Tiger Nut Research Articles

Insights on tiger nut (Cyperus Esculentus L.) oil-loaded microcapsules: characterization and oxidation stability analysis

In this paper, tiger nut oil-loaded microcapsules (TNOMs) were prepared by complexation soybean protein isolate (SPI) and maltodextrin (MD) as wall materials using the spray drying method with tiger nut oil (TNO) as the core material, and its physicochemical properties and stabilities were characterized and analyzed. Under the optimum conditions, the encapsulation efficiency (EE) of TNOMs could reach up to 91.23%. Of note, after 60 days of storage at 60 °C, the peroxide value (PV) of TNO was almost 21.8 times as much as that of TNO encapsulated. Furthermore, TNOMs had good thermal stability below 200 °C and are sufficient for the general food processing needs. By fitting Arrhenius oxidation kinetics model, it was predicted that the shelf life of the product stored at 25 °C was 352.48 d. Therefore, it is promised to be applied to the development of high oleic acid food in the future. This study offered a theoretical framework for utilization and broadening the range of applications of TNO in the food industry.

基于离散元法的油莎豆振动参数标定与试验

In this study, the parameters of tiger nut were calibrated based on discrete element method, and significant influencing factors and optimal levels were selected by Plackett-Burman test, steepest climb test and center compound test, and verified by electromagnetic vibration hopper bench test. The results show that the relative error between the simulated resting angle and the actual resting angle is only 0.381%. The fitting degree of the model is 96.32% and 94.57% respectively, which can provide theoretical basis for the study of the parameters and discrete element simulation of tiger nut.

Proximate, Physical and Sensory Characteristics of Enriched Cake Produced from Wheat and Tiger Nut Flour Blends

Consumers’ attention is shifting towards dietary fiber as more information about its health benefits is unfolding. In Nigeria, owing to the high level of dietary fibre and other inherent nutrients of tigernut, it has been identified as one of the underutilized crops which could be incorporated into cake production. In this study, the effect of substituting tigernut flour for wheat flour on the proximate, physical and sensory properties of cake quality were evaluated. The proximate composition increased with increasing levels of tigernut flour. Crude fibre increased from 1.04 to 2.25%, ashfrom 2.03 to 3.22, crude fat from 4.17 to 7.21 and protein from 10.02-14.53% resulting in a nutritious cake. The physical properties of the cake from the composite flour blends were affected significantly (P ≤0.05) by tigernut substitution. The hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, weight and volume of cakes decreased with increasing tigernut level substitution. Suitable composite cakes which could reduce the incidence of protein-energy malnutrition can be made with up to 20% tigernut flour substitution.

An Innovative Strategy of Comprehensive Utilization of Tiger Nuts (Cyperus esculentus L.): Simultaneous Extraction of Oil and Glucose Syrup by Amylolysis-Assisted Aqueous Extraction Process

An Innovative Strategy of Comprehensive Utilization of Tiger Nuts (Cyperus esculentus L.): Simultaneous Extraction of Oil and Glucose Syrup by Amylolysis-Assisted Aqueous Extraction Process

Harnessing the potential of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) for food and nutritional security, good health, and economic development of Ghana or Africa. A review

Tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentus L.) offer significant benefits for food security, health, and economic growth, particularly in Ghana and Africa. As a nutritious food source, they are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as iron, potassium, and magnesium. Additionally, they contain healthy unsaturated fats and phytochemicals like flavonoids, phenolic acids, and tannins, which combat inflammation, cancer, and act as antioxidants. Beyond their health benefits, tiger nuts have economic potential. They can be processed into value-added products like milk, flour, oil, and snacks. These products find markets both locally and internationally, aiding the economies of tiger nut-producing countries. They offer an alternative sweetener and dairy substitute, beneficial for those with lactose intolerance. Tiger nuts also contribute to agricultural sustainability. Their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen improves soil fertility and crop productivity, benefiting small-scale farmers in developing countries. This can help reduce poverty and enhance food security. Despite these advantages, further research and investment are necessary to fully understand their health impacts and optimize cultivation and processing methods. Such efforts can promote tiger nut production and consumption, particularly in poorer nations, leading to sustainable development and improved livelihoods for farmers and communities. This review aims to highlight how tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentus L.) can enhance food security, health, and economic growth in Ghana and Africa. Tiger nuts are a valuable food source with untapped potential. This review examines the nutrition, health benefits, and economic impact of tiger nuts, especially for small-scale farmers and food availability. This paper underscores the importance of further research and investment in promoting tiger nuts as a valuable resource for Ghana, Africa, and the world.

