Tuberous Roots Research Articles

Pharmacognostical Investigation of Ipomoea digitata Linn. roots to aid Identification and Standardization

Ipomoea digitata Linn. belongs to family Convolvulaceae with the synonym elephant potato is commonly known as Bilaikand in Hindi. It is an extensive perennial climber, with large ovoid or elongated tuberous roots. Root part of the plant is used to cure various aliments by the locals and tribes in different part of India. The present study involves detailed pharmacognostical investigation of the root with an objective to facilitate proper identification and standardisation of the herbal drug and formulations. Microscopy of the transverse sections, proximate analysis which includes moisture content, ash values and extractive values were determined. The preliminary phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of carbohydrates, gums, amino acids, proteins, fixed oils, saponins, flavonoids, and tannins. Microscopic analysis shows presence of narrow angular six primary xylem strands, xylem vessel are of 200-450µm in diameter, phloem composed of tangential blocks of gelatinous fibres, 50µm wide secretory cannals, cortex has four or five layers of parenchymatous cells and abundant prismatic 5µm wide calcium oxalate crystals in the ground parenchyma. The obtained parameters will be of great help in the authentication and standardization of the drug.

Growth Promotion of Raphanus Sativus L. under Doses of Phosphorus with Application of Trichoderma Spp.

This study aimed to evaluate the growth of Raphanus sativus L. under six phosphorus doses in combination with three strains of Trichoderma spp. The design was a randomized block design with seven replications in a factorial scheme, 4 x 5 (treatments and doses). Treatments related to Trichoderma spp. were T1 – control, without application of T. harzianum strain; T2 – T. harzianum ESALQ 1306, T3 – T. harzianum IBLF 006 WP, and T4 – T. asperellum URM 5911, at doses of 0, 40, 80, 120, 160, and 200 kg ha-1 of P2O5, in a greenhouse. The evaluated characteristics were tuberous root diameter (RDI), tuberous root length (RLE), relative chlorophyll index (RCI), leaf dry mass (LDM), tuberous root fresh mass (FTRM), and tuberous root dry mass (TRDM). It was observed that there was a significant difference for the different sources of variation evaluated, indicating an interaction between the different isolates and doses. It is concluded that the application of Trichoderma harzianum - ESALQ 1306 strain is recommended for radish cultivation, with increases of 13% for tuberous root length, 7% for relative chlorophyll index, 23% for leaf dry mass, 35% for tuberous root fresh mass, and 12% for tuberous root dry mass compared to the control, at a dose of 104 kg ha-1 of P2O5, with the possibility of dose reduction and more sustainable management. Additionally, strains T. harzianum IBLF 006 WP (T3) and T. asperellum URM 5911 (T4) are not recommended for radish cultivation.

Growth Promotion of Raphanus Sativus L. under Doses of Nitrogen with Application of Trichoderma Spp.

Radishes are excellent sources of nutrients, such as antioxidants that benefit the immune system, dietary fibers that aid digestion, and vitamins that help control blood pressure and cardiovascular health. Despite this nutritional composition and rapid vegetative cycle, radishes still need to be consumed more and are understudied in Brazil. Another challenge is the limited knowledge about fungi of the Trichoderma spp. genus and their combination with fertilizers. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the growth promotion of Raphanus sativus L. under nitrogen doses combined with applying Trichoderma spp. isolates and their promoting effect on radish development. The experimental design used was a randomized complete block design in a 4 x 5 factorial scheme (isolates and doses), with seven replications, conducted in a greenhouse. The Trichoderma treatments were T1 – control without isolates application, T2 – ESALQ 1306, T3 – IBLF 006 WP, and T4 – URM 5911, and the nitrogen doses were 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 kg ha-1 of urea. The use of Trichoderma spp. demonstrates a positive effect on radish development, offering possibilities for promotion with an emphasis on lower doses of nitrogen. The ESALQ 1306 isolate (T. harzianum), at a dose of approximately 113 kg ha-1 of urea, a promotion was of 11% tuberous root diameter, 6% for the tuber root length, 50% for the leaf dry mass, 35% for the tuberous roots fresh mass, and 63% for the tuberous roots dry mass). The T. harzianum IBLF 006 WP and T. asperellum URM 5911 isolates are not recommended, as they presented an antagonistic effect.

