Taro Research Articles

Agro-Morphological Parameters and Yield of Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Under Endogenous Soil Fertility Management Practices in the North Sudanian Zone of Burkina Faso

In the commune of Sourgoubila, province of Kourwéogo (Burkina Faso), taro production by women is a long-standing practice that takes place on degraded land that they have reclaimed through endogenous agricultural practices. The objective of this study is to assess the effects of different soil fertility management practices and to determine the agro-morphological parameters and yield of taro under endogenous soil fertility management practices. To this end, soil sampling was initially conducted in soils under sustainable land management practices in the villages of Sourgoubila and Guèla. Subsequently, morphological parameters and taro yield were determined under endogenous soil fertility management practices for a period of two years. Regardless of the site, the endogenous practices employed by women to reclaim degraded soils under taro cultivation resulted in a 162% increase in total soil carbon and a 0.54 unit increase in pH. The endogenous soil fertility management practices employed at Guèla and Sourgoubila resulted in a significant increase in the assimilable phosphorus content, with a 60% increase observed at Guèla and a 246% increase observed at Sourgoubila, in comparison to the soil without management. The most favourable growth parameters were identified with the endogenous soil fertility management practices employed by women at the Sourgoubila site, regardless of the type of variables observed. The plant height exhibited a range of 85 to 105 cm at Sourgoubila and 76 to 96 cm at Guèla in 2022 and 2023, respectively. On average, the height of taro plants increased by 24.60% annually. The leaf length and width exhibited a range of 35 to 40 cm, with an average leaf length increasing by 11.36% per year. The number of pups varied from 5 to 8, with an annual decrease of 24%. The results indicate that there is no significant difference between the two sites in terms of yield, with an average yield of 10 t/ha. The reclamation of degraded land for taro ............

Structural Characteristics and Immunological Function of a New Non-Starch Polysaccharide from Red Sprout Taro

Taro is a tuber crop that is used for nutritional and medicinal purposes due to its abundance of non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs). Red Sprout taro is a local variety in Southern China, but the characteristics and bioactivities of its NSPs are currently unknown. In this study, NSPs were isolated from the corms of Red Sprout taro using hot-water extraction, ion-exchange chromatography, and ethanol precipitation; their molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, structural formulae, and immunomodulatory effects were examined. A novel NSP named Colocasia esculenta polysaccharide 1 (CEP1) was purified and characterized and was shown to mainly consist of glucose (60.49%) and galactose (25.92%) and have a molecular weight of 4556.272 kDa. The backbone of CEP1 consisted primarily of →4)-α-D-Glcp-(1→, →4,6)-β-D-Galp-(1→, and →3)-β-D-Galp-(1→ residues, with a branch consisting of the β-D-Glcp-(1→ residue. In addition, 25–400 µg/mL CEP1 was shown to have immunomodulatory effects on RAW264.7 macrophages. CEP1 not only increased cell viability, phagocytic capacity, inducible nitric oxide synthase secretion, and nitric oxide generation in RAW264.7 cells, but it also activated M1 and M2 macrophages to generate tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 6, transforming growth factor β, and interleukin 10. These findings could lead to the use of CEP1 from Red Sprout taro as a possible immunomodulatory polysaccharide in functional foods.

The Invisible Tropical Tuber Crop: Edible Aroids (Araceae) Sold as “Tajer” in the Netherlands

AbstractEdible aroids (plants from the family Araceae) are among the top five most cultivated tuber crops globally, but their consumer acceptance is hindered by acridity. Aroids contain sap that severely irritates the throat and lips if not properly processed. However, no in-depth studies exist on acridity in edible aroids and how to diminish it. We used ethnobotanical methods to document the diversity of edible aroids available in the Dutch marketplace and how consumers handle acridity. We grew corms in a greenhouse to obtain additional morphological information and used flow cytometry to assess ploidy. We collected 73 samples and interviewed 71 people. At least three species, Colocasia esculenta, Xanthosoma violaceum, and Caladium bicolor, were sold under the generic name “tajer.” Different plant parts with various forms of processing were imported from diverse geographic origins and sold mainly to immigrant customers. Interviewees mentioned various processing methods to avoid and reduce acridity. We distinguished nine cultivar groups of Colocasia esculenta and four of Xanthosoma violaceum. Both Colocasia esculenta and Xanthosoma violaceum were also cultivated in Dutch greenhouses. We present the first report on edible aroids cultivation in northern Europe and draw attention to the lack of labeling and cooking instructions.

