The Response of Local White Guinea Yam Cultivars to the Vine Cutting Propagation Technique Using Locally Available Rooting Substrates

Good quality planting materials for yam cultivation is a major challenge and adapting the most preferred local varieties to high ratio propagation methods such as the vine cutting could help ameliorate this constraint. An experiment was conducted in the screen house at CSIR-Savanna Agricultural Research Institute to assess the response of ‘Labako’, ‘Nyamenti’ and ‘Kpamyo’ (check) to vine cutting under different substrates. The experiment was 3 x 6 factorial arranged in a completely randomized design with 3 replications. Single node cuttings were obtained from 3 months old plants and established in the various rooting substrates (carbonized rice husk; fermented rice bran; aged rice husk; top-soil ,cocopeat and carbonized rice husk + top-soil; 2:1).Highly significant differences (P<0.001) existed in main effects and interaction of the factors. All cultivars attained 100% survival in CRH (carbonized rice husk) and cocopeat. Kpamyo and Nyamenti had 89.6% regeneration in cocopeat, FRB (fermented rice bran) and CRH. Labako exhibited the maximum shoot growth (31 cm) in CRH whiles the minimum (10 cm) was observed in ARH (aged rice husk) for Kpamyo. Six nodes were produced by Nyamenti in CRH, whiles Kpamyo produced 3 nodes in the same substrate. Labako initiated 88% tuberization, higher than Kpamyo with 75%. Generally, the cultivars were successfully adapted to the vine cutting technique in CRH, FRB as well as cocopeat. CRH and FRB are locally available, hence less expensive to acquire and therefore recommended for cost-effective single node propagation of the popular local yam cultivars.

Effect of African Yam Bean Flour as an Extender on the Physicochemical and Sensory Properties of Cooked Beef Sausage

Purpose: The effect of African yam bean flour as an extender on the physicochemical and sensory properties of cooked beef sausage was studied. Methodology: Sausage samples were produced using beef and African yam bean flour (AYBF) as extender at 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% substitution levels while 100% beef sausage served as the control. The proximate composition and sensory properties of the formulated products were determined using standard methods. Findings: Proximate analysis revealed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in moisture content (71.45-65.50%), ash (2.45-0.30%), and fat (10.10-1.90%) with a corresponding increase in crude protein (23.06-28.00%), crude fibre (3.80-16.20%) and carbohydrate (5.74-7.91%) as beef was partially replaced with AYBF. Beef sausages containing AYBF showed a significantly lower pH and better water holding capacity and emulsion properties compared to the control sample. Sensory analysis also showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the mean sensory scores for taste, mouthfeel, aroma and overall acceptability. Colour and hardness of the products were improved at AYBF supplementation level of 5%. Generally, the control sample was not significantly (p>0.05) different from samples supplemented with 5% AYBF. Recommendations: It is concluded that the incorporation of AYBF could be an effective ingredient to improve the quality and sensory properties of beef sausage with reduced fat content. Thus, the use of full African yam bean flour as an extender at 5% substitution level for cooked beef sausages is feasible as this will reduce the amount of meat used, thereby reducing the cost of the cooked beef sausage and at same time producing nutritious sausages.

