The study is aimed at bioprospecting of bacterial endophytes from Dioscorea bulbifera (air potato), an underutilized tuber crop collected from Chhattisgarh for the production of diosgenin. Eleven bacterial endophytes were isolated from the bulbs of D. bulbifera, and based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, were identified as belonging to five genera: Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Priestia, and Staphylococcus. Subsequently, a preliminary screening of their crude extracts for diosgenin production was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The Pseudomonas aeruginosa D3 crude extract was found to have FTIR spectra similar to that of standard diosgenin. The endophyte-mediated diosgenin production was further confirmed by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS) analysis. This is the first report of diosgenin production by a bacterial endophyte of D. bulbifera, and highlights the potential of exploring endophytes as a promising alternative source for plant metabolites.

ABSTRACT In 2021, Lilioceris egena (Weise) was introduced in Florida as a biocontrol agent of the air potato vine, Dioscorea bulbifera L. This beetle feeds primarily on the vine’s aerial reproductive structures known as bulbils. Due to Florida’s latitudinal gradient, the state experiences a wide range of temperatures that can affect the reproduction of L. egena. To understand the impact of temperature on L. egena’s reproduction, we evaluated oviposition, development, and fecundity life table parameters at five constant temperatures (10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 °C). Adult beetles held at 25 and 30 °C laid significantly more eggs than those held at 15 and 20 °C, whereas no eggs were laid at 10 °C. The optimal temperature for oviposition ranged from 26.2 – 27.1 °C. Only eggs held at 20 and 25 °C reached adulthood, with those at 25 °C developing twice as fast as those kept at 20 °C. Beetles maintained at 25 °C exhibited the longest oviposition period and the highest intrinsic rate of increase. Additionally, we monitored the longevity and survival of L. egena adults feeding solely on air potato leaves, bulbils, and a combination of both. These structures correspond to different phenological stages of air potato. Beetles that fed exclusively on leaves had the longest lifespan and survival. Our results provide a better understanding of L. egena biology under different temperatures, its response to air potato phenology, and a foundation for future research towards increasing its population growth and establishment in Florida.

The current study presents a sustainable mechanochemical method for synthesizing starch nanoparticles from underutilised yams Dioscorea bulbifera and Dioscorea esculenta. The starch nanoparticles were prepared via wet ball-milling (BM) of Dioscorea bulbifera starch (DBS) and Dioscorea esculenta starch (DES). The influence of mechanochemical alteration upon the structural and techno-functional attributes of DBS and DES was analyzed. SEM revealed that BM resulted in the fragmentation and surface roughening of DBS and DES. The FTIR and Raman spectra confirmed that the BM disintegrated DBS and DES, as evidenced by an increase in the intensity of the FTIR signal at 2932 cm−1 and a decrease in the Raman band at 480 cm−1. 13C NMR and XRD results showed that BM increased the amorphous nature of DBS and DES. BM significantly improved (p < 0.05) apparent amylose content, digestibility, oil absorption capacity, water absorption capacity, and significantly reduced (p < 0.05) gelatinization enthalpy of DBS and DES. Rheology evaluation showed that BM enhanced the viscoelasticity of DBS and DES. Collectively, these results demonstrate that BM altered the structural and techno-functional attributes of DBS and DES, thereby enabling them to be employed as fillers in sustainable edible packaging.

Unveiling the genetic diversity and population structure in Dioscorea bulbifera L. accessions from the southernmost state Kerala, India

Auricularia auricula polysaccharide attenuates Rhizoma Dioscorea bulbifera decoction-induced hepatotoxicity by regulating the TNF-α/PI3K/AKT pathway and gut microbiota.

Impact of drying method on extraction, and characterization of protein extracted from the bulbils of air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) and the synthesis of protein gel

Aerial yam (Dioscorea bulbifera) is an underutilized tuber with considerable nutritional and functional potential that could contribute to dietary diversification and food security in Nigeria. This study evaluated the mineral composition, vitamin profile and functional properties of aerial yam flour used as meals in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Standard analytical procedures prescribed by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) were employed. Potassium was determined using flame photometry, while calcium, magnesium, iron, chlorine, manganese and iodine were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Vitamins analyzed included thiamine (vitamin B₁), riboflavin (vitamin B₂), pyridoxine (vitamin B₆), folate (vitamin B₉), and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) using established methods. Functional properties such as bulk density, water absorption capacity, emulsification capacity, foaming capacity, oil absorption capacity and least gelation capacity were evaluated. Data were analyzed using SPSS and presented as mean ± standard error. Comparative analysis showed significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) between aerial yam flour and control corn flour. Aerial yam flour had significantly higher chlorine content (38.97 ± 0.01 mg/100 g) but lower iron, potassium, calcium, manganese and iodine contents compared to corn flour, while magnesium levels were comparable. Vitamin analysis indicated that aerial yam flour is a good source of vitamin C but contained lower levels of vitamins A, B-complex (B₁, B₂, B₆, B₉), and vitamin B₁₂. Functional property evaluation revealed high bulk density (0.88 ± 0.01 g/ml), high water absorption capacity (75.37 ± 0.02%), and strong gelation ability, indicating suitability for moisture-rich and thickened food formulations.

