Structural analysis and inhibition capacity of dioscorin protein yam: Theoretical study by molecular docking and dynamic simulations.

Proteases such as trypsins in the gut of Spodoptera frugiperda are responsible for breaking down dietary proteins into amino acids necessary for insect growth and development. In this study, we characterized the insecticidal potential of dioscorin, the storage protein of yam (Dioscorea alata), using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations to determine the interactions between trypsin enzymes and the protein inhibitor dioscorin. To achieve this, we used the three-dimensional structures of the trypsin-like digestive enzymes of S. frugiperda, a pest of corn and cotton, as receptors or target molecules. We performed protein-protein docking using Cluspro software, estimation of the binding free energy, and information on the dynamic and time-dependent behavior of dioscorin-trypsin complexes using the NAMD package. Our computational analysis showed that dioscorin can bind to the digestive trypsins of S. frugiperda, as confirmed by the affinity energy values (-1022.4 to -1236.9), stability of the complexes during the simulation trajectory, and binding free energy values between -57.3 and -66.9 kcal/mol. Additionally, dioscorin uses two reactive sites to bind trypsin, but the largest contribution to the interaction energy is made by amino acid residues between amino acid backbone positions 8-14 by hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic, and Van der Waals (VdW) interactions. VdW is the energy that makes the greatest contribution to the binding energy. Collectively, our findings demonstrate, for the first time, the binding capacity of the yam protein dioscorin to the digestive trypsin of S. frugiperda. These promising results suggest a possible bioinsecticide action of dioscorin.

Activated charcoal in the control of oxidation and in vitro growth of Dioscorea spp. nodal segments

In vitrooxidationisaproblem forsome herbaceous and woody species and can causedarkening of tissues and consequently death of explantsand plants Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of activated charcoal on in vitro yamcultivation, aiming at reducing or eliminating explant oxidation and optimizing the growth of the genotypes Dioscorea alata var.purpurea(Roxb.) A. Pouchet and Dioscorea rotundataPoir. Nodal segments of approximately 1 cm, extracted from plants previously grown in vitro, were introduced into test tubes containing 10 mL of 2GGC culture medium, plus 30 g L-1sucrose, solidified with 2.2 g L-1Phytagel®and pH adjusted to 5.8 before autoclaving, containing activated charcoal doses of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 g L-1. Plants were maintained for 90 days in a growth room, with temperature of 27 ± 1ºC, photon flux density of 30 µmol m-2s-1and photoperiod of 16 hours, after which their development variables were evaluated. Activated charcoal, at the concentration of 4 g L-1considerably promoted the best development of plants, and the species D. alatavar.purpureashowed higher means for all variables studied.(AU)

Use of the abrasion technique in minimal processing as an alternative to increase purchase acceptability and minimize browning in yam.

BACKGROUND: The present study investigated the sensory acceptance, oxidative damage and protection, and possible anatomical-structural damage of cells from the surface of shapes of minimally processed yam. The tubers were minimally processed into the peeled rondelle, dice and 'chateau cut' (chateau) shapes, the latter of which was obtained after performing the abrasion technique. Control treatment corresponded to the rondelle shape with the periderm. The pieces were kept packed at 5 ± 2 °C for 14 days. RESULTS: Peeled rondelle and chateau were sensorially the most well-accepted yam shapes and achieved the highest purchase intention. The enzymes were partially modulated by the detected H2 O2 levels. Oxidative burst lasted longer in the minimally processed tissues than in the control. Polyphenol oxidase activity showed a clear difference in behavior between the minimally processed pieces and the control. Minimal processing induced transient increases in phenolic compounds, for which the expression was lowest in the abraded pieces. On the other hand, these pieces exhibited greater cell collapse on the surface of the amyliferous parenchyma. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the trained panel, the abrasion technique is an alternative to provide shapes that are better accepted and marketable, more resistant to browning, and can be stored for up to 12 days. Resistance to browning may be related to a more efficient modulation of enzymatic antioxidant systems and intense deposition of cell debris on the surface of the amyliferous parenchyma. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Pyrodextrinization of yam (Dioscorea sp.) starch isolated from tubers grown in Brazil and physicochemical characterization of yellow pyrodextrins.