Analysis of the Mechanism of Yam Protein in the Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes-induced Erectile Dysfunction Based on RNA-Seq Technology / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To study the potential mechanism of yam protein （DOT） in the prevention and treatment of diabetes-induced erectile dysfunction （DIED）. METHODS ：DIED model was induced by high-glucose and high-fat diet and intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin （40 mg/kg）. The experiment was set up in the normal control group （normal saline ）， model group （normal saline ），DOT low-dose ，medium-dose and high-dose groups （0.3，0.6，0.9 mg/kg），sildenafil group （positive control ，4.4 mg/kg），with 9 rats in each group. In the stage of successful establishment of diabetes model and initiation of inducing DIED ，rats in each group were given relevant solution intragastrically ，once a day ，for consecutive 11 weeks. Body weight，fasting plasma glucose （FPG），the times and rate of penile erection ，fasting insulin （FINS），insulin resistance index （IR），the contents of endothelial nitric oxide synthase （eNOS）and cyclic guanosine monophosphate （cGMP）in penile cavernous tissue were determined so as to evaluate the intervention effects of DOT on DIED model rats. High-glucose damaged mice cavernous endothelial cells （MCECs）model was induced by 30 mmol/L glucose for 48 h，and then give DOT 125，250，500 μg/mL. The cell viability was detected so as to evaluate the effects of DOT on high-glucose damaged MCECs model. RNA-Seq mail：xingxin0902@163.com technology was adopted to screen the differentially expressed genes between normal MCECs and high-glucose damaged MCECs，high-glucose damaged MCECs and MCECs treated with 250 μg/mL DOT. Gene ontology（GO）function enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichme nt analysis were performed for differentially expressed genes. The common differentially expressed genes between 2 groups were analyzed ，and mRNA expressions of six key genes were validated. RESULTS ：Different doses of DOT could reverse the reduction of body weight ，the increase of FINS and IR ，the reduction of the times and rate of penile erection ，the decrease of eNOS and cGMP contents in penile cavernous tissue of DIED model rats ；above indexes of DIED model rats were reversed significantly after treated with high-dose of DOT（P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. 125，250，500 μg/L DOT could significantly improve the activity of high-glucose damaged MCECs （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. RNA-Seq technology showed that compared with normal MCECs ，a total of 48 differentially expressed genes were found in high-glucose damaged MCECs. Compared with high-glucose damaged MCECs ，a total of 779 differentially expressed genes were found in MCECs treated with DOT. The differentially expressed genes of 2 groups were mainly cellular process in biological process annotation ，cellular part in cell component annotation and binding molecular function in molecular function annotation ，which were mainly enriched in extracellular matrix receptor interaction pathway ，mismatch repair pathway ， phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase-protein kinase B （PI3K-Akt）signal pathway and so on. Among differentially expressed genes of 2 groups，13 common differentially expressed genes such as Aldh1a1，Abcc5，Tac1 were found. DOT could significantly reverse the expression of the above common differentially expressed genes in high-glucose damaged MCECs. After validation ，DOT could significantly reverse the mRNA expression of TGF-β3，Txnip，Aldh1a1，Loxl1，Mt1 and Mt2 in high-glucose damaged MCECs. CONCLUSIONS：DOT could improve the symptom of DIED model rats ，the mechanism of which may be related to biological pathway of inhibiting fibrosis and reducing oxidative stress ，so as to improve the endothelial function of cavernous body.

Quantification of Chinese yam processing methods based on pyrolysis characteristics and its relation to Maillard reaction / 中草药·英文版

Objective: Chinese yam (Shanyao in Chinese, SY) as one of the representatives for Chinese medicines can be used as both of medicine and food with rich nutritional and medicinal value. Most of Chinese herbal medicines need to be processed prior to be used in clinical practice. SY was divided into Maoshanyao (Hairy Shanyao, MSY) and Guangshanyao (Smooth Shanyao, GSY) based on different processing methods at the place of origin, and it also could be processed as stir-fried SY and bran stir-fried SY to meet the different clinical use. Moreover, during the processing of Chinese herbal medicines, more complicated Maillard reaction occurs compared to food processing. Therefore, the objective of this research is to quantify the firepower of SY processing, and combined this with the relevant parameters of Maillard reaction. Methods: The MSY and GSY produced in Shanxi and Henan Provinces were chosen as the research objects. By using thermal analysis technology, we first established the correlation between pyrolysis and processing of SY and its mixtures. We also quantified the firepower of Shaoyao processing, and combined this with the relevant parameters of Maillard reaction (pH value, amino acid, and 5-HMF) and the changes in medicinal ingredients (allantoin). Results: The SY was mainly fried with moderate-fire (190 °C−200 °C), and the starting temperatures of different SY–ingredient mixtures were (176.3 ± 5.33) °C for (honey) bran, and (205.9 ± 8.05) °C for rice. The upper limits of processing temperature were (289.9 ± 6.47) °C for (honey) bran and (298.9 ± 1.15) °C for rice. The cooking time was (10.80 ± 1.76) min for soil stir-fry, (10.31 ± 1.06) min for bran stir-fry, and (8.43 ± 0.68) min for rice stir-fry. Moreover, the pH values and the content of 5-HMF were increased (P < 0.001), while the content of glycine was decreased significantly (P < 0.001) after processing. Conclusion: The results verified and quantified the firepower of traditional processing of SY, and also provided scientific reference for other studies related to SY processing.