Operation Mechanism Analysis and Parameter Optimization of Bean Impurity-Separation Device for Tiger Nut Harvester

This study aimed to enhance the efficiency of tiger nut combine harvesters by reducing impurity and loss rates during processing. Scholars focused on analyzing the composition and suspension speed of the bean mixture, leading to the development of a wind-screen impurity-removal method. The wind-screen-type bean-separation device was designed with a cross-flow fan, louver screen, frame, and driving mechanism. Theoretical analysis was employed to discuss the motion characteristics and behavior of the sieve body and material, thereby revealing the screening dynamics of tiger nuts and impurities. Factors such as crank radius, crank speed, and fan speed were identified as crucial for optimizing separation performance. Initial single-factor tests helped narrow down the range of influencing factors. Subsequently, a three-factor, three-level Box–Behnken test was conducted with crank radius, crank speed, and fan speed as variables and impurity rate and loss rate as evaluation indexes. This led to the establishment of a multiple regression equation linking these factors to the evaluation indexes. Through response surface analysis and multi-objective optimization using the regression model, the optimal operational parameters for the device were determined: crank radius of 45 mm, crank speed of 497 r/min, and the fan speed of 1100 r/min. Theoretical calculations predicted an impurity rate of 2.42% and a loss rate of 0.51%. Verification tests confirmed these findings, showing an average impurity rate of 2.53% and a loss rate of 0.56%, which met the mechanized harvesting standards for tiger nuts. Overall, this study introduces a novel method and technical framework for effectively separating tiger nuts from impurities, thereby advancing the mechanization of tiger nut harvesting processes.

Ces44T as an endogenous reference gene in real-time quantitative PCR detection of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) ingredients in food

Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) is a highly adaptable and nutritious plant that can be used to produce health-enhancing food products, edible oil, and functional ingredients. To ensure transparency, reliability, and accurate labeling throughout the food supply chain, accurate methods for identifying food ingredients are indispensable. In this study, the Ces44T gene was identified and validated as the endogenous reference gene for tiger nut. A real-time quantitative PCR assay targeting the Ces44T gene was developed, demonstrating exceptional specificity in distinguishing tiger nut from other plant species, and exhibiting remarkable stability across different tiger nut cultivars. Standard curves were established to validate the reliability and repeatability of the assay, displaying good linearity (R2 > 0.99) and PCR efficiency (90–110 %). The assay was estimated to have a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.0033 ng of tiger nut genomic DNA per reaction and a limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.013 ng. We applied this assay to both laboratory-prepared samples and commercial food products, confirming its excellent specificity and robust performance. In conclusion, the developed real-time quantitative PCR assay provides an accurate means for the identification and quantification of tiger nut ingredients in various samples.