This study optimizes the pyrodextrinization of yam (Dioscorea sp.) starch isolated from tubers grown in Brazil to produce a yellow pyrodextrin with the lowest enzymatically available starch (AS) content and color difference (ΔE) index. At 140 °C (fixed heating temperature), the effects of acid concentration (0.65 - 2.99 g of HCl/kg of starch) and incubation time (53 - 307 min) on the response variables were evaluated using a response surface methodology. Some physicochemical characteristics were also determined on pyrodextrins. Both factors negatively affected the AS content, although positively influenced the ΔE (P < 0.05). The yellow pyrodextrin produced with 1.82 g/kg and heating for 307 min, presented physicochemical properties similar to the commercial pyrodextrins from potato starch, with 46.6 % of AS, 24.5 of ΔE, high solubility and very low viscosity. The pyrodextrinization caused a decrease of 30 - 54 % in AS content (P < 0.05), making these yam pyrodextrins a promising material for water-soluble and very low viscous dietary fiber.

Cardiovascular Effect of Diosgenin in Ovariectomized Rats.

Diosgenin is a phytoestrogen and a constituent of Dioscorea. It has several biological effects, and some of them are anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antitumor, and vasodilatory. The present study investigated both the vasorelaxing and antioxidant mechanisms of diosgenin in isolated rat aortic rings. Female rats weighing 200-220 g were subjected to sham or OVX operations at 8 weeks of age. Ovariectomy was performed for menopause induction after anesthesia. Diosgenin (10-9 M-3 × 10-4 M) produced a concentration-dependent relaxation in aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine (1 µM), exhibiting Emax value of 55.34% ± 7.7% (in endothelium-intact rings) and Emax value of 30.30% ± 5.7% (in endothelium-denuded rings). In the endothelium-intact rings, the vasorelaxing effect of diosgenin was reduced by NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) (100 µM), atropine (1 µM), indomethacin (10 µM), 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo-[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) (10 µM), 4-aminopyridine (1 mM), tetraethylammonium (3 mM), glibenclamide (10 µM), apamin (10 µM), and Tiron (1 µM). Diosgenin (10-5 M) inhibited the contractions induced by cumulative addition of phenylephrine (10-9-10-5 M). The 28-days treatment with diosgenin (50 mg/kg, v.o.) did not imply changes in the myeloperoxidase parameter, but increased significantly, levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and nitric oxide, as well as reduced the concentration of malondialdehyde related to lipid peroxidation. Our results suggest that diosgenin induced relaxation in aortic rings via an endothelium-dependent pathway, which involves the EDRF, the opening of potassium channels and antioxidant action.

Simple ultrasound method to obtain starch micro- and nanoparticles from cassava, corn and yam starches.

Starch nanoparticles (SNP) were produced employing a simple ultrasound method without chemical additives from cassava, corn, and yam starches, which contain 18%, 25% and 30% amylose, respectively. Simultaneously, starch microparticles (SMP) were also obtained, which were significantly smaller than the native starch granules. The yield of the process for all starch sources was 12 ±â€¯1% SNP and 88 ±â€¯5% SMP, starting with aqueous starch suspensions at 10% and 30 min of sonication. Yam starch (higher amylose content) resulted in smaller SMP (1-3 µm) and SNP (8-32 nm) than did those obtained from corn (SMP = 3-6 µm; SNP = 36-68 nm) and cassava (SMP = 3-7 µm; SNP = 35-65 nm) starches. Nanoparticles from all starch sources had lower crystallinity and lower thermal stability than did the native starches or SMP. Ultrasonication was efficient to yield SNP and SMP without the addition of any chemical reagent or employing a purification step.