UPLC-Q-TOF-MSE Based Profiling of the Chemical Composition of Different Parts of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum

Objectives: The differences in chemical constituents in different parts of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum were analyzed. Methods: The contents of total phenols, total flavonoids, and polysaccharides in methanol extracts from different parts of T. hemsleyanum in Zhejiang were determined, and the chemical components of different parts of T. hemsleyanum were collected by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The differential index components of different parts of T. hemsleyanum were identified and analyzed by accurate mass-to-charge ratio of primary mass spectrometry and fragment ion of secondary mass spectrometry with reference spectrum and software database search and related literature reports. Results: A total of 20 components were identified, including 13 identified in root tubers, 7 in fibrous roots and 8 in leaves, and the structural cleavage of its compounds was analyzed. Conclusion: It provides a possibility and theoretical basis for the future use of the whole plant of T. hemsleyanum as medicine.

Resistant starch from a tuberous root from the Andes cordillera improves metabolic and immune parameters in broilers

Resistant starch (RS) is a carbohydrate that exerts benefits on health. The present study aimed to research the effects of the Canna edulis Ker RS on metabolic and immune system indicators in broiler chickens. A total of 360 1- day-old male chicks were allotted to dietary treatments with 0% (RS0), 1% (RS1), and 2% (RS2) of RS inclusion. Chickens of RS1 and RS2 presented a lower rate of increase in serum glucose between the third and fifth week, with 50.9, 21.4, and 26.8% to RS0, RS1, and RS2, respectively. The higher serum cholesterol HDL was observed in broilers that consumed RS1 and RS2 diets at the fifth week of age (p < 0.05). The butyric acid levels of 16.59, 64.95, and 76.77 μmol/g were found in caecal content to RS0, RS1, and RS2, respectively (p < 0.01). The serum IgA levels were increased in broilers fed with the RS1 diet and decreased with the RS0 diet. The IgM was increased linearly as a function of age in the broilers RS1 and RS2. The subpopulation of T helper lymphocytes CD3+ CD4+ were increased in broilers fed with RS2 diet. The RS level that optimizes the humoral response was established as 1.07% and 1.56% for IgA and IgM, respectively (p < 0.05). The dietary inclusion of RS from C. edulis stimulated homeostasis of glucose and cholesterol with increase of HDL and caecal SCFA. Consequently, RS from C. edulis can be used as a nutraceutical additive in the broilers' diet.

Elucidation of novel drought-responsive genes from tuber transcriptome of cassava under water deficit stress

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Carntz) is the major starchy root crop grown in the tropical parts of the world. Two cassava clones contrasting for their drought tolerance capacity (8S501- drought tolerant and H97-drought sensitive) were selected and grown in the field for studying the agronomical and molecular changes in both the clones under drought stress conditions. A reduction in the number of tuberous roots per plant, tuberous root length, average single tuber weight and tuber yield per plant was observed under drought stress when compared with the control conditions and also significantly lower mean values were observed for the sensitive clone H97 than that of the tolerant clone 8S501 when measured at 60 days of stress. Transcriptome sequencing of the tuber tissues of the two clones was done at 60 days of imposing drought stress. Different genes belonging to various groups like aquaporins, transporter genes, growth regulator related genes, calcium binding and mineral transfer-related genes, transferase genes and transcription factors were differentially expressed in the tubers under drought stress. Comparative transcriptomics revealed that acyl-CoA oxidase, primary-amine oxidase, glutathione peroxidase, vesicle transport, late embryogenesis abundant protein related, histone demethylase, BR-signaling kinase, palmitoyltransferase, DNA mismatch repair protein, heat shock protein related, starch/sucrose metabolic pathway related and MFS transporter genes were differentially expressed in the tubers of the tolerant clone 8S501 relative to the susceptible clone H97.