An Ultra‐Sensitive Electrochemical Sensor for Nitrite Based on Green Synthesized Gold Nanoparticles Using Colocasia Esculenta Extract

AbstractSeeking to establish a novel, eco‐friendly and ultra‐ sensitive electrochemical nitrite sensor, we have fabricated fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) electrode with green synthesized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) from gold salt and taro plant (Colocasia esculenta) extract (Taro_AuNPs/FTO). Different morphological and elemental analysis were conducted to undermine morphological condition and shapes of AuNPs. Further, electrochemical studies were performed for enabling observation on the modification as well as interaction between nitrite ion and AuNPs on the modified FTO. Furthermore, the performance of Taro_AuNPs/FTO sensor was evaluated using DPV technique and the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.923 nmol L−1 (S/N=3) having sensitivity of 0.00503 μA mM−1 cm−2 within 5–500 μmol L−1. Additionally, an insightful mechanistic overview was highlighted about interacting nitrite on the modified electrode surface. Finally, interference test, stability, reproducibility and real sample analysis were conducted to establish the effectiveness of Taro_AuNPs/FTO electrochemical senor for environmental application.

Ameliorative effects of aqueous extract of Colocasia esculenta leaf against lipopolysaccharide-induced prefrontal cortex damage in mice

IntroductionThe prefrontal cortex (PFC), crucial for cognition and memory, occupies a third of the cerebral cortex. This study investigated the protective effects of aqueous extract of Colocasia esculenta leaf (AECEL) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced PFC damage in mice.Methods42 male Swiss albino mice (18–22 g) were divided into six groups. Group A: healthy controls. Groups B-F received daily intraperitoneal LPS injections (0.5 mg/kg) for seven days. Group B: received distilled water, (2 ml) subsequently. Groups C-E: AECEL at 400, 600, and 800 mg/kg, respectively. Group F: donepezil (DPZ, 2.5 mg/kg) by oral gavage. All treatments continued for 28 days.ResultsLPS exposure significantly increased brain oxidative stress markers and reduced antioxidant enzymes compared to controls (p < 0.05). AECEL and DPZ administration significantly reduced brain oxidative stress markers and reduced antioxidant enzymes, as well as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 levels (p < 0.05) compared to LPS ONLY group. Y-maze testing revealed decreased alternation (%) in the LPS group compared to controls (p < 0.05). Based on Y-maze performance, AECEL at 400 mg/kg emerged as the most effective dose, significantly improving alternation (%) compared to both LPS and LPS + DPZ groups (p < 0.05). Bielschowsky staining showed senile plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the LPS group.ConclusionLPS induced PFC damage. Among the tested doses, AECEL at 600 mg/kg demonstrated the most effective improvement in cognitive function, memory, and anxiety-like behaviors as measured by the Y-maze test.

Colocasia esculenta Leaf Extract Mitigates Hippocampal Injury Caused by Lipopolysaccharide in Mice

Colocasia esculenta Leaf Extract Mitigates Hippocampal Injury Caused by Lipopolysaccharide in Mice

Unveiling Taro's (Colocasia esculenta) potential as a source of antioxidants and nutritional elements: Industrial impact on quantitative risk assessment of potentially toxic metals accumulation

With rapid industrialization and urbanization, persistent potential toxic elements in the human food chain have become a burning concern to international communities. The present study investigates the potential of an underutilized orphan root crop, Taro (Colocasia esculenta), as a possible source of bioactive compounds –phenolics (180.56-17.66 mg GAE/100g sample) and flavonoids (50.37-21.93 mg QE/100 g sample)–, antioxidants and minerals (Mg: 183.33-75, P: 203-73, Ca: 740-46 and Na: 393-133.33 mg/kg) to promote its utilization in food industries. In addition, this study estimated the levels of potential toxic metals in corm samples collected from industrially active: Jute industry sites (JTS), Textile sites (TXS), Tannery sites (TNS), Chemical industry sites (CMS), Feed industry sites (FDS), and inactive: Residential site (RDS) regions of Jashore, Bangladesh and assessed the associated human health risks. ICP-OES was used to analyze the samples, and the probable human health risk was evaluated using the estimated Hazard Index (HI) and Lifetime cancer risk (LcR). The concentration of the studied toxic metals, such as Cr, Cd, and Pb, and potentially toxic metals, such as Zn, Ni, Fe, Cu, and Mn, ranged as 1.8-19.33, ND, ND-6.33, 3.23-146.67, ND-29.16, 5.43-3583.33, 4.43-266.67, and 0.45-7.3 in taro corm samples and 2.76-42.33, ND-1.26, ND-153.33, 3.27-163.33, 32.67-55.67, 436.67-7666.67, 1.47-9.47, and 4.16-213.33 mg/kg, respectively, in the associated soil samples. HI values greater than unity in RDS, JTS, FDS, TNS, and CMS indicated the associated non-carcinogenic risk to adults. In addition, LcR showed that all the samples pose an associated cancer risk. Furthermore, multivariate analysis revealed three principal components explaining 86.69 % of the total variance, while there were two significant clusters of the taro samples. Overall, this study demonstrated the potential of taro corms as a valuable source of advantageous phytochemicals while confirming the effect of industrialization on the accumulation of potentially toxic metals and their phytochemicals. This study underscores the necessity of continuous monitoring by regulatory authorities to prevent metal deposition in farmlands from industrialization and urbanization through sewage, agrochemicals, and industrial wastewater to avoid adverse health consequences.