Radio frequency drying on functional diversity of tiger nut flour: Effects on physicochemical, structural, and rheological properties

Tiger nut (TN) is a valuable nutrient and gluten-free tuber. To achieve high-quality TN flour as functional ingredients in food, it is essential to develop effective drying technologies for TN. Five drying methods including natural drying (Control), hot-air drying (HD), radio frequency single drying (RFSD), RF assisted hot-air drying (RFHD), and RF- vacuum drying (RFVD) were selected and compared to determine their effects on physiochemical, structural, and rheological properties of TN flour. Results showed that RF drying (RFD) significantly improved the hydration, oil-absorbing, and antioxidant activity capacity, especially for RFVD. RFHD exhibited greater color (BI = 13.80 ± 0.05 and C = 10.26 ± 0.05) and reducing sugar content (253.50 ± 2.27 mg d.b.) than RFSD and RFVD. The gelatinization temperature, enthalpy value, and particle size (57.30–269.33 μm) of TN flour were reduced. The structural property results indicated that RFD reduced the relative crystallinity and short-range ordering of the flour, altered protein secondary structure, and caused the damaged microstructure in comparison with Control and HD groups. All sample gels exhibited a weak strain overshoot behavior (type III) under large amplitude oscillations, and RFD resulted in a reduced viscoelastic behavior. RFD could be an effective method to produce functional TN flour.

Three nonconventional starch: Comparison of physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility.

Extraction of starch from waste is also an effective way to recover resources and provide new sources of starch. In this study, starch was isolated from white kidney bean residue, chickpea residue, and tiger nut meal after protein or oil extraction, and the morphology of starch particles was observed to determine their physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility. All these isolated starches had unique properties, among which white kidney bean starch (KBS) had a high amylose content (43.48%), and its structure was better ordered. Scanning electron microscopy revealed distinct granular morphologies for the three starches. KBS and chickpea starch (CHS) were medium-granular starches, whereas tiger nut starch was a small granular starch. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed the absence of significant differences in functional groups and chemical bonds among the three starch molecules. In vitro digestibility studies showed that CHS is more resistant to enzymatic degradation. Overall, these results will facilitate the development of products based on the separation of nonconventional starches from waste.

Calibration of contact parameters of sandy soil for planting tiger nut based on non-linear tools

A methodology combining physical experiments with simulation was employed to acquire contact parameters of sandy soil precisely for planting tiger nuts in the desert area of Xinjiang. The stacking angle under different parameter combinations was applied as a response value. Through the Plackett–Burman test, several factors that have a significant influence were determined. The steepest ascent test was conducted to establish the finest scope of values for these parameters. The stacking angle was considered the response variable, and non-linear tools were used to optimize these parameters for simulation. The findings showed that applying response surface methodology (RSM) resulted in a relative error of 1.24%. In the case of BP-GA, the relative error compared to the physical test value was 0.34%, while for BP, it was 2.18%. After optimization using Wavelet Neural Network (WNN), the relative error was reduced to only 0.15%. Results suggest that WNN outperforms the RSM model, and the sandy soil model and parameters generated using WNN can be effectively utilized for discrete element simulation research.

MALDI-TOF MS profiling and antifungal activity of lactic acid bacteria from kunu aya, a tiger nut traditional beverage of Nigeria

The application of matrix-assisted laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) as a technique for high-throughput characterization of microbiota in African traditional foods is limited. Kunu aya is an unexplored reservoir of protective lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains. A total of 26 LAB isolates from kunu aya were identified using MALDI-TOF MS as five species, including Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (14), Pediococcus pentosaceus (9), Levilactobacillus brevis (1), Lactiplantibacillus pentosus (1), and Weissella paramesenteroides (1). Antifungal activity screening of all LAB strains by agar-plate overlay assay revealed inhibition against Penicillium crustosum FOO5BA and/or Aspergillus flavus FOO8BA by six strains: L. plantarum (3), Pd. pentosaceus (1), L. brevis (1), and W. paramesenteroides (1). The six LAB strains demonstrated broad spectrum antifungal activity, when tested against eight molds from plant-based foods, inhibiting 4 to 7 molds, with average inhibition scores (AIS) of 0.75–2.75. L. brevis MKAIA1b showed the strongest antifungal activity (AIS; 2.75). Agar diffusion method revealed that antifungal activity against all target molds was retained in cell-free supernatants of L. brevis MKAIA1b, with the highest inhibition demonstrated against P. citrinum 3AS1 (15.34%). In challenged kunu aya fermented with L. brevis MKAIA1b or L. brevis MKAIA1b and L. plantarum TMP051, the growth of A. flavus F008BA, Fusarium langesthiae 13,014, and P. crustosum FOO5BA was delayed beyond 7 days at ambient temperature (25 °C). In this study, MALDI-TOF MS was an effective tool to reveal the species composition of LAB in kunu aya, which harbors LAB strains that displayed strong antifungal activity, while showing great potentials as a protective culture and for bio-control.