MORPHOLOGY AND MICROANATOMY DESCRIPTION OF BỒNG NGA TRUẬT, OR FINGERROOT, (Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf) COLLECTED IN KIEN GIANG PROVINCE

Background: Bồng Nga truật, or Fingerroot, (Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf syn. Boesenbergia pandurata (Roxb.) Schltr.), also known as Ngải bún, is a common ginger species in Mekong Delta. Its tuber roots and rhizomes are often used to cook rice noodles as an alternative to Tumeric (Curcuma longa L.). Despite being used commonly in Indonesia and Thailand, the plant has not been used and researched as a herb in Vietnam. This research was for starting projects to increase the value of this species. Objectives: This study was to primarily describe morphological and microanatomical figures of Bồng Nga truật, together with characteristic figures in rhizome and tuber root powder. Materials and methods: The whole plant of Fingerroot, including rhizomes and tuber roots, was collected in Giong Rieng, Kien Giang. A portion of rhizomes and tuber roots was then cleansed and basked to dry in December 2019. Fresh samples were used for the microanatomy study, dried sample was pulverized for the powder study. All of the observations were done following general instructions in Vietnam Pharmacopoeia V. Results: The study described botanical figures of Bồng Nga truật sample in Giong Rieng, Kien Giang, including morphology, microanatomy of whole plant and characteristic particles in Bồng Nga truật rhizome and tuber root powders. The plant had common figures of Zingiberaceae and looked similar to Tumeric except for leaf sheath bases, flowers, and particular palmated tuber shapes. Microanatomy of leaf veins and leaf blades was characterized by large sub-rectangle secretory vesicles, V-shaped vascular bundles reinforced by hardened tissues on both sides. Rhizome and tuber root microanatomy were not specific. However, tubers of Fingerroot were more likely tuber root than colonial rhizome as referred. Similarly, particles found in powder samples were common among Zingiberaceae species. Conclusions: The sample has common morphological figures compared with one in Malaysia, and common figures of Zingiberaceae.

Functional Characterization of the MeSSIII-1 Gene and Its Promoter from Cassava.

Soluble starch synthases (SSs) play important roles in the synthesis of cassava starch. However, the expression characteristics of the cassava SSs genes have not been elucidated. In this study, the MeSSIII-1 gene and its promoter, from SC8 cassava cultivars, were respectively isolated by PCR amplification. MeSSIII-1 protein was localized to the chloroplasts. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that the MeSSIII-1 gene was expressed in almost all tissues tested, and the expression in mature leaves was 18.9 times more than that in tuber roots. MeSSIII-1 expression was induced by methyljasmonate (MeJA), abscisic acid (ABA), and ethylene (ET) hormones in cassava. MeSSIII-1 expression patterns were further confirmed in proMeSSIII-1 transgenic cassava. The promoter deletion analysis showed that the -264 bp to -1 bp MeSSIII-1 promoter has basal activity. The range from -1228 bp to -987 bp and -488 bp to -264 bp significantly enhance promoter activity. The regions from -987 bp to -747 bp and -747 bp to -488 bp have repressive activity. These findings will provide an important reference for research on the potential function and transcriptional regulation mechanisms of the MeSSIII-1 gene and for further in-depth exploration of the regulatory network of its internal functional elements.

Enhanced gut microbiome supplementation of essential amino acids in Diploptera punctata fed low-protein plant-based diet.

Building on our previous work, we investigate how dietary shifts affect gut microbial essential amino acid (EAA) provisioning in the lactating cockroach Diploptera punctata. To that end, we fed cockroaches three distinct diets: a plant-only Gari diet composed of starchy and granulated root tuber Yucca (Manihot esculenta), a dog food diet (DF), and a cellulose-amended dog food (CADF) diet. We anticipated that the high carbohydrate, low protein Gari would highlight increased microbial EAA supplementation to the host. By day 28, we observed distinct profiles of 14 bacterial families in the insect gut microbiomes of the three dietary groups. CADF-fed insects predominantly harbored cellulolytic and nitrogen-fixing bacteria families Streptococcaceae and Xanthomonadaceae. In contrast, Gari-fed insects were enriched in anaerobic lignocellulolytic bacteria families Paludibacteraceae andDysgonomonadaceae, while DF-fed insects had a prevalence of proteolyticanaerobes Williamwhitmaniaceae and sulfate-reducing bacteria Desulfovibrionaceae. Furthermore, we confirmed significantly higher EAA supplementation in Gari-fed insects than in non-Gari-fed insects based on δ13C-EAA offsets between insect and their diets. The δ13C-EAA offsets between DF and CADF were nearly indistinguishable, highlighting the relevance of using the plant-based Gari in this experiment to unequivocally demonstrate this function in this insect. These results were underscored by lower standard metabolic rate (SMR) relative to the DF insect in Gari-fed (intermediate SMR and dietary quality) and CADF (least SMR and dietary quality) insects. The influence of diet on EAA provisioning and SMR responses in insects underscores the need for further exploration into the role of gut microbial functions in modulating metabolic responses.