Darkening, damage and oxidative protection are stimulated in tissues closer to the yam cut, attenuated or not by the environment.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated how the activities of the enzymes and metabolites of oxidative metabolism are affected in different regions of cut tissue, associating these changes with the evolution of browning in fresh-cut yam. Samples were collected from yam at 0-5 and 5-10 mm from the cut site. Fresh-cut yams were stored at 5 or 26 °C for days or hours respectively, simulating commercialization, with or without packaging. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that the injury to the yam was a physical inducer of changes in the levels of lipid peroxidation and phenolic compounds and in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase. These responses were significant in the tissue closest to the wound but also observed, although less intense, in the more distant tissue. The combined effects of wounding and dehydration during storage intensified the above responses. Conversely, refrigeration attenuated the transmission of the wounding response through the adjacent tissue. CONCLUSION: The results of this work provide the first evidence in cut yam roots that the membrane degradation products, enzymes involved in oxidative protection and enzymes that modulate the oxidation of phenolic compounds are intertwined mechanisms that cause tissue darkening. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Diosgenin induces genotoxic and mutagenic effects on HepG2 cells.

Yam roots and other plants from Dioscorea genus have cultural, nutritional and economic importance to tropical and subtropical regions and have a great amount of diosgenin in its composition. In the present study the cytotoxic, genotoxic and mutagenic potential of diosgenin on HepG2 cells was investigated. Cytotoxicity was assessed using MTT and clonogenic assay. Genotoxic and mutagenic effects were performed using single cell gel electrophoresis and cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay, respectively. A reduction on cell viability was observed due to diosgenin treatment at concentrations higher than 30 µM. A genotoxic effect was shown by comet assay and CBMN. Besides, an increase in micronucleus frequency along with a significant cytostatic effect were observed. Diosgenin elicited DNA damage on HepG2 cells which could not be efficiently repaired contributing to the mutagenic effect observed. Those results suggest that diosgenin deleterious effect could take place through genetic instability, fact that affects the normal cell cycle, leading to cell's death.

Renal and Hepatic Function in Hypercholesterolemic Rats Fed Jamaican Bitter Yam (Dioscorea polygonoides).

BACKGROUND: We reported that Jamaican bitter yam (Dioscorea polygonoides) has antilipemic potential in rats; however there is limited data on the toxicological profile of the yam. We therefore investigated the effects of bitter yam consumption for 6 or 12 weeks on renal and hepatic function in rats fed a high (4%) cholesterol diet. METHODS: Twenty four rats were divided into six groups (n = 4); three of which were used for each investigation (6 or 12 weeks). One group was administered 4% cholesterol diet, while the yam group had the cholesterol diet supplemented with 5% bitter yam. The control group was fed standard rat chow. Liver and kidney function tests were performed on serum, liver and kidney. Histological studies were conducted on liver samples. Acute toxicity tests were performed in rats and mice administered a single high dose of bitter yam (10 g/kg). RESULTS: Activities of liver and kidney AST and ALT differed (p ≤ .02) between control rats and those fed cholesterol with bitter yam for 12 weeks. Albumin to globulin ratio was reduced (p = .03) in rats fed cholesterol with bitter yam for 6 weeks as compared to the control group. Serum urea concentration was higher (p < .05) in rats fed bitter yam as compared to normal chow for 6 weeks. The cholesterol diet caused extensive fat deposition in liver cells; however this was inhibited by co-administration of bitter yam. CONCLUSION: Long-term administration of Jamaican bitter yam may induce slight changes in renal and hepatic functions.

Effects of Jamaican bitter yam (Dioscorea polygonoides) and diosgenin on blood and fecal cholesterol in rats.

A sapogenin-rich preparation from Jamaican bitter yam (Dioscorea polygonoides) has been shown to reduce blood cholesterol concentrations in hypercholesterolemic rats and mice. Also, diosgenin supplementation has been reported to have antilipemic effects in several animal species. We investigated potential mechanisms of the lipid-lowering actions of bitter yam and also whether the actions were mediated by diosgenin. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a hypercholesterolemic diet (4% cholesterol) alone or with 5% bitter yam or 1% diosgenin supplementation for 6 weeks. The control group was fed normal rat chow. The serum lipid profile, fecal cholesterol concentration, and serum lipase activity were assessed at the end of the period. The induction of hypercholesterolemia was inhibited by coadministration of 5% bitter yam or 1% diosgenin in the diet. Serum lipid profiles were similar in rats fed bitter yam or diosgenin. The fecal cholesterol concentration was significantly (P < .01) higher in rats fed diosgenin compared to the cholesterol group. However, there was no corresponding elevation in the group fed bitter yam. Administration of bitter yam or diosgenin supplement significantly increased (P < .01) the serum lipase activity compared to the normal control and cholesterol groups. The cholesterol-supplemented diet inhibited normal gain in body weight over the period. This action was potentiated by diosgenin. The effects of the respective supplements on body weight were not completely explained by food consumption. Supplementation of the diet with Jamaican bitter yam may be therapeutically beneficial in the management of hypercholesterolemia.