Effect of density and directional cultivation on yield, quality and benefit of Nuomi yam / 中国中药杂志

A split-plot experiment was conducted to study the optimum planting density of Nuomi yam in directional groove shallow cultivation. Nuomi yam was the main local cultivar of Dioscorea. The study of this paper may help to give valuable instructions of local production. Three different planting densities and shallow groove diameter were designed in the experiment. The results showed that the fresh weight of aerial part per plant, yield and planting benefit of Nuomi yam tuber were the highest when the planting density was 12 000 plants/hm~2 and the diameter of shallow growth groove was 11.0 cm, while they were the lowest when the planting density was 22 500 plants/hm~2 and the diameter of shallow growth groove was 7.5 cm. Along with the increase of planting density, the fresh weight of aerial part, tuber, fresh yield, benefit and commercial tuber rate of Nuomi yam also decreased. The commercial tuber rate of Nuomi yam of 11.0 cm diameter in shallow growing pot was the highest, while it was the lowest with no shallow growing pot. On the contrary, the content of amylopectin and mucin was the highest when there was no shallow groove, and was the lowest when the diameter of shallow groove was 7.5 cm, although there was no significant difference between the two treatments. Therefore, Nuomi yam with the directional cultivation combination of planting density of 12 000 plants/hm~2 and shallow groove diameter of 11.0 cm showed high yield, good appearance quality, high planting benefit and no obvious adverse effect on internal quality.

Nutritional Composition of Flour Blends from Water Yam, Yellow Maize and African Yam Bean

Adequate and proper understanding of the nutritional composition of different flour materials is important in their use in the production of baked food materials. The proximate composition of water yam-yellow maize and African yam bean flour mixtures was therefore evaluated in this study. Standard procedure for dry-milling unit operation was used in the flour processing. Flour samples were blended in different ratios to form the following composite samples: AFK which comprised of 30% water yam (WY):40% yellow maize (YM):30% African yam bean (AYB); BGL which comprised of 40WY:30%YM:30%AYB CHM comprising of 50%WY:20%YM:30%AYB; DIN comprising of 60%YM:10%YM:30%AYB and control treatment comprising of 100%WY. Crude protein content ranged from 4 to 22.50%; fat content ranged from 1.80%; ash content ranged from 7.00%; moisture content ranged from 6.00 to 10.00% carbohydrate content ranged from 50.43 to 80.90% and energy content ranged from 331.50 to 356.35%ked. Addition of yellow maize and African yam bean statistically (p<0.05) increased the protein, fat, fibre, ash, moisture and energy content of flour blend but statistically (P<0.5) reduced the carbohydrate content. Flour sample DIN found to be adequate for both children and adult consumption of the flour when compared to the Codex Alimentarius Commission [1].

Pasting Properties of Flour Blends from Water Yam, Yellow Maize and African Yam Bean Seeds

Pasting properties of flour blends from water yam, yellow maize and African yam bean were investigated in this study. Peak viscosity ranged from 133.50 to 166.25RVU, Trough viscosity ranged from 85.08 to 135.20RVU, break down viscosity ranged from 28.17 to 50.58RVU, final viscosity ranged from 5.05 to 5.49 min and pasting temperature ranged from 80.25 84.15oC. Addition of yellow maize and African yam bean affected (p<0.05) the peak viscosity, trough viscosity, break down viscosity, final viscosity, and setback viscosity in different trends. However, peak time and peak temperature of the flour sample were not statically (p<0.05) affected by the blend ratio in this study. Amongst the flour samples investigated in this study, flour sample DIN (60%WY:10%YM:30%AYB) showed promise for value added products such as noodles among other flour products. They flour sample adjusted to be the best sample could be used as a good replacement for wheat flour and when achieved, it will reduce the cost of importation.

Effects of three drying technologies on drying kinetics and quality attributes of yam slices / 中草药

Objective: In order to explore suitable drying technology for yam slices, the effects of three different drying methods, namely medium and short infrared wave drying, air impingement drying, pulsed vacuum drying, on drying kinetics and quality attributes of yam slices were investigated. Methods: The moisture ratio, drying rate curves along with the change of drying time and relationship between dry basis moisture content and drying rate of yam slices were studied under three drying methods. Additionally, the effects of the three drying technologies on color parameters (L*, a*, b*), rehydration ratio, allantoin and extract contents were investigated. Results: All drying process of the three drying methods for yam slices belonged to the falling rate period without constant drying stage, and the shortest drying time was only 120 min obtained under air impingement drying temperature of 70 ℃, air velocity of 15 m/s. The effective moisture diffusivities were 7.52 × 10-10, 1.19 × 10-9 and 1.30 × 10-9 m2/s for pulsed vacuum drying, medium and short infrared wave drying and air impingement drying, respectively. The three drying methods were comprehensively evaluated based on seven indexes including rehydration ratio, drying time, extract and allantoin content, etc. The comprehensive scores of medium and short infrared wave drying, pulsed vacuum drying and air impingement drying were 0.29, 0.59, and 0.70, respectively, which indicated that air impingement drying obtained the highest score. Conclusion: Comprehensive evaluation results showed that the best drying method for yam slices drying is air impingement drying and the air impingement. This study provides a theoretical basis for the exploration of suitable drying technology and drying conditions for yam slices dehydration.