Effect of different levels of fertilizer and plant spacing on yield of taro (Colocasia esculenta L.) under Marathwada conditions

Effect of different levels of fertilizer and plant spacing on yield of taro (Colocasia esculenta L.) under Marathwada conditions

Effect of different levels of fertilizer and plant spacing on growth of taro (Colocasia esculenta L.) genotype under Marathwada conditions

Effect of different levels of fertilizer and plant spacing on growth of taro (Colocasia esculenta L.) genotype under Marathwada conditions

Bioplastic films from starch of Colocasia esculenta and its waste: A smart template for sensing applications

The over usage plastics have possessed serious threat to the ecological system. Thus progressive advancement in fabricating biodegradable and renewable bioplastics is persuasively required to furnish an effective alternative to non-biodegradable plastics. In this view, the current work highlights the production of starch based bioplastic films using waste Colocasia esculenta (taro herb) as a viable starting precursor. The functional ability of developed taro starch based film was further modified by incorporating carbon dots (CQDs) fillers generated from the waste slurry produced during starch extraction from taro herbs. The optimization of films production was achieved by varying the CQDs amount (0.4 %, 0.8 %, 2 % and 4 % w/w) on taro-based films using casting technology. The data illustrates that the addition of CQDs has the ability to enhance the fluorescence property, mechanical properties (Tensile Strength 0.332–4.635 MPa, Elongation at break 42.45–547.63 %) and water resistance ability of films (Moisture content 15–6.4 %, Water Solubility 50–30 % Water Vapour Transmission Rate 2.0012–1.0054 g−2 h−1 and Water Contact Angle 40.6–89.6°). The developed films are found to be thermally stable. The formed films possessed anti-oxidative abilities which safeguard the film from oxidative attacks and ultimately protect the film from the external environment. The fluorescence nanosensor probe has further been developed by utilizing CQDs embedded in a starch-based bioplastic nanocomposite. The developed sensor displayed selective sensing ability towards Fe2+ ion with high sensitivity and accuracy in aqueous medium. Thus, the proposed sensor in this work offers a portable, efficient, low-cost, disposable, non-lethal, and eco-friendly nanosensor for on-site monitoring of metal ion for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. This is one of the primary reports where metal ions sensing is reported for Taro@CQDs nanocomposites based films. Our outcomes of this work hold significant relevance to providing a smart sensory and biodegradable probe for metal ion sensing by using waste resources, thus offering a better and sustainable alternative for environmental remediation applications.

A comparative study on utilization of different plant-derived nanomucilage as a fat replacer in yogurt: Product optimization, physicochemical attributes, shelf-life evaluation, and consumer perception with market orientation

This study investigated the utilization of various plant-derived sources for the extraction of nanomucilage as a fat substitute in yogurt production. Colocasia esculenta rhizome mucilage (CEM), Cordia dichotoma fruit mucilage (CDM), and Psyllium husk mucilage (PHM) were extracted using different extraction process and spray drier was utilized to acquire nanomucilage with nano-scaled particles (100–300 nm). Seven different types of yogurts were prepared with the addition of varied mucilage concentrations (1–10 % w/v). Results showed that yogurt with 4.5 % PHM exhibited suitable viscosity, higher water holding capacity, and reduced syneresis over the 16 days of storage. Furthermore, selected sample revealed similar physicochemical, textural, and color attributes as compared to control full fat and skimmed milk yogurt. Moreover, this study revealed that consumers highly accepted mucilage formulated yogurt, with a mean score of 97.16 ± 1.58 %. Overall, nanomucilage can potentially utilized as a sustainable biomaterial for the production of low-fat yogurt.