Purple sweet potato polysaccharide ameliorates concanavalin A-induced hepatic injury by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress

BackgroundAutoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a prevalent liver disease that can potentially lead to hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. The prolonged administration of immunosuppressive medications carries significant risks for patients. Purple sweet potato polysaccharide (PSPP), a macromolecule stored in root tubers, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immune-enhancing, and intestinal flora-regulating properties. Nevertheless, investigation into the role and potential mechanisms of PSPP in AIH remains notably scarce. PurposeOur aim was to explore the possible protective impacts of PSPP against concanavalin A (Con A)-induced liver injury in mice. MethodsPolysaccharide was isolated from purple sweet potato tubers using water extraction and alcohol precipitation, followed by purification through DEAE-52 cellulose column chromatography and Sephadex G-100 column chromatography. A highly purified component was obtained, and its monosaccharide composition was characterized by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Mouse and cellular models induced by Con A were set up to investigate the impacts of PSPP on hepatic histopathology, apoptosis, as well as inflammation- and oxidative stress-related proteins in response to PSPP treatment. ResultsThe administration of PSPP significantly reduced hepatic pathological damage, suppressed elevation of ALT and AST levels, and attenuated hepatic apoptosis in Con A-exposed mice. PSPP was found to mitigate Con A-induced inflammation by suppressing the TLR4-P2X7R/NLRP3 signaling pathway in mice. Furthermore, PSPP alleviated Con A-induced oxidative stress by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in mice. Additionally, PSPP demonstrated the ability to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in RAW264.7 cells induced by Con A in vitro. ConclusionPSPP has the potential to ameliorate hepatic inflammation via the TLR4-P2X7R/NLRP3 pathway and inhibit hepatic oxidative stress through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway during the progression of Con A-induced hepatic injury. The results of this study have unveiled the potential hepatoprotective properties of purple sweet potato and its medicinal value for humans. Moreover, this study serves as a valuable reference, highlighting the potential of PSPP-1 as a drug candidate for the treatment of immune liver injury.

Structural, Thermal, Pasting and Digestion Properties of Starches from Developing Root Tubers of Sweet Potato.

Three sweet potato varieties with white-, yellow- and purple-fleshed root tubers were harvested at 100, 120, 140 and 160 days after planting (DAP). Their starch structural, thermal, pasting and digestion properties were measured to reveal the influences of harvesting dates on the physicochemical properties of sweet potato root tuber starch. Though starches from different varieties displayed some differences in physicochemical properties due to their different genetic backgrounds, they were influenced by harvesting date in similar ways. Starches isolated from root tubers at 100 and 160 DAP exhibited lower granule sizes than those at 120 and 140 DAP. The amylose content was higher in root tubers at 100 and 120 DAP than at 140 and 160 DAP. Starches from root tubers at 100 DAP exhibited CA-type X-ray diffraction patterns, and then the B-type crystallinity gradually increased at later harvesting dates. The different harvesting dates had no significant effects on the short-ranged ordered structure and lamellar thickness of starch, but the lamellar peak intensity decreased significantly at later harvesting dates. Starch had a lower gelatinization temperature and a wider gelatinization temperature range in root tubers at 140 and 160 DAP than at 100 and 120 DAP. The higher peak viscosity and lower pasting temperature were associated with the late harvesting date. The digestion of starch had slight differences among root tubers at different harvesting dates. The harvesting dates of root tubers played more important roles in starch properties than the variety. This study would be helpful for breeders, farmers and sweet potato starch users.