Estimation of optimum experimental plot size for taro culture / Estimativa de tamanho ótimo de parcela experimental para a cultura do taro

ABSTRACT: Taro is a tropical tuberous vegetable that produces cormels of high nutritional and energetic value. In recent years, its cultivation has expanded, creating the need for more research. However, the experimental plot size interferes directly with the precision of the experiment.Literature describes several methods for establishing the optimum experimental plot size. The objective of the current research was to estimate the optimal experimental plot size for taro culture, utilizing the Modified Maximum Curvature Method. The field experiment was conducted in the vegetable garden of the Departamentode Fitotecnia of Universidade Federal de Viçosa, from September 2011 to June 2012, with Japanese taro. Twenty-two rows with 20 plants each were planted, at 1.0×0.3 m spacing, considering the 20 central rows with 18 plants each as useful area, totaling 360 plants. Each plant corresponded to a basic unit (BU). Once the possible clusters were made, 23 different plot sizes were formed. At harvest, the fresh mass characteristics of large, medium, and marketable cormels were evaluated. The optimum plot sizes were: 8.77 BU for marketable cormels; 14.75 BU for large cormels, and 13.37 BU for medium cormels. Among the plot sizes estimated in this study, the aim was to improve precision of experiments performed with taro, plots formed by 15 BU that corresponded to a 4.5 m2 area are recommended.

RESUMO: O taro é uma hortaliça tuberosa tropical que produz cormelos de elevado valor nutritivo e energético. Nos últimos anos seu cultivo tem-se expandido gerando a necessidade de mais informações da pesquisa. Todavia, na pesquisa científica, o tamanho da parcela experimental interfere diretamente na precisão do experimento. Para determinação do tamanho ótimo de parcela, vários métodos têm sido relatados na literatura. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar o tamanho ótimo de parcela experimental para a cultura do taro utilizando o Método da Máxima Curvatura Modificado. O experimento foi conduzido a campo, na horta do Departamento de Fitotecnia da Universidade Federal de Viçosa, no período de setembro/2011 a junho/2012, com taro 'Japonês'. Foram plantadas 22 fileiras com 20 plantas cada, no espaçamento de 1,0 x 0,3 m, considerando-se como área útil as 20 fileiras centrais com 18 plantas cada, totalizando 360 plantas. Cada planta correspondeu a Unidade Básica (UB). Feito os possíveis agrupamentos, formaram-se 23 diferentes tamanhos de parcelas. Na colheita avaliaram-se as características massa fresca dos cormelos grande, médio e comerciáveis. Os tamanhos ótimos de parcelas encontrados foram de: 8,77 UB para os cormelos comerciáveis; 14,75 UB para os cormelos grandes e de 13,37 UB para cormelos médios. Dentre os tamanhos das parcelas estimados neste trabalho, de forma a aumentar a precisão experimental em experimentos realizados com taro, sugere-se adotar parcelas formadas por 15 UB, o que corresponde a uma área de 4,5 m2.

Antifungal Activity of Selected Chemical Agents against Phytopathogenic Fungi Spores

Postharvest deterioration has been a major problem associated with yam storage for both famers and traders and it is caused mostly by micro-organisms especially fungi. During the storage of yam, many organisms such as Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium citrinum and Rhizopus stolonifer are often reported to cause rotting of the stored yams. The aim of this research is to find out the antifungal effect of some commonly used anti-dermatophytic agents, (Fluconazole, Terbinafine Hcl, Ketoconazole, Sodium propionate and Griseofulvin) on the above named fungi spores. This was carried out using zone of inhibition, MICs, MFCs, FICs and FFCs to measure the antifungal activities of the test antifungal agents against the isolated phytopathogenic fungi spores. These agents were found to have fungitoxic effects on the test organisms in the order of: Terbinafine Hcl > Fluconazole > Ketoconazole > Sodium propionate > Griseofulvin. This work indicated that the test antifungal agents were able to inhibit the fungi spores that are widely reported to be associated with yams rot when stored. The observation in this study showed that a good and efficient fungicide against the test organisms that are known to cause yam rot during storage can be effectively arrested with combination of these fungicides.