Facile Synthesis of Colocasia esculenta Peels‐Derived Activated Carbon for High‐Performance Supercapacitor

ABSTRACTBiomass and biowaste resources can be used to create self‐doped carbon with a distinctive microstructure. Using an economical and environmentally friendly method to create heteroatom‐doped carbon electrode materials with excellent electrochemical performance has attracted much attention in the energy storage industry. A novel facile two‐step, low‐cost, and eco‐friendly synthesis method for Colocasia esculenta peels has been developed to manufacture activated carbon (CEPAC) and used as an electrode material for supercapacitor application. The CEPAC 1:1 displayed a high specific surface area of 910 m2/g with oxygen‐heteroatom polar sites in the carbon network. A specific capacitance of 525.3 F/g was recorded in the three‐electrode system using a 3 M KOH solution. The assembled symmetric cell delivered an impressive specific capacitance of 98.7 F/g at 1 A/g while maintaining 98.4% of the initially recorded capacitance after 10 000 charge–discharge cycles. These results present a promising low‐cost and simple processing route for synthesizing electrode materials with superior surface properties for high‐performance supercapacitors.

Exploring the potential of taro (Colocasia esculenta) starch: Recent developments in modification, health benefits, and food industry applications

AbstractTaro is a tropical plant and an underutilized root crop that has a good source of carbohydrate. Taro tuber contains 70%–80% of starch on dry basis. This review highlights the extraction of taro starch, latest advancements in the modification such as physical, chemical and enzymatic modification of taro starch. Furthermore, after modification of taro starch, molecular weight and amylopectin branch chain length distribution, granular shape, percentage crystallinity, swelling and solubilization, pasting and thermal properties and in vitro digestibility of taro starch were significantly affected. Additionally, researchers have explored novel methods to modify the physicochemical characteristics of taro starch, enhancing its functionality as a thickening, gelling, and stabilizing agent in various food formulations. However, fabrication of nanoparticles from taro starch was also studies. Various health benefits of taro starch have been reported in this study. One significant health benefit of taro starch is its potential to improve blood sugar management. Furthermore, the versatility of taro starch in food applications has expanded, ranging from traditional staples to modern convenience foods. Its gluten‐free nature makes it an attractive option for individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. Taro starch is increasingly incorporated into bakery products, snacks, noodles, and as a thickening agent in soups and sauces. The unique sensory attributes and nutritional profile of taro starch contribute to the development of novel, health‐conscious food products that cater to evolving consumer preferences.

Characterization of Two Novel Viruses Within a Complex Virome from Flowering Ginger in Hawaii.

Flowering ginger (Alpinia purpurata) is economically and culturally important in Hawaii. In the past decade, a slow decline syndrome has impacted the production of this crop in the state. RNA sequencing analyses and virus indexing surveys were done on samples collected from four of the Hawaiian Islands. Viral sequences corresponding to six viruses were recovered from transcriptomic data from samples with virus-like symptoms. Canna yellow mottle virus (CaYMV, genus Badnavirus) and two novel viruses, Alpinia vein clearing virus (ApVCV, genus Ampelovirus) and Alpinia vein streaking virus (ApVSV, genus Betanucleorhabdovirus), were found at a moderate incidence in diseased plants. Conversely, three other viruses, including the two potyviruses, banana bract mosaic virus and bean common mosaic virus, and a badnavirus, banana streak GF virus, were also found but at a low incidence. Virus detection in potential insect vectors and transmission assays identified the mealybug Planococcus citri as a vector of CaYMV and ApVCV, whereas the aphid Pentalonia caladii was identified as a vector of the novel ApVSV. Both P. citri and P. caladii are common pests of flowering ginger in Hawaii. Transmission of ApVSV was achieved using P. caladii colonies either established in the laboratory or naturally feeding on infected plants, although no transmission was obtained using viruliferous aphids originally reared on taro (Colocasia esculenta). Our study provides insights into the potential association between viral infections and the observed decline symptoms of flowering ginger in Hawaii. However, more definitive studies are needed to link single or mixed viral infections with decline symptoms.