Improving the yield and nutritional quality of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) in the rainforest agro-ecological zone of southeast Nigeria through agronomic biofortification with micronutrients

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important staple crop, especially for resource-poor populations. Cassava-based diets are rich in calories but grossly deficient in essential mineral elements. A field study in southeastern Nigeria aimed at increasing yields and concentrations of bioavailable mineral elements in a β-carotene cassava variety, UMUCASS 38 (TMS 01/1371), through agronomic biofortification. A randomized complete block design experiment in triplicate, with foliar application of Zn (3.0 kg ha−1 Zn as ZnSO4), I (4.0 kg ha−1 I as KI), Se (0.25 kg ha−1 Se as Na2SeO3) and Zn + Se + I in combination at vegetative, tuber initiation and bulking stages of cassava. Results indicated neither phytotoxicity nor altered physical and chemical soil properties. Application of Zn or Zn + Se + I at the vegetative stage significantly increased cassava tuber yields. More Zn, Se, and I accumulated in fresh and processed cassava tuber products (gari, lafun), especially when Zn + Se + I was applied at tuber initiation stage. The combined application of Zn + Se + I consistently outperformed sole applications indicating a synergistic interaction effect between the three elements. It is concluded that in the Zn-deficient soils of southeast Nigeria, yield of cassava root tubers can be significantly increased by foliar application of Zn-containing fertilizer at the vegetative stage, but for optimal accumulation of elemental Zn, Se, and I, a combined Zn + Se + I fertilizer be applied at the tuber initiation stage.

Enhancing the nutritional quality of fufu with a starter culture

This study investigates the nutritional enrichment of fufu, a staple African food, by controlling the fermentation of cassava root tuber using a starter culture. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from fermented cassava and analyzed for their technological properties. The physicochemical parameters, proximate and antinutrient content of the fufu samples were determined by standard analytical methods. Twelve LAB were identified as Lactobacilli plantarum (42%), L. acidophilus (25%), L. fermentum (17%), L. brevis (8%), and L. mesenteroides (8%). The LAB isolates produced lactic acid, diacetyl, and hydrogen peroxide ranging from 1.90-2.90, 1.30-2.10, and 1.10 -2.90 mg/mL respectively. Lactobacillus plantarum (FF8) was selected as a starter culture due to its exceptional ability to produce antimicrobial substances, leading to higher yields of lactic acid, diacetyl, and hydrogen peroxide, reducing the fermenting medium's pH. The pH changes in starter-induced fermented fufu (SIFF) and spontaneous fermented fufu (SFF) samples from 0 to 96 hours were 7.10 - 2.60 and 7.10 - 3.30, respectively, while the Total Titratable Acidity (TTA) increased from 0.71-1.79 and 0.28-0.51, respectively. Starter-induced fermented fufu (SIFF) has higher protein, fat, sodium, potassium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, and Vit. C, B1, and A content of 2.93, 0.23 (%) 596.4, 270.9, 8.93, 1.67, 296.67, 5.28, 0.24, and 0.31 (mg/100g) respectively, compared to spontaneous fermented fufu and a significant decrease in antinutrient content, such as cyanide, saponin, and phytates of 0.05, 0.16, and 0.06 (mg/100g), respectively. The study found that L. plantarum FF8 used as a starter culture, improves the nutritional value of fufu and reduces anti-nutrients, suggesting potential health benefits for consumers.

Effects of Farming Conditions on the Nutritional Contents of Manihot esculenta Planted in four Regions of Niger Delta, Nigeria

All through human existence, the ability to cultivate crops to better human life has been affected by the nature of the soil; different crops strive in different regions. The relationship between humans, the earth and food production affirms soil as the foundation of crop production. Hence, the objective of this paper as to the effects of farming conditions on the nutritional contents of Manihot esculenta planted in four regions of Niger Delta, Nigeria. Using appropriate standard methods. Data obtained revealed that the moisture contents varied in the order; herbicide &gt; oil-spilled &gt; inorganic fertilizer &gt; normal. The amount of water-soluble vitamins varied in the order; normal &gt; oil spilled &gt; inorganic fertilizer &gt; herbicide. The amount of crude lipids varied in the order; herbicide &gt; normal &gt; inorganic fertilizer &gt; oil-spilled. The amount of hydrogen cyanide varied in the order; inorganic fertilizer &gt; herbicide &gt; oil-spilled &gt; normal. The amount of carbohydrate varied in the order; inorganic fertilizer &gt; oil-spilled &gt; normal &gt; herbicide. The amount of crude protein and fiber varied in the order; herbicide &gt; normal &gt; inorganic fertilizer &gt; oil-spilled. Root tubers from the normal practice was most abundant in ash contents, while that from the use of herbicide was the least. These results indicated that the normal practice showed commended amount of moisture content, water soluble vitamins and ash content; the herbicide induced land produced cassava tuber with the highest amount of crude lipids, crude fibre and crude proteins; that with the use of inorganic fertilizer produced the highest amount of hydrogen cyanide. All practices were adoptive for carbohydrate formation, except the herbicide induced soil.