Fungal Rot of Yam (Dioscorea alata Lin.) Sold At Nsukka Markets in Nigeria

Fungal decay of yam (Dioscorea alata) popularly known as water yam bought from Nsukka Markets in Nigeria was investigated for the fungi responsible for postharvest rot of tubers in storage. The tubers were used to isolate and identify fungal species that cause rot and deterioration of tubers in storage. A total of seven fungi namely Botryodiplodia theobromae, Aspergillus sp, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium spa, Fusarium sp, Penicillium sp and Trichoderma sp were isolated from healthy or sound tubers. Pathogenicity test was done and proved for all the isolates with Botryodiplodia theobromae and Penicillium sp implicated as the most pathogenic while Trichoderma sp was the least pathogenic. Inoculated tubers were examined and the nature of the rot varied with the pathogens.Fungi

Effects of Sesame Seed Enrichment on Physico-Chemical and Nutritional Characteristics of Flour from Two Cultivars of White Yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir)

The effects of enriching two cultivars of yam (DioscorearotundataPoir) flour with sesame seed (SesamumindicumL) flour on their physicochemical and nutritional characteristics were studied. Yam flours were produced from Abujaand Efuruyams by parboiling at 60°C for 10 minutes and left overnight, followed by sun drying for four days. Enriched yam flour samples were prepared by thoroughly mixing the yam and sesame seed flour in ratios95:5, 90:10, 85:15 and 80:20 respectively. Proximate, mineral and anti-nutrientcontent, as well as functional properties of enriched flours, were determined using standard methods of AOAC. The two yam-flour samples were low in moisture, crude protein, fat and ash content, high in carbohydrate and macro minerals, while Sesame seed was very low in moisture and carbohydrate, but very high in crude protein, fat, ash and macro minerals. The moisture, crude protein, fat, ash and carbohydrate content of the yams and enriched samples ranged between 11.9-13.8g, 3.3-7.5g, 0.5-13.8g, 2.0-2.6_g and 63.3-81.8_g/100g respectively. Addition of sesame seed flour resulted in the reduction of moisture and carbohydrate content and significant increase (p=0.05) in protein, fat and ash values of enriched samples. The protein, fat and mineral content of the enriched samples increased with increased level of sesame seed flour inclusion (p=0.05). Both yam and sesame flours were low in the antinutritional factors studied. Sesame flour was high in trypsin inhibitors and polyphenols. Enrichment with sesame flour resulted in further reduction in the antinutritional factors content with increase in trypsin inhibitors and polyphenols content of the products. Efuruvariety flour with its enriched products had higher water and oil absorption capacity, loose and packed bulk density and swelling capacity than Abujavariety flour. Enriching yam flour with sesame flour can improve the nutrients and functional properties of their products which can improve the nutritional status, health and well-being of consumers

Identification of a thermal stable allergen in yam (Dioscorea opposita) to cause anaphylaxis

Yam (Dioscorea opposita) is commonly consumed in East Asia, but allergic reaction to this plant food is rare. To date, there is no report of anaphylactic reaction after ingestion of cooked yam. We described 3 cases with anaphylaxis after eating boiled yam and 1 present with oral allergy syndrome as well. Basophil activation test in patients showed positive reactivity to boiled yam extract. In immunoblotting, a 30-kDa protein was recognized by all patients' sera and a 17-kDa band was detected by 1 patient. N-terminal amino acid revealed the 30-kDa IgE reacted band was DB3S, dioscorin in Dioscorea tuber. It promoted us that DB3S was a thermal stable oral allergen to trigger anaphylactic reaction and oral allergy syndrome in cooked yam (D. opposita) allergy. Patients with this plant food allergy should avoid both raw and well-cooked yam.