Characterization of Taro (Colocasia esculenta) stolon polysaccharide and evaluation of its potential as a tablet binder in the formulation of matrix tablet

This investigation focuses on the extraction, characterization, and evaluation of taro (Colocasia esculenta) stolon polysaccharide (TSP) as a tablet binding agent, which is obtained from edible taro stolon. TSP was subjected to phytochemical screening and characterized by FTIR, DSC, TGA, DTA, XRD, particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, rheological behavior, and SEM. The tablets prepared with varying concentrations of TSP (2.5 %, 5 %, 7.5 %, and 10 % w/w) and diclofenac sodium (DS) were evaluated and compared with the same concentrations of gum acacia and PVP K-30. The presence of carbohydrates was confirmed by Molisch's test. The FTIR spectra established the compatibility of the drug with excipients. The SEM images revealed asymmetric and elongated particles of TSP powder. The hydration kinetics study showed matrix hydration and water penetration velocity within the range of 0.602–0.753 g/g and 0.112–0.189 cm/g.h, respectively. The tablets showed drug release of >75 % at 45 min. The release-exponent value above 0.89 indicated a super case II drug transport combining matrix erosion and diffusion. Optimum tablet hardness and very low friability, even at 2.5 % binder concentration, suggested the potential application of the novel TSP as a tablet binder in the formulation of the tablets.

In-Vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant Potential of Colocasia esculenta Corms

Introduction: Colocasia esculenta Linn (family: Araceae; synonym: Arum esculentum Linn; Taro) is one of the most important tubers crops worldwide and has been employed for medicinal applications for a significant period. Traditionally, in Indian and Chinese medicine, taro is utilized for many years for medicinal applications such as hypoglycaemic, antifungal, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, and nervine tonic Taking into consideration the traditional claims, C. esculenta has the potential to be a useful for antioxidant activity. With this perspective in mind, the current research aimed to investigate the antioxidant potential of C. esculenta corms. Method: In vitro antioxidant activity aqueous extract of C. esculenta corms was studied by DPPH method. Ascorbic acid was used as a reference standard. The absorbance of various concentrations of corm extract and ascorbic acid were measured by using UV–Visible Spectrophotometer and the percent radical scavenging activity (% RSA) of the DPPH free radical was measured. Results: The Radical scavenging activity of corm extract of C. esculenta at 400μg/mL was found to be 80.33% at absorbance 0.142. The IC50 value of C. esculenta was found to be 120.16μg/mL which was calculated by using y = 0.0952x+38.56 equation. The Radical scavenging activity of Ascorbic acid at 400μg/ml was found to be 87.67% at absorbance 0.089. The IC50 value of Ascorbic acidwas found to be 28.05μg/mL which was calculated by using y = 0.091x+47.43 equation. Conclusion: Our study indicates that the corm extract has the potential as an antioxidant agent, possibly inhibiting DPPH, when compared with standard ascorbic acid. However, the chemical constituents present in the extract such as saponins, steroids, carbohydrates, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids and proteins may be responsible for such activity.

Chemical composition and bio-efficacy of agro-waste plant extracts and their potential as bioinsecticides against Culex pipiens mosquitoes

Mosquitoes are considered one of the most lethal creatures on the planet and are responsible for millions of fatalities annually through the transmission of several diseases to humans. Green trash is commonly employed in agricultural fertilizer manufacturing and microbial bioprocesses for energy production. However, there is limited information available on the conversion of green waste into biocides. This study investigates the viability of utilizing green waste as a new biopesticide against Culex pipiens mosquito larvae. The current study found that plant extracts from Punica granatum (98.4 % mortality), Citrus sinensis (92 % mortality), Brassica oleracea (88 % mortality), Oryza sativa (81.6 % mortality), and Colocasia esculenta (53.6 % mortality) were very good at killing Cx. pipiens larvae 24 h post-treatment. The LC50 values were 314.43, 370.72, 465.59, 666.67, and 1798.03 ppm for P. granatum, C. sinensis, B. oleracea, O. sativa, and C. esculenta, respectively. All plant extracts, particularly P. granatum extract (14.93 and 41.87 U/g), showed a significant reduction in acid and alkaline phosphate activity. Additionally, pomegranate extract showed a significant decrease (90 %) in field larval density, with a stability of up to five days post-treatment. GC–MS results showed more chemical classes, such as terpenes, esters, fatty acids, alkanes, and phenolic compounds. HPLC analysis revealed that the analyzed extracts had a high concentration of phenolic and flavonoid components. Moreover, there are many variations among these plants in the amount of each compound. The docking interaction showed a simulation of the atomic-level interaction between a protein and a small molecule through the binding site of target proteins, explaining the most critical elements influencing the enzyme's activity or inhibitions. The study's findings showed that the various phytochemicals found in agro-waste plants had high larvicidal activity and provide a safe and efficient substitute to conventional pesticides for pest management, as well as a potential future in biotechnology.