SNP Markers Associated with Some Root, Stolon, and Tuber Traits in Tetraploid Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) Grown Under Diverse Growing Systems

Numerous loci, environmental factors, and their interactions have an impact on the phenotypic diversity of several significant traits in plants. One approach put forth in recent years for genetic research and finding quantitative trait loci (QTLs) responsible for the specific trait is association mapping. The purpose of the current study was to pinpoint the genetic underpins of significant underground traits in potato. A panel of 192 diverse tetraploid potato genotypes from different countries were grown under different growing conditions (i.e., aeroponics and pot) to study root, stolon and tuber traits. Significant differences (P ≤ 0.01) were found between the genotypes for all examined traits, and the heritability (H2) of the traits ranged from 0.74 to 0.94. Genotyping was carried out using the SolCAP 25K array. 21,226 polymorphic SNPs were used for association mapping of underground traits. A GWASpoly R package was implemented for the marker-trait associations, and 78 genomic regions were found associated with the traits under investigation.. The history of potato breeding was reflected in LD patterns. The identified SNPs have their putative gene functions related to the root and stolon architecture and tuber growth (i.e., WRKY transcription factor, MAPK, the GTP cyclohydrolase 1 (i.e., GTPCHI), Glutathionyl-hydroquinone reductase, and pyrophosphate—fructose 6-phosphate 1-phosphotransferase subunit alpha (PFPase). The results of the present study provides a framework that could be helpful for future potato breeding programs to increase tuber production and reduce the challenges of feeding the world's population in the years to come.

Genome-Wide Identification and Expression Analysis of the Starch Synthase Gene Family in Sweet Potato and Two of Its Closely Related Species.

The starch synthase (SS) plays important roles in regulating plant growth and development and responding to adversity stresses. Although the SS family has been studied in many crops, it has not been fully identified in sweet potato and its two related species. In the present study, eight SSs were identified from Ipomoea batatas (I. batata), Ipomoea trifida (I. trifida), and Ipomoea trlioba (I. trlioba), respectively. According to the phylogenetic relationships, they were divided into five subgroups. The protein properties, chromosomal location, phylogenetic relationships, gene structure, cis-elements in the promoter, and interaction network of these proteins were also analyzed; stress expression patterns were systematically analyzed; and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis was performed. Ipomoea batatas starch synthase (IbSSs) were highly expressed in tuber roots, especially Ipomoea batatas starch synthase 1 (IbSS1) and Ipomoea batatas starch synthase 6 (IbSS6), which may play an important role in root development and starch biosynthesis. At the same time, the SS genes respond to potassium deficiency, hormones, cold, heat, salt, and drought stress. This study offers fresh perspectives for enhancing knowledge about the roles of SSs and potential genes to enhance productivity, starch levels, and resistance to environmental stresses in sweet potatoes.

Review on the Therapeutic Role of Asclepias tuberosa Seeds in Diabetes Management