Yam polysaccharide improves sperm viability and protects sperm DNA integrity in vitro / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To clarify the roles of yam polysaccharide (YPS) in improving sperm viability and protecting sperm DNA integrity in vitro and provide a new approach to the treatment of oligoasthenozoospermia.@*METHODS@#We collected samples by masturbation from 36 normal fertile males aged 27－39 years. Each sample was divided into six groups: blank control or treated with normal saline, vitamin C solution, and YPS solution at low (0.25 mg/ml), medium (1.0 mg/ml) or high concentration (5.0 mg/ml). Using eosin-Y staining, sperm hypotonic swelling (HOS) and sperm chromatin diffusion (SCD) test, we observed the effects of different concentrations of YPS on sperm viability, membrane integrity and nuclear DNA.@*RESULTS@#After 24 and 48 hours of treatment, sperm viability was markedly reduced in the vitamin C (［28.5 ± 3.1］ and ［6.5 ± 1.2］%), low-YPS (［31.3 ± 3.5］ and ［6.5 ± 2.2］%), medium-YPS (［37.1 ± 3.5］ and ［9.5 ± 2.8］%) and high-YPS groups (［38.3 ± 3.3］ and ［9.0 ± 3.2］%) as compared with the blank control (［17.3 ± 2.1］ and ［3.2 ± 1.3］%) (P 0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Yam polysaccharide can improve sperm viability and protect sperm DNA integrity in vitro.

Hypoglycemic effect of the mixture of kelp extract, wolfberry, and Chinese yam to diabetic rats / 中国生化药物杂志

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect and its mechanism of pathogenicity of streptozotocin diseased rats treated by the mixture of kelp extract, wolfberry, and Chinese yam. Methods Streptozotocin-diabetic rat model were taken the mixture of kelp extract, wolfberry and Chinese yam with the ratio of 1:1:1 by intragastric administration. positive control group was fed metformin of 83.5mg/kg, the control group and the model group were given the same amount of distilled water. The safety of high dose (1500 mg) of the mixture therapy for the normal rat were evaluated, their blood glucose levels, glucose tolerance, body weight and insulin levels were observed and its possible mechanism were analyzed. Results Compared with the model group, the disease diabetic rats of the administered group (250mg/kg,500mg/kg,1500mg/kg) were significantly alleviated. First of all, coat color was more shiny, the behavior were more physical agility. Followed by the decrease of blood glucose levels and AUC, and body weight and insulin levels were elevated. In cell experiments, the number of islet cells was increased in the administered group by the mixture in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion The mixture of kelp extract, wolfberry, and Chinese yam had obvious hypoglycemic effect. The hypoglycemic activity of the mixture may be attributed to increase insulin secretion through inhibit apoptosis of islet β-cells.

In vivo antitumor effect of Chinese yam extract combined with DC-CIK on nude mice bearing colon cancer HT29 stem cells / 中草药

Objective: To compare the therapeutic effects of different treatments on the nude mice bearing colon cancer HT29 cells. Methods: BalB/C nude mice colon cancer stem cell model was established and the mice were randomly divided into following four groups: blank control group, DC-CIK group, yam group, and yam combined with DC-CIK group (combined treatment group), each group of 10 nude mice. In DC-CIK group and combined treatment group, after tumor stem cells were inoculated in nude mice for 4 d, 1 × 106 DC-CIK cells were used through the tail vein injection for treatment, twice a week for three weeks. The mice in Chinese yam group and combined treatment group were ig administered with 125 mg/kg Chinese yam extract, once daily for three weeks, and the mice in control group were treated with equal volume of saline instead. Tumor size and body weight of nude mice were measured every 2 d during treatment for three weeks in each group. After the treatment, the nude mice were sacrificed to take out the tumor weight and the tumor inhibitory rate was calculated. The RT-PCR method was used to detect the expression levels of the key genes in signal pathway. Results: After treatment, the quality of tumor in yam group, DC-CIK group and combined treatment group was significantly lower than that in control group. Among them, the inhibitory rate was 51.26% in combined treatment group. In the changes of expression levels of key genes in signaling pathway, the key genes of PI3KR1 in PI3K/Akt pathway, the key gene of Wnt1 in Wnt/beta-catenin pathway, and the mRNA expression of key gene Notch1 in Notch pathway in combined treatment group were decreased compared with DC-CIK group and yam group. Compared with the DC-CIK group, the mRNA expression changes were not statistically significant. Conclusion: The effect of Chinese yam combined with DC-CIK group is the best on the treatment of HT29 cell stem cell tumor of colon cancer in nude mice. It provides a new idea for clinical treatment of colon cancer.