Fever, or pyrexia, is defined as an elevation in body temperature beyond normal physiological limits and pain an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience occur in some types of fever. Dioscorea bulbifera leaves are traditionally used for managing fever with aches and pain as per Siddha Literature. Based on these traditional claims, the present study aimed to scientifically evaluate the antipyretic and analgesic activities of Diacorea bulbifera leaf decoction using experimental animal models. For antipyretic activity, 18 male Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: control, standard, and test. Fever was induced using 15% w/v Brewer's yeast administered subcutaneously. After 18 hours, rectal temperatures were recorded at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes following treatment. The control group received 1 ml/kg normal saline, the standard group received paracetamol syrup, and the test group received Diacorea bulbifera leaf decoction according to standard dose calculation. For analgesic activity, 18 female Wistar albino rats were divided similarly, and the tail immersion method was used. Tail withdrawal times were recorded at 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after administering saline, diclofenac and diascorea bulbifera decoction. The Dioscorea bulbifera decoction significantly reduced fever, showing effects comparable to paracetamol after 90 minutes. It also exhibited notable analgesic activity from the 60th minute onward, with stronger and longer-lasting effects than diclofenac. Dioscorea bulbifera leaf decoction demonstrates significant antipyretic and analgesic effects, supporting its traditional use in treating fever and pain.

Dioscorea bulbifera (air potato), a climbing perennial of the Dioscoreaceae family, is widely distributed in tropical regions and valued in Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and African ethnomedicine for managing inflammatory, infectious, metabolic, and neoplastic disorders. This systematic review critically evaluates its phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology. Primary metabolites contribute to its nutritional value, whereas secondary metabolites-predominantly steroidal saponins, flavonoids, and diterpenoids from bulbils and tubers-underlie its wide range of reported bioactivities. African accessions are rich in clerodane diterpenoids, while Asian ones are rich in saponins and flavonoids, underscoring the need for comparative metabolomic and chemotaxonomic studies.Preclinical studies confirm antiproliferative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective effects. However, furanoid diterpenoids, particularly diosbulbin B and 8-epidiosbulbin E acetate, have been shown to induce hepatotoxicity, with additional risks of nephrotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, gastrointestinal irritation, and thyroid dysfunction. Traditional processing methods, such as boiling and roasting, as well as co-administration with protective herbs, mitigate toxicity. Despite promising activity, clinical translation remains hindered by phytochemical variability, non-standardised preparations, and the complete absence of human trials. Future research should therefore focus on developing detoxified, standardised extracts supported by pharmacokinetic studies and well-designed randomised controlled trials to establish D. bulbifera as a safe and effective phytotherapeutic agent.

Contamination of soils and food crops around the Ugwuaji dumpsite in Enugu State, Nigeria was evaluated. Zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and cadmium (Cd) were determined in seventy-three (73) samples, which included pre-planting and post-harvest soils, control soils, ash from the New Artisan abattoir, and edible parts of Dioscorea bulbifera, Zea mays, and Telfairia occidentalis. Samples were digested with aqua regia and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The analytical recovery was 96% with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 5.7%. Soil properties showed pH values between 5.2-6.7 (slightly acidic), cation exchange capacity (CEC) of 8.7-14.5 cmol/kg, and organic matter contents of 1.84-3.92%. Post-harvest soils recorded 11.33 ± 2.51 mg/kg higher concentrations of Zn and 4.64 ± 0.69 mg/kg of Cu compared to control soils, while Fe decreased to 735.47 ± 73.20 mg/kg. Cadmium was detected in one soil sample (1.14 mg/kg) and in T. occidentalis (0.02-2.03 mg/kg), but was not detected in D. bulbifera and Z. mays. Pollution indices revealed high Cd contamination with enrichment factor (EF &gt; 10), geoaccumulation index (Igeo &gt; 2), contamination factor (CF &gt; 6), and a pollution load index (PLI) of 1.65. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) of Zn in T. occidentalis was 3.98 with a translocation factor (TF) of 1.87, showing strong accumulation. Estimated daily intake (EDI) and total hazard index (THI) for adults were low (0.00042-0.00057), while children showed high THI values of 4.28 for Z. mays and 4.54 for D. bulbifera. Structural equation modeling indicated that soil pH (? = -0.62) influenced Cd mobility and its accumulation in T. occidentalis (? = 0.58), contributing to child-specific health risk (? = 0.79). These results highlight the need for risk control measures, including regulated ash application and crop-specific monitoring in waste-affected farmlands.