Starch from Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott of purple and white esculenta varieties: Thermal, technological properties, and morphological study

The high demand for starch in the food industry drives the search for new alternative sources for extraction. In this regard, Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott, an edible root, is a promising alternative source for starch extraction. This study focused on correlating the technological and thermal properties with the microstructure and size distribution of starch from white and purple varieties. Starch granules with high thermal stability (132-258.3 °C) and good digestibility based on granule size (0.79-4.05 µm) were obtained. It was demonstrated that larger starch granules exhibit higher water absorption capacity (WAC) (139±0.53%). Moreover, the increase in WAC results in a higher gelatinization temperature (76.1±0.3 °C), which is favorable as it allows the use of this starch in food processing at high temperatures.

Potential of Dioscorea spp. for Bioethanol Production Using Separate Hydrolysis and Fermentation Method

Thailand is globally recognized for its rich biodiversity, a characteristic that extends to the diverse species of indigenous yams within the Dioscorea spp. genus. With the energy crisis, the selection of agricultural materials for ethanol production to replace the use of economic crops is therefore necessary. This research focuses on six specific yam varieties: Amorphophallus konjac, Colocasia esculenta, Dioscorea bulbifera, Dioscorea alata, Dioscorea hispida, and Dioscorea esculenta. The primary objective is to investigate their bioethanol productivity through the implementation of a separate hydrolysis and fermentation process, with the broader aim of contributing to the potential preservation of these invaluable indigenous yam species. Initiating the study, the experimental samples underwent hydrolysis by alpha-amylase enzyme (1% w/winitial starch) for 180 min, followed by glucoamylase enzyme (1% w/winitial starch) for an additional 72 h. Post the initial hydrolysis, the detection of small molecule sugars by high-performance liquid chromatography, revealed a range of 14.49 ± 1.10 to 28.89 ± 0.03 gtotal sugar/L, with maltose emerging as the predominant sugar compound. Subsequent to the second hydrolysis, it was observed that maltose and starch residues across all six samples underwent successful digestion. The peak glucose productivity was attained at the 12-h mark post-glucoamylase hydrolysis. Among the diverse yam varieties under examination, Dioscorea hispida exhibited the highest glucose production, showcasing a hydrolysis efficiency of 62.53 ± 2.08%. Following the fermentation process with S. cerevisiae, the optimal fermentation time was identified as 72 h, at which point all available glucose in the hydrolysate was fully utilized. The bioethanol productivity spanned from 32.31 ± 3.40 to 43.66 ± 0.02 g/L, with Dioscorea hispida demonstrating the highest ethanol productivity at 0.61 ± 0.00 g/L/h, and a yield of 0.42 ± 0.01 gEtOH/gGlucose. These findings underscore the potential of Dioscorea hispida as a promising contributor to bioethanol production.

Development of probiotic functional food and evaluation of its functional properties

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that enhance human health by improving intestinal microbial balance. It helps in improving digestive health, enhances immunity, and improves psychiatric health, cardiac health and weight management. The present study explores the potential of using probiotic microorganisms from lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) and colocasia (Colocasia esculenta) leaves as sources for starter culture bacteria for curd preparation. Four types of curd were developed: cow's milk with colocasia leaf starter culture (MC), cow's milk with lotus leaf starter culture (ML), red sorghum and cow's milk mixture with colocasia leaf starter (MRC), and red sorghum and cow's milk mixture with lotus leaf starter (MRL). Metagenomic analysis showed that MC curd contained Acetobacter sp., (51%), Lactococcus sp., (26%), and Leuconostoc sp., (18%), while ML curd had Lactococcus sp., (67%), Leuconostoc sp. (20%), and Lactobacillus sp., (10%). Physicochemical study of MRC and MRL showed 2.94 ± 0.84 % and 2.84 ± 0.14 % of carbohydrate content, respectively. The analysis of MRC and MRL showed a significant increase in the color parameter “a*” probably due to the presence of anthocyanin in red sorghum milk. The MRC and MRL showed higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The MRL curd showed the highest glucose uptake and cytotoxicity in the L6 cell line and also demonstrated potent α-amylase inhibition (IC50 = 2.383 ± 0.286 μg/ml) compared to MRC (IC50 = 13.02 ± 0.112 μg/ml). Thus, in-vitro anti-diabetic activity of red sorghum-fortified curds was found superior to MC and ML curds. This study suggests that red sorghum fortification enhances curd quality and provides notable health benefits.