An effective method for extracting total RNA from Dioscorea opposita Thunb.

Dioscorea opposita Thunb., included in the genus Dioscorea of the family Dioscoreaceae, is an important herb with great edible and medicinal value. In this study, the total RNA from leaves of Lichuan Dioscorea opposita Thunb. was isolated by an improved Trizol method. The results showed that the RNA extracted by the improved Trizol method had good integrity, and the RNA could be used for down-stream molecular biology operations including reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.

Isolated starches from yams (Dioscorea sp) grown at the Venezuelan Amazons: structure and functional properties.

This work aimed to characterize the molecular structure and functional properties of starches isolated from wild Dioscorea yams grown at the Amazons, using conventional and up-to-date methodologies. Among the high purity starches isolated (≥99%), the chain lengths were similar, whereas variations in gelatinization profile were observed. Starches have shown varied-shaped granules with monomodal distribution, and B-type crystallinity. Variations in amylose contents found by three analyses were hypothesized being related to intermediate material. Linear chain lengths were similar, and their amylopectins showed a dense, spherical conformation and similar molecular characteristics. The average molar mass and the radius of gyration of the chromatograms of the yam amylopectin, M¯W and R¯G were ranging between 174×10(6) g mol(-1) and 237×10(6) g mol(-1), and 201 nm and 233 nm, respectively. The white yams starches were more sensible to enzymes than the other two. All starches have shown a wide range of functional and nutritional properties.

Optimización de un medio de cultivo para plantas micropropagadas de dioscorea alata L / Optimization of a culture medium for micropropagated plants of dioscorea alata L

La propagación de material de ñame de buena calidad es esencial para incrementar la producción sostenible de este cultivo. El presente trabajo tuvo como propósito optimizar el medio de cultivo de micropropagación de Dioscorea alata L. clon Caraqueño a través de los siguientes objetivos: determinar el efecto de diferentes antioxidantes (carbón activado 0,5 g/L-1 ; carbón activado 1,0 g/L-1; cisteína 10 mg/L-1, 20 mg/L-1 y 30 mg/L-1) y concentraciones de sales de Murashige y Skoog (MS) (25, 50, 75 y 100 %) en el medio de cultivo durante el establecimiento y la multiplicación de las plantas in vitro, y evaluar la utilización de distintas combinaciones de ácido naftalenacético (0,01; 0,1 mg/L-1) y bencilaminopurina (0,01; 0,1 mg/L-1) en el mejor medio de cultivo de multiplicación obtenido en el experimento anterior. A los 35 días se seleccionaron 40 plantas in vitro, a las cuales se les determinaron las siguientes variables: longitud en cm del vástago; número de nudos de novo por explantes; número de hojas por explante y porcentaje de fenolización. Se evaluó además, en el experimento con los reguladores de crecimiento, el número de raíces y longitud de la raíz de mayor tamaño. Se aplicó un diseño experimental completamente aleatorio con análisis de varianza bifactorial y clasificación simple. Se realizó la prueba de comparación de medias de Tukey para un nivel de significación del 5%. Los resultados obtenidos mostraron que las sales MS al 75% de su concentración, el carbón activado (0,5 g/L-1) o la cisteína (10 mg/L-1), en combinación con los reguladores de crecimiento ANA/BAP (0,01/0,01 mg/L-1) en el medio de cultivo MS, incrementaron los indicadores de desarrollo de las plantas in vitro tales como número de nudos de novo (3,5), longitud del vástago (4,1 cm), número de hojas (3,8), número de raíces (5,7) y longitud de las raíces (6 cm).