The family Noctuidae comprises species whose larval stages affect various crops of agricultural interest. In the Gramazú area, Oxapampa district, Oxapampa province, Pasco department (Perú), dark-colored larvae were found feeding on the leaves of air potato (Dioscorea bulbifera L.). In response, the objective of this research was to identify the insect species based on its external morphological characteristics. The study followed a qualitative approach and was observational in nature; thus, a photographic record was made of the larval stages found on D. bulbifera leaves. The observed characteristics were compared with specialized scientific literature for taxonomic identification. According to the results, the insect’s larval stage corresponded to the species Spodoptera eridania (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). In conclusion, S. eridania was identified as a potential pest of Dioscoreaceae in Gramazú.

Schisantherin A alleviates hepatotoxicity induced by diosbulbin B in mice via suppressing metabolic activation of diosbulbin B.

Just like breathing, food is vital for the proper functioning of our bodies and our lives. Food security is essential for every human being to meet their nutritional and functional needs. It remains a major concern in developing countries. Ensuring global food and nutritional security remains a major challenge, particularly in developing countries facing climate change and resource limitations. To address this, the valorization of underutilized local crops such as Dioscorea bulbifera (aerial yam) is crucial. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, and therapeutic and technological potentials of Dioscorea bulbifera. It reports a richness in carbohydrates and minerals such as potassium in dana tubers. It highlights that boiling, steaming, and roasting enhance its functional and antioxidant properties, while fermentation and sulfiting improve its bioavailability and safety especially minerals and protein digestibility. Furthermore, Dioscorea bulbifera flour demonstrates strong potential for gluten-free and composite bakery formulations according to his starch content and functional properties especially water retention and resistance to shear stress. These findings underscore the crop’s value as a sustainable ingredient for functional food development and nutritional security.

Effects of two culinary treatments (boiling and roasting) on the nutritional composition, functional and antioxidant properties of aerial yam (Dioscorea bulbifera) bulbils

The study evaluated some amino acids (isoleucine, alanine, valine, glycine and histidine) in twentyeight accessions of Dioscorea bulbifera L. Most accessions of D. bulbifera grows in the wild while some accessions are grown by farmers but has been neglected for food. Standard procedures were followed in the determination of the isoleucine, alanine, valine, glycine and histidine contents in D. bulbifera accessions. The study revealed that the amino acids content of D. bulbifera varied across the different accessions. The TDb3087 accession had the highest isoleucine, alanine, valine, glycine and histidine contents compared to other accessions while TDb3691 accession recorded the least value. However, the values for accessions TDb3082 and TDb3087 are not significantly different but are significantly different from other accessions. Alanine content was higher compared to other amino acids in all the D. bulbifera accessions assessed. Dioscorea bulbifera is rich in amino acids, inclusion of D. bulbifera in our diet will help meet our dietary requirements of amino acids. Its cultivation by farmers should be encouraged and public enlightenment intensified to avoid this species from going into extinction.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the lipid‐lowering potential of Dioscorea bulbifera (Dana) flours subjected to culinary treatments. Two varieties of Dana were boiled and braised and then processed into flours and incorporated at 25% and 50% into the standard diet of rats. Obesity and hyperlipidemia were induced by feeding the animals with a high‐calorie diet. Ninety rats were followed for 4 weeks, and lipid and enzyme parameters were assessed. Braising and boiling supplemented in the diet resulted in a reduction in body weight and an increase in food consumption. Supplementation with Dana flours significantly ( p &lt; 0.05) reduced lipid parameters compared to the control group. The reduction was more pronounced in female than male rats, where values were 76.29 and 70.37 for total cholesterol, 137.15 and 122.18 for triglycerides, and 24.85 and 18.65 mg/dL for LDL‐C, respectively, in male and female rats fed with white braised Dana (WBrD) at 25%. However, the increase was observed with HDL‐C (32.99 mg/dL male rats fed WBrD 50%) comparatively to the positive control group (17.31 mg/dL male rats). No significant adverse effects on renal or hepatic biomarkers were observed. In conclusion, culinary processing enhances the lipid‐lowering potential of Dana, particularly when braised and supplemented at 25%.