Diabetes mellitus (DM) presents a significant global health challenge characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, leading to debilitating complications. Despite various therapeutic approaches, effective glucose regulation remains elusive, often accompanied by adverse effects from current medications. Medicinal plants, including Asclepias tuberosa, have shown promise in managing blood glucose levels with fewer side effects. This review highlights the potential of Asclepias tuberosa as herbal antidiabetic agents based on recent literature, suggesting avenues for further research and therapeutic development in DM management. Considering the urgent need for safer and more effective antidiabetic treatments, exploring the therapeutic potential of Asclepias tuberosa presents a promising avenue for addressing this growing public health concern. Future studies should focus on elucidating the mechanisms of action, conducting clinical trials to validate the efficacy and safety of Centaurea-based interventions in DM management, and exploring synergistic effects with existing therapies.&#x0D; Furthermore, within the context of utilizing plant materials for the treatment of Diabetes mellitus, particular attention is directed towards the utilization of Asclepias tuberosa seeds. Asclepias tuberosa, commonly known as butterfly weed or pleurisy root, is a medicinal plant native to North America. Traditionally, various parts of this plant, including the roots, leaves, and seeds, have been used in folk medicine for their purported therapeutic effects&#x0D; Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Asclepias tuberosa, antidiabetic agents, herbal remedies, blood glucose regulation.

Assessment of heavy metals and human health risk associated with the consumption of crops cultivated in industrial areas of Maputo, Mozambique

This study aimed to evaluate heavy metals concentrations in soils and vegetables (cabbage, lettuce, and cassava) cultivated at Matola and Beluluane Industrial Parks, and to assess health risks linked to their consumption through estimated daily intake, hazard index (HI), and incremental lifetime cancer risk. Concentrations of Al, As, Co, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn were determined in the two sites. Soil concentrations of As at Beluluane site and As, Cd, and Cr at Matola site exceeded reference limits of the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization, showing heavy metal contamination. At Beluluane site, all studied vegetables presented As and Pb levels higher than reference limits, Cd concentrations were higher than the reference limit in cabbage, lettuce, and cassava leaves. At Matola site crops concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, and Pb exceeded the reference limits. Zinc exceeded the reference limit in all crops except in cabbage. HIs for vegetables from Beluluane exceeded 1.0 in cabbage (2.66), lettuce (2.27), and cassava leaves (2.37). Likewise, at Matola, HIs exceeded 1.0 in lettuce (1.67), cassava leaves (1.65), and root tubers (13). We found that vegetables cultivated in industrial parks present high carcinogenic risk due to heavy metal contamination, rendering them unsuitable for human consumption.

An Overview of Approaches of Cassava Processing and Cassava Based Recipe Preparation in Ethiopia

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is tuberous roots, drought tolerant, which is high in carbohydrate content and a cheap source of food. However it needs removal of toxic substance which is called hydrogen cyanide (HCN) which can be easily removed. There are two types of common preparation methods, preparing it by drying it in the sun and preparing it by boiling. Removing toxic cyanide by drying is less effective, however boiling is better method of removing cyanide from cassava roots. Cassava is used as a raw material in different food industries. In Ethiopia, there is cassava processing industry around Addis Ababa located at Dukem area. There are different trends of cassava based recipe preparations. Especially in Ethiopia there are exotic cassava based recipe items. Some of the trends in Ethiopia as formulated by Jimma Agricultural Research Center are; cassava bread with different flour compositions, cassava with corn flour composite recipe, cassava with teff flour composite recipe, Cassava syrup stew, Cassava porridge, Cassava biscuits and so on are exotic recipe with good sensorial values and proximate compositions. Due to its drought tolerant nature and nutritional excellence; cassava production, utilization and popularization is best strategy for food system resilience in the world wide.

Molecular Genetic Diversity of Cassava (Manihot esculenta CRANTZ) in the Maritime Region of Togo using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Markers

Cassava is a plant cultivated for its calorie-rich leaves and tuberous roots. Unfortunately, genetic improvement of cassava is limited by the lack of information on its genetic variability. The objective of the present work was to study the genetic and molecular diversity of cassava cultivars using microsatellite markers (SSR) in the Maritime region of Togo. A total of 95 cassava individuals from 7 cultivars were evaluated using 7 SSRs. The average polymorphic information content was 0.74 and the average number of alleles per locus was 7. The average observed heterozygosity was lower than the expected average heterozygosity for the 7 cultivars, showing positive fixation indices and presence of inbreeding. Molecular analysis of variance revealed greater molecular variation within cultivars (94%). The dendrogram constructed using the Neighbor Joining method resulted in 3 groups. The high genetic diversity observed could be due to the exchange of cuttings by growers. This diversity would be valuable for efficient germplasm management and for effective use of the material in breeding.