The material propagation of good quality yam is essential to increase the sustainable production of this cultivation. In the present work the optimization of culture medium of Dioscorea alata L. clone Caraqueño micropropagation was carried out through the following objectives: to determine the effect of different anti-oxydants (activated charcoal 0,5 g.L-1; activated charcoal 1,0 g.L-1; cysteine 10 mg.L-1, 20 mg.L-1 and 30 mg.L-1) and Murashige and Skoog salts concentrations (25, 50, 75 and 100%) in the culture medium during the in vitro plants establishment and the multiplication, and to evaluate the use of different combinations of naftalenacetic acid (0,01; 0,1 mg.L-1) and benzylaminopurine (0,01; 0,1 mg.L-1) in the best multiplication medium obtained in the above experiment. At 35 days, 40 in vitro plants were selected. The following variables were determined in these plants: shoot length, cm; leaf and bud explant number; and oxydation phenolic percentage. In the experiment of plant growth regulators was also evaluated, the roots number and greater size root length. A totally randomized experimental design with one and two factor variance analysis and the Tukey test for means comparison at 5% significance level were applied. The obtained results showed that the salts MS at 75% concentration, the activated charcoal (0,5 g. L-1) or the cysteine (10 mg. L-1), in combination with the growth regulators ANA/BAP (0,01/0,01 mg.L-1) in the MS culture medium, increase the development of the in vitro plants, number of novo buds (3,5), shoot length (4,1 cm), number of leaves (3,8), number of roots (5,7) and greater size root length (6 cm).

Physicochemical, functional, and macromolecular properties of waxy yam starches discovered from "Mapuey" (Dioscorea trifida) genotypes in the Venezuelan Amazon.

"Mapuey" tubers in Venezuela are staple food for indigenous peoples from the Caribbean coast and Amazon regions. Noticeable differences between genotypes of yam starches were observed. Granules were large, triangular, or shell-shaped with monomodal particle size distribution between 24.5 and 35.5 µm. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses revealed onset gelatinization temperatures from 69.1 to 73.4 °C with high gelatinization enthalpy changes from 22.4 to 25.3 J g(-1). All X-ray diffractograms of starches exhibit B-type crystallinity. Crystallinity degrees varied from 24% to 40%. The highest crystallinity was found for the genotype having the highest amylose content. Iodo-colorimetric, amperometric, and DSC amylose determinations varied from 1.4 to 8.7%, 2.2 to 5.9%, and 1.4 to 3.5% for Amazonian genotypes, in comparison with commercial Mapuey starches: 12.0, 9.5, and 8.7%, respectively. Solubility and swelling power at 90 °C varied from 2.1 to 4.4% and 20.5 to 37.0%, respectively. Gel clarity fluctuated from 22.4 to 79.2%, and high rapid visco analyzer (RVA) viscosity was developed at 5% starch suspension (between 1430 and 2250 cP). Amylopectin weight average molar mass M(w), radius of gyration R(G), hydrodynamic coefficient ν(G), and apparent molecular density d(Gapp) were determined using high-performance size exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) and asymmetrical flow field flow fractionation (A4F) techniques coupled with multiangle laser light scattering (MALLS) on the Dioscorea trifida genotypes exhibiting the lowest and highest amylose contents. Amylopectins showed very similar molecular conformations. M(w) values were 1.15 × 10(8) and 9.06 × 10(7) g mol(-1) using HPSEC and A4F, respectively, thus, 3-5 times lower than those reported with the same techniques for other yam species, and very close to those of potato and cassava amylopectins. This discovery of a new natural amylose-free starch in the neglected yam "Mapuey" could present some potential for the food industry.

Evaluación en campo de plantas de ñame (Dioscorea alata L) obtenidas de los microtubérculos formados en sistema de inmersión temporal / Field evaluation of yam plants (Dioscorea alata L) obtained from microtubers produced in a temporary immersion system

Los microtubérculos en algunas especies de plantas constituyen una importante alternativa como material vegetal de plantación. Se definió como objetivo de trabajo evaluar en campo la respuesta morfoagronómica de las plantas obtenidas de los microtubérculos de ñame formados en Sistema de Inmersión Temporal (SIT). Como variantes experimentales se plantaron tres categorías de microtubérculos, clasificados según su masa fresca (I. de 0,5 a 0,9 g; II. de 1,0 a 2,9 g; III. igual o mayor de 3,0 g), plantas in vitro previamente aclimatadas y corona de tubérculo. Se evaluó el efecto de la masa fresca de los microtubérculos sobre su brote, supervivencia y posterior desarrollo de las plantas derivadas de ellos en campo. Con los microtubérculos de ñame, con una masa fresca igual o superior a 3,0 g, se alcanzó el más alto porcentaje de brotación (91,30%) y supervivencia de las plantas (96,50%), así como las mejores respuestas en los caracteres cuantitativos que se evaluaron en campo. Estos resultados confirmaron la importancia de la masa fresca de los microtubérculos para ser empleados como material vegetal de plantación directo en campo.