Anatomía comparada de plantas de Dioscorea alata L. clon Caraqueño cultivadas en tres ambientes de crecimiento in vitro / Compared anatomy of Dioscorea alata L. clone Caraqueño plants cultivated in three in vitro growth environments

La conservación in vitro de Dioscorea alata L. clon Caraqueño es fundamental para garantizar la propagación y distribución de material de plantación sano a los productores, y disponer de un banco in vitro de un clon de gran valor agronómico y comercial en la región oriental de Cuba. Con el fin de evaluar las modificaciones anatómicas que se producen en plantas de ñame en tres condiciones de cultivo in vitro: plantas conservadas por métodos de mínimo crecimiento, plantas regeneradas y plantas en fase de multiplicación en el medio MS 75 %, se realizó un análisis de la anatomía foliar y caulinar a partir de cortes transversales de la lámina foliar y del tallo, y cortes longitudinales y transversales de microtubérculos formados durante el proceso de conservación. Las hojas de las plantas conservadas mostraron menor espesor del mesófilo y la epidermis y el área de los haces conductores del tallo también fue menor, debido al proceso de stress durante la conservación in vitro. Sin embargo, durante la recuperación del material conservado a través de la regeneración y la multiplicación in vitro se restablecieron de manera normal estos parámetros. También se evidenció que los microtubérculos formados en la conservación in vitro, poseen parénquima amilífero con abundantes gránulos de almidón, capa delgada de parénquima cortical, y haces conductores poco desarrollados, todo lo cual indica la presencia de actividad meristemática.

The in vitro conservation of Dioscorea alata L. clone Caraqueño is fundamental to guarantee the propagation and distribution of healthy plantation material to the farmers and the establishment of one in vitro bank of this clone of great agronomic and commercial value in the Oriental Region of Cuba. With the purpose of evaluating the anatomical modifications that take place in yam plants under three in vitro culture conditions: conserved plants by slow growth, regenerated plants and in plants multiplication phase in MS 75% medium, was carried out an analysis of the foliar and caulinar anatomy from transversal cuts of the foliar sheet and of the stem, and longitudinal and transversal cuts of microtubers formed during the conservation process. Smaller thickness of the mesophyll and of the epidermis in the leaves of the conserved plants were showed and the conductive sheaves area of the stem were also smaller, due to the stress process during the in vitro conservation. However during the recovery of the conserved material through the regeneration and the in vitro multiplication were reestablished to their normal state these parameters. It was also evidenced that the microtubers formed in the in vitro conservation, have reserve parenchyma with abundant starch granules, thin cortical parenchyma and conductive sheaves little developed were determined. All this characteristics indicated the presence of meristematic activity.

Subordinate function and principal component analysis of salt tolerance of seedlings germinated from microtubers of Jiangxi local yam / 中草药

Objective: The physiological regulation mechanism of seedlings germinated from Jiangxi local yam (Ruichang yam, Nancheng yam, Yongfeng yam, and Guangfeng yam) microtubers under salt stress was studied and the salt tolerance of seedlings germinated from microtubers of four kinds of local yams in Jiangxi was compared, which provided some references for salt tolerance mechanism research and salt tolerance breeding of four local yams in Jiangxi. Methods: Some physiological and biochemical index detection of seedlings germinated from Jiangxi local yam microtubers under salt stress were studied by spectrophotometer method. The subordinate function, principal component analysis (PCA), and clustering analysis of their salt tolerance were accomplished by fuzzy mathematics subordinate function formula and SPSS 19.0 software, respectively. Results: The total chlorophyll content and root activity of seedlings germinated from Jiangxi local yam microtubers under 0-300 mmol/L salt stress decreased significantly. The soluble protein content of seedlings germinated from Ruichang yam, Nancheng yam, and Guangfeng yam microtubers under 0-300 mmol/L salt stress increased firstly and then decreased, while the soluble protein content of seedlings germinated from Yongfeng yam microtubers under 0-300 mmol/L salt stress decreased significantly. The total soluble sugar content, proline content, MDA content and membrane permeability of seedlings germinated from Jiangxi local yam microtubers under 0-300 mmol/L salt stress significantly increased. The POD, SOD, and CAT activities of seedlings germinated from Jiangxi local yam microtubers under 0-300 mmol/L salt stress firstly increased and then decreased. Based on the subordinate function and PCA of SPSS 19.0 software, three principal components of 10 physiological and biochemical indexes of seedlings germinated from Jiangxi local yam microtubers under salt stress were induced. The salt tolerance order of seedlings germinated from Jiangxi local yam microtubers was Guangfeng yam > Yongfeng yam > Ruichang yam > Nancheng yam. Through the cluster analysis by SPSS 19.0 software, the salt resistance of four kinds of Jiangxi local yam is divided into two types, the salt tolerance of Guangfeng yam and Yongfeng yam was strong, and of Ruichang yam and Nancheng yam were sensitive to salt stress. Conclusion: The regulation mechanism of salt tolerance of seedlings germinated from four kinds of Jiangxi local yam microtubers is revealed and the objective evaluation of salt tolerance of four kinds of Jiangxi local yam is made in the paper, which will provide a theoretical basis for sowing in the field of four kinds of Jiangxi local yam microtubers.