Effects of Different Crop Intercropping on the Growth, Root System, and Yield of Tiger Nuts

Intercropping is a vital cropping system that can create a conducive growth environment for crops and enhance land productivity. Tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentus L.) have high oil content and are adaptable to various soil types, making them a promising new oil crop with significant development potential. This study evaluated the plant height, leaf area, tiller numbers, biomass, land equivalent ratio (LER), and root morphological characteristics of tiger nuts. The agronomic traits and root distribution of tiger nuts and other crops were further investigated to achieve the goal of high yield for tiger nuts. Seven intercropping systems were implemented in the experiment: maize–tiger nut intercropping (MT), soybean–tiger nut intercropping (ST), cotton–tiger nut intercropping (CT), monoculture tiger nut (T), monoculture maize (M), monoculture soybean (S), and monoculture cotton (C). The results indicated that under different planting systems, the agronomic traits of tiger nuts in MT and ST modes were superior, with plant height and tiller numbers increasing by 7.6% to 11.6%. However, the plant height and Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) values in CT mode were slightly lower than in T mode. Additionally, intercropping reduced the leaf area by 6.2% to 37.9%. Root development was more pronounced in intercropping modes, with the ST mode showing the most significant improvement, increasing the 0–20 cm root length density (RLD) by 12.2% to 45.7%. Therefore, each of the three intercropping modes demonstrated distinct advantages. The LER of the intercropping systems ranged from 1.10 to 1.24, enhancing land utilization, with tiger nuts being the dominant species. Compared to monoculture, the ST mode exhibited the best overall effect. Understanding the impact of different planting systems on tiger nuts provides valuable insights for developing tiger nut cultivation in Xinjiang.

Anaphylaxis to tiger nut milk: Analysis of individual allergens profile

Anaphylaxis to tiger nut milk: Analysis of individual allergens profile

Aphrodisiac Potential of Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) Powder in Male Wistar Albino Rat

This study aimed to assess the aphrodisiac potential of tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentus L.) powder in male Wistar albino rats. Twenty-five male and twenty-five female rats were used for the experiment. The male rats were selected into five groups of 5 rats/group. Two groups served as normal and positive controls. Three groups were fed with feed supplemented with varying concentrations of Cyperus esculentus powder (5%, 10%, and 20%) for fourteen (14) days. After the treatment, sexual behaviors, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, nitric oxide, and some sex hormone levels were assayed. The results showed a significant variation in mount frequencies, while significant increases were observed in intromission frequency and intromission ratio as compared to the normal control. Significant increases in the body weight of both the normal control and treated groups were observed. However, the fasting blood glucose level was not altered significantly. Lipid profile levels were increased in rats fed a 20% tiger nut supplementary diet when compared with the control, whereas low-density lipoprotein was not changed significantly. Nitric oxide concentration significantly increased in the testes but decreased in the kidneys of the treated groups. The results of sex hormone levels showed a significant increase in follicle-stimulating hormone and testosterone with no variation in luteinizing hormone. These results showed that Cyperus esculentus powder can improve the sexual behavior of male rats, hence giving credence to the aphrodisiac potential of Cyperus esculentus.