Microtubers in some plant species represent an important alternative crop-planting material. The presentwork involved field work for evaluating the morphoagronomic response of plants obtained from yam microtubersproduced in a temporary immersion system (TIS). Three categories of microtuber were planted asexperimental variants; they were classified by fresh mass (1 - 0.5 to 0.9 g, 2 - from 1.0 to 2.9 g and 3 - equal to or greater than 3.0 g), previously in vitro-acclimated plants and tuber crowns. The effect of microtuber freshweight on their sprouting, survival and later development of the plants derived from them in the field were evaluated. The highest sprouting (91.30%) and plant survival percentages (96.50%) and the best response in quantitative traits evaluated in the field were obtained with yam microtubers having a fresh mass equal to or greater than 3.0 g. These results confirmed the importance of microtubers’ fresh weight for using them as plant material in direct planting in the field.

Uso de distintos tratamientos de desinfección en el cultivo in vitro de Dioscorea alata L clon caraqueño / Use of distinct disinfection treatments in the in vitro culture of Dioscorea alata L clone caraqueño

El cultivo in vitro, como técnica, consiste en cultivar asépticamente una porción aislada de la planta bajo condiciones de ambiente controlado, para que las células expresen su potencial intrínseco e inducido. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo determinar el efecto de diferentes concentraciones y tiempos de inmersión en hipoclorito de sodio en el establecimiento in vitro de explantes primarios de ñame (Dioscorea alata L) clon caraqueño. Las variantes de desinfección consistieron en la utilización de diferentes concentraciones de hipoclorito de sodio (1,5; 2 y 2,5%) durante distintos tiempos de inmersión (10; 20 y 30 min). A los 7 días se evaluó el porcentaje de contaminación de bacterias y hongos respectivamente, y a los 40 días el número de nudos de novo, la longitud del vástago, el número de hojas, y el porcentaje de explantes establecidos y necrosados. Se aplicó un diseño experimental completamente aleatorizado con análisis de varianza bifactorial y clasificación simple. Se realizó la prueba de comparación de medias de Tukey para un nivel de significación del 5%. Los resultados obtenidos arrojaron que el tratamiento de desinfección de segmentos uninodales de ñame con hipoclorito de sodio al 1,5% durante un tiempo de inmersión 30 min es el de mayor efectividad para el establecimiento in vitro de explantes primarios del ñame (D alata L. clon caraqueño con altos porcentajes de supervivencia en condiciones ex vitro.

The in vitro culture technique consists of aseptically culturing an isolated plant portion in controlled environmental conditions for the cells to express their intrinsic and induced potential. This work was aimed at determining the effect of different sodium hypochlorite concentrations and immersion times on in vitro establishment of yam (Dioscorea alata L) “caraqueño” clone primary explants. Disinfection varied by using different sodium hypochlorite concentrations (1.5%, 2% and 2.5%) during different immersion times (10, 20 and 30 min). Bacterial and fungal contamination percentages were evaluated after 7 days and de novo bud number, shoot length, leaf number, explant establishment and necrosis percentages were determined after 40 days. A totally randomised experimental design was applied, having one- and two-factor variance analysis; the Tukey test was used for comparing means at 5% significance level. The results showed that the most appropriate disinfection treatment for uninodal yam (D alata L) segments used 1.5% sodium hypochlorite during 30 min immersion; this was most effective for the in vitro establishment of yam (D alata L) clone “caraqueño” primary explants, having high survival percentage in ex vitro conditions.