A comparison of efficiency parameters of SSR markers and genetic diversity analysis in Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson

ABSTRACT Amorphophallus (elephant foot yam) is an herbaceous edible aroid crop which belongs to the family Araceae. The study was undertaken to identify the efficient SSR primer that could differentiate a set of 12 elephant foot yam genotypes. Various efficiency parameters, namely, Polymorphism Information Content (PIC), Marker Index (MI), Resolving Power (RP) and Diversity Index (DI) were studied for 11 primers. The relationship between the parameters was studied using Spearman rank correlation coefficient. Discrimination analysis was done to find out the most effective parameter. Finally Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) and dendrogram was done to find out the genetic diversity among the germplasm. The SSR markers under this investigation will facilitate further studies in population genetics and utilization of A. paeoniifolius.

Identificación, establecimiento in vitro y análisis fitoquímico preliminar de especies silvestres de ñame (Dioscorea spp.) empleadas con fines medicinales / Identification, in vitro establishment and preliminary phytochemical analysis of wild yam (Dioscorea spp.) used for medicinal purposes

Tubérculos del género Dioscorea comercializados con fines medicinales, fueron recolectados con el propósito de lograr su establecimiento a condiciones in vitro. Previamente se lograron identificar taxonómicamente las especies y por medio de análisis fitoquímicos demostrar su potencial farmacéutico. El material recolectado fue identificado como Dioscorea coriacea, D. lehmannii, D. meridensis, D. polygonoides y una especie comestible D. trifida. Tubérculos recolectados de centros de acopio y traídos de campo fueron lavados, desinfectados, asperjados con Ácido Giberélico (AG3) y sembrados en sustrato BM-2®, en invernadero a 18°C día y 10°C noche. Los tubérculos completos o por secciones fueron almacenados en bolsas herméticas a temperatura ambiente. Posteriormente se desinfectó material vegetal de las especies D. coriacea, D. lehmannii, D. meridensis y D polygonoides, seleccionando explantes de brotes sanos (D. coriacea / laboratorio) para su establecimiento. Se evaluaron tres medios de cultivo para establecimiento, el que presentó los mejores resultados fue Medio Murashige & Skoog (1962) suplementado con BAP 1 mL/L, AG3 1 mL/L y Putrescina 2 mL/L. Para la extracción y análisis de metabolitos secundarios se utilizaron tubérculos de D. coriacea, D. lehmannii y D. polygonoides, empleando como solvente de extracción metanol. Se encontró mayor concentración de extracto vegetal en D. coriacea (54%), y mediante cromatografía en capa delgada (CCD), se confirmó la presencia de saponinas, que resultó mayor en comparación con D. polygonoides especie reconocida por su alto contenido de saponinas. Estos resultados permitirán realizar análisis más avanzados de los compuestos presentes y plantear su propagación masiva en condiciones in vitro.

Wild tubers of the genus Dioscorea sold for medicinal use were collected for the purpose of achieving its establishment under in vitro conditions. First we taxonomically identified the species and through phytochemical analysis demonstrated pharmaceutical potential. The material collected was identified as Dioscorea coriacea, D. lehmannii, D. meridensis, D. polygonoides and the edible species D. trifida. Tubers collected from wholesale distributors and from the field were washed, disinfected, sprayed with Gibberellic Acid (GA3) and planted in substrate BM-2®, in a greenhouse at 18 ° C during the day and 10 ° C overnight. Whole tubers or sections thereof were stored in sealed bags at room temperature. Subsequently plant material of the species D. coriacea, D. lehmannii, D. meridensis and D. polygonoides was disinfected and healthy buds (D. coriacea / laboratory) were selected for in vitro establishment. Three different culture media were evaluated for establishment; that which presented the best results was the Murashige & Skoog (1962) medium, supplemented with BAP 1 mL / L, GA3 1 mL / L and Putrescin 2 mL / L. For the collection and analysis of secondary metabolites, tubers of D. coriacea, D. lehmannii and D. polygonoides were used, using methanol as the extraction solvent. The highest concentration of plant extract, 54%, was found in D. coriacea, a higher value than that of D. polygonoides, which had been reported previously; the presence of saponins was confirmed by thin layer chromatography (TLC). These results will enable more advanced analysis of the present compounds and enhance their mass propagation under in vitro conditions.