Nutritional Quality and Antioxidant Properties of Roselle-Tiger Nut Beverage

Background: A beverage is a liquid prepared from cereals, grains and leaves/calyxes for human consumption. Beverages are classified into alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Objective: The study evaluated the nutritional quality and antioxidant properties of Roselle-tiger nut beverage. Methods: Roselle-tiger nut beverage was produced from the control samples roselle and tiger nut (% v/v) using the ratios 100:0 Roselle beverage, 0:100 tiger nut beverage and 80:20 Roselle-tiger nut beverage. Subsequently, Proximate, mineral, phytochemical compositions, antioxidants properties and sensory properties were determined using established methods. Results: There was an elevation in protein (16.29±2.39a) carbohydrate (11.08±9.59a), crude protein (16.29±2.39a) and ash content (3.09±0.56a) but a decrease in moisture and crude fat content. Also, an increase in Sodium (0.09±0.01b), Zinc (0.21±0.00b) and Copper (0.09±0.00b) content with a decrease in Potassium, Phosphorus, Manganese, Magnesium, Calcium and Iron levels. For phytochemical compositions, an increase in flavonoids (1.73±0.43a), saponins (1.25±0.75a) and alkaloids (1.36±0.13a) contents with a decrease in tannins, oxalates and phytate contents was observed. There was an elevation in free radical scavenging activity (0.36±0.00ab) and ferric reducing power (0.32±0.00c) but a decrease in hydroxyl scavenging activity and metal chelating ability. Sample MNP836 of Roselle-tiger nut beverage was the most preferred by panelists for appearance (8.10), taste (8.24), flavor (8.38), mouth feel (8.38) and overall acceptability (8.48). Conclusion: Substitution of roselle beverage with 20% tiger nut beverage improved the nutritional quality of roselle-tiger nut beverage.

A review on the biological and bioactive components of Cyperus esculentus L.: insight on food, health and nutrition.

Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) is a small, tuberous root vegetable that has gained increasing attention in recent years due to its potential health benefits. This review article provides an elaborate overview of tiger nut, including its botany, historical uses, nutritional composition, potential health benefits and traditional medicinal uses. This review article comprehensively discusses the nutritional profile of tiger nut, providing a detailed understanding of its nutrient content. Furthermore, the potential health benefits of tiger nut are thoroughly reviewed, including its effects on digestive health, cardiovascular health, blood sugar control, immune function and other potential therapeutic uses. Scientific articles used for this review were retrieved from ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, PubMed and SciELO databases. Only articles published between 1997 and 2022 were used for research. This review contributes to a better understanding of tiger nut and its prospective uses in functional foods and medicine by combining the available scientific material. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Addition of Cyperus esculentus (tiger nut) milk improved the flavor and gelation properties of set yogurt: The main contribution of volatile constituents, starch and proteins

The modification effects of Cyperus esculentus milk (CEM) on the sensory and gel properties of set yogurt were elucidated in this study. It was found that a suitable CEM addition adjusted the color, moderated the acidity, and enriched the aroma of compound yogurt. Interestingly, the internal network structures of yogurt gel were strengthened at a low CEM addition, causing the improvement of yogurt textural properties, viscoelasticity and water-holding-capacity. However, a high CEM addition induced the incompact gel structures, unbeneficial to the expected textures and rheology of compound yogurt. Then, starch (CES) and proteins (CEP) were isolated to elucidate their influence on the gelation behaviors of casein. The results showed that CES always promoted the formation of CES-casein gel, improving its textural, elastic and morphological characters. This resulted from the presence of branchy side chains of amylopectin and the viscosity of starch molecules, making CES tightly anchor with casein gel and thus fill in the gel pores. However, the CEP-casein gel properties described an enhanced-weakened trend with CEP addition increasing. Notably, at a low addition, CEP well-dispersed and interacted with casein, filling into gel pores and thus strengthening gel network, while at a high addition, the self-gelling CEP gradually separated from casein gel due to few branchy structures and insufficient viscosity. It was the characteristic behaviors of CEM components that affected the gelling properties of compound yogurt. Conclusively, a moderate addition of CEM (<20%) is recommended to enrich the flavor of set yogurt with simultaneously-improved or maintained textural and gelling properties.