Elaboración y evaluación de polvos para bebidas instantáneas a base de harina extrudida de ñame (Dioscorea alata) / Elaboration and evaluation of powders for instant drinks based upon extruded flour of yam (Dioscorea alata)

The tubercles of Dioscorea alata which belongs to the Dioscoraceae family are rhizomes, which are cultivated in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world; representing an energetic food source for these populations due to its high contents of starch. In order to increase and diversify its consumption, it was proposed to study the addition of extruded yam flour for the elaboration of a powder mixture for making vanilla-flavored instant drinks. Two formulations were made based on 20% and 40% of extruded yam flour; they were evaluated infunction to their chemical composition, physical characteristics (water activity, color, pH and viscosity) and sensorial properties. The results indicated that the addition of the extruded yam flour allowed to increase the protein and dietary fiber contents, with values of water activity, pH and viscosity similar to those of the commercial product that was taken as a reference. The sensorial evaluation resulted of good approval for the studied formulations. In conclusion, the formulation based upon 20% of extruded yam flour, allowed obtaining a product with chemical, physical and sensorial properties comparables to the commercial product; but with antioxidant properties ascribed to some polyphenols originated from the extruded yam flour.

Los tubérculos de Dioscorea alata de la familia Dioscoreaceae, son rizomas cultivados principalmente en las regiones tropicales y subtropicales del mundo, que representan una fuente de alimentación energética para estas poblaciones, dado el alto contenido de almidón. En busca de incrementar y diversificar su consumo, se planteó estudiar la incorporación de la harina extrudida de ñame para la elaboración de una mezcla en polvo para preparar bebidas instantáneas, saborizada con vainilla. Se realizaron dos formulaciones a base de 20% y 40% de harina extrudida de ñame, evaluadas en función a la composición química, características físicas (actividad de agua, color, pH y viscosidad) y propiedades sensoriales. Los resultados indicaron que la incorporación de la harina extrudida de ñame, permitió incrementar el contenido de proteína y fibra dietaria, con valores de actividad de agua, pH y viscosidad similares al producto comercial tomado como referencia. La evaluación sensorial resultó de buena aceptación para las formulaciones estudiadas. En conclusión, la formulación a base de un 20% de la harina extrudida de ñame, permitió obtener un producto con propiedades químicas, físicas y sensoriales comparables al comercial, pero con propiedades antioxidantes, atribuidas a algunos polifenoles provenientes de la harina extrudida de ñame.

Relationship between the physicochemical properties of starches and the glycemic indices of some Jamaican yams (Dioscorea spp.).

Starch granules from round leaf yellow yam (RY), Lucea yam (LY), white yam (WY), and Chinese yam (CY) grown in Jamaica were isolated and the relationship between starch amylose content, crystallinity, microscopic properties, in vitro digestibility, and the glycemic index (GI) of the tubers was investigated. The results indicate that RY had the highest amylose content (265.30 +/- 0.09 g/kg starch) while CY the lowest (111.44 +/- 0.03 g/kg starch). A corresponding variation in starch digestibility and GI was also observed, as CY which had the highest in vitro digestibility had the highest GI (21.27 +/- 0.01 and 97.42 +/- 0.62%, respectively), while RY, LY, and WY starches with low digestibility had lowest GI. Differences in the crystalline pattern of the different starches were observed, where RY, LY, and WY displayed the type B crystalline pattern while CY had the intermediate crystallite (type C).

Jamaican bitter yam sapogenin: potential mechanisms of action in diabetes.

Sapogenin has been proposed to be the active component responsible for the beneficial effects of Jamaican bitter yam (Dioscorea polygonoides) in the management of diabetes. Most of the research activities on bitter yam have focused on the role sapogenin play in the management of diabetes. Changes in weight, activities of carbohydrate digestive and transport enzymes, alterations in the intestinal morphology, changes in blood lipids, reduction in lipid peroxidation and the prevention of liver damage associated with diabetes have all been attributed to bitter yam sapogenin supplementation. Also, the possible exploitation of bitter yam for nutraceutical/pharmaceutical purposes is based on the high saponin content. There are however, concerns about the beneficial claims of the findings especially with regard to the possible adverse effects that may accrue in the clinical applications. This review therefore provides an overview of the findings in this research area with a view to proposing the potential mechanisms whereby the supplement of bitter yam sapogenin extract exert its hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties and the probable adverse effects in diabetes mellitus.