Semen characteristics and hormonal profile of Yankasa rams fed a mixed ration of cowpea husk (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) and tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentum L.) residue

Thirty growing and healthy Yankasa rams were randomly allotted five dietary treatments with six animals per treatment to ascertain the effect of diet on their reproductive potential and hormonal profile. Treatments compared were T1 (cowpea husk 40% + tiger nuts residue 0%), T2 (cowpea husk 30% + tiger nuts residue 10%), T3 (cowpea husk 20% + tiger nuts residue 20%), T4 (cowpea husk 10% + tiger nuts residue 30%), and T5 (cowpea husk 0% + tiger nuts residue 40%). The results of the chemical composition of the diets showed that the dry matter was high for all treatments. The semen characteristics and hormonal profile showed significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) in all the parameters observed but were within normal ranges. However, the group fed a high percent tiger nut mixed ratio had a depreciating effect on semen characteristics, and LH, FSH, and testosterone levels. There is no deleterious effect on the reproductive potential of growing Yankasa rams fed varying levels of cowpea husk and tiger nut residue at the inclusion levels in this study. Hence, it is safe to feed breeding rams the ration mix. However, the authors advise caution of including tiger nuts levels of up to 40% in a mixed ration. further investigation may be conducted with ewes to determine the effect of a mixed ration of cowpea husk and tiger nut residue in reproduction.

Protein from tiger nut meal extracted by deep eutectic solvent and alkali-soluble acid precipitation: A comparative study on structure, function, and nutrition

Protein from tiger nut meal (TNP) performance high nutritional value. This study optimized the extraction parameters for TNP (DES-TNP) using deep eutectic solvent, with HBD: HBA = 5:1, Liquid: Solid = 11:1, and the moisture content was 15 %. A comprehensive comparison was conducted with the protein extracted using alkali-soluble acid precipitation (ASAE-TNP). DES-TNP demonstrated significantly higher purity (76.21 ± 2.59 %) than ASAE-TNP (67.48 ± 1.11 %). Density functional theory confirmed the successful synthesis of DES and its strong interaction with TNP. Moreover, DES-TNP and ASAE-TNP were different in structure (microscopic, secondary, and tertiary) and molecular weight distribution. The discrepancy contributed to the different functional properties, DES-TNP exhibiting better solubility, emulsification and foaming properties at pH13 compared to ASAE-TNP. For nutritional properties, DES-TNP and ASAE-TNP exhibited similar amino acid composition and digestibility, but the total amino acid content of DES-TNP was higher. This study presented a novel method for the extraction and comprehensive utilization of TNP.

Rumen fermentation and nutrient utilization of growing Yankasa rams fed a mixed ration containing tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) residue and cowpea husk (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp)

Thirty (30) Yankasa growing rams were used to investigate the effect of feeding cowpea husk and tiger nut residue in a mixed ration on the rumen ecology, nutrient intake, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen balance of Yankasa rams. Significant differences (p &lt; 0.05) were observed in the rumen ecology, nutrient intake, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen balance between the treatments. Rumen ecology was influenced by the diet, with variations in rumen pH, temperature, and volatile fatty acid production. The results indicated that the highest rumen pH and temperature were observed in Treatment 2, while acetate, butyrate, and propionate levels varied among treatments. Nutrient intake and digestibility were significantly affected by the diet. Dry matter intake, crude protein intake, nitrogen detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) intake varied among treatments. Treatment 3 showed the highest dry matter intake, while Treatment 5 had the highest NDF intake. Crude protein intake was highest in Treatment 3, and the highest values for most nutrients were observed from the same treatment. The results for nitrogen balance in Yankasa rams indicate a positive nitrogen balance, suggesting that the rams received adequate amounts of nitrogen from the diets fed. Feeding 20% cowpea husk and 20% tiger nut residue provides optimum performance for rams in terms of rumen fermentation, and nutrient utilisation.