In vivo wound healing and antiulcer properties of white sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas)

Influence of Mineral Treatment, Plant Growth Regulators and Artificial Light on the Growth of Jewel Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam. cv. Jewel) In Vitro

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam), a member of the bindweed family (Convolvulaceae Juss.), is well known for its food, medicinal, and industrial values. It is estimated that more than 7000 sweet potato cultivars have been bred to date. Jewel sweet potato (I. batatas Lam cv. Jewel) is one of the most popular cultivars of sweet potato grown today because of its high nutritional value, delicious taste, and is suitable for all processing methods. However, little is known about the micropropagation of jewel sweet potato. The purpose of this paper was to study the effect of three important factors, including culture medium, plant growth regulators (PGRs), and artificial light sources, on the induction, proliferation, and growth of in vitro I. batatas 'Jewel' shoots obtained from the axillary bud and shoot tip explants. The different Murashige and Skoog (MS) salt levels (33%, 50%, 100%, and 150%) were used to study the influence of mineral treatment. To assess the influence of PGRs, we used 0.5 mg/L indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) combined with various cytokinins, including 0.5-2.0 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), 0.5-2.0 mg/L kinetin (Kn), and 0.1-1.0 mg/L thidiazuron (TDZ). On the other hand, the in vitro shoots were cultivated in a light room with different lighting conditions. Three lighting treatments (differences in the ratio between the red (R) and blue (B) spectra) were used. Research results have shown that the medium containing 50% MS salt concentration supplemented with 0.5 mg/L BAP or 0.5 mg/L Kn combined with 0.5 mg/L IAA was the most suitable for induction, proliferation, and growth of in vitro jewel sweet potato shoots. On the other hand, stem pieces bearing the axillary buds' explants were determined to be suitable for the shoot induction. Using artificial light with different blue/red ratios also had a significant effect on the growth of explants and stimulates shoot or root formation.

Antiulcerative potential of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) against aspirin-induced gastric ulcers in a rabbit model

OBJECTIVES

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is accredited as a functional food because of its nutraceutical compounds. These dietary components may help heal lesions and ulcer scars in the stomach. This research was designed to examine the antioxidant and antiulcerative potential of sweet potato (red skin, white flesh) against aspirin-induced gastric ulcers in a rabbit model.

METHODS

Sweet potato samples were analyzed for in vitro analysis, such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content. In a bioefficacy study, rabbits were divided into five groups (n = 6) in which G0 received the standard diet only, G1 150 mg/kg aspirin, G2 20 mg/kg omeprazole, G3 1000 mg/kg aqueous extract of sweet potato, and G4 1000 mg/kg ethanolic extract of sweet potato. After completion of the trial, the animals were decapitated and examined for antiulcer parameters, serum analysis, and hematologic parameters.

RESULTS

The mean values for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content were 57%, 927 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g, and 1901 µg quercetin equivalent/g, respectively. The values for gastric volume, acid output, ulcer scores and index, total oxidant status, white blood cell count, and lymphocyte count were increased significantly (P < 0.05) for the positive control group compared with G2, G3, and G4. Gastric pH and body weight at the end of the experiment were significantly reduced for the positive control group (P < 0.05) compared with G2, G3, and G4. Histology test results of gastric tissues in G1 depicted severe epithelial damage compared with G2, G3, and G4.

CONCLUSIONS

The results for the antiulcer parameters ascertained the antiulcer activity of sweet potato in aspirin-induced gastric ulcer models.

Medicinal Plants from Latin America with Wound Healing Activity: Ethnomedicine, Phytochemistry, Preclinical and Clinical Studies—A Review

Latin America is a multicultural region with ancient traditional medicine. There is extensive knowledge of the use of medicinal plants for wound healing in this region. Nevertheless, many of these medicinal plants lack pharmacological, toxicological, and chemical studies. This review focuses on the ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, and pharmacological (preclinical and clinical) studies of medicinal plants with wound healing activity, from Latin America. An electronic database search was conducted by consulting scientific articles and books. A total of 305 plant species with wound healing activity were recorded, based on traditional medicine. Most medicinal plants used in wound healing in Latin America are topically administered; their methods of preparation are mainly by water infusion from aerial parts. Only thirty-five percent of medicinal plants used in traditional medicine for wound healing have been experimentally validated for their pharmacological effects, and the wound healing activity of five medicinal plants has been studied in clinical trials. In all, 25 compounds (mostly terpenes and flavonoids) have been isolated from medicinal plants with wound healing activity; therefore, extensive work is necessary for a multidisciplinary approach to evaluate the wound healing effects of medicinal plants in Latin America. The mechanism of action of medicinal plants, their toxicological actions on the skin, and their bioactive compounds, have yet to be investigated. This review on the ethnomedicinal, phytochemical, and pharmacological studies, of medicinal plants from Latin America with wound healing activity, offers promising data for further studies, as well as providing new insights into their possible role in wound care.

Biology and biotechnological aspect of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.): a commercially important tuber crop

This review highlights the economic importance of sweet potato and discusses new varieties, agronomic and cultivation practices, pest and disease control efforts, plant tissue culture protocols, and unexplored research areas involving this plant. Abstract Sweet potato is widely consumed in many countries around the world, including India, South Africa and China. Due to its valuable nutritional composition and highly beneficial bioactive compounds, sweet potato is considered a major tuber crop in India. Based on the volume of production, this plant ranks seventh in the world among all food crops. Sweet potato is considered a "Superfood" by the 'Centre for Science in the Public Interest' (CSPI), USA. This plant is mostly propagated through vegetative propagation using vine cuttings or tubers. However, this process is costly, labour-intensive, and comparatively slow. Conventional propagation methods are not able to supply sufficient disease-free planting materials to farmers to sustain steady tuber production. Therefore, there is an urgent need to use various biotechnological approaches, such as cell, tissue, and organ culture, for the large-scale production of healthy and disease-free planting material for commercial purposes throughout the year. In the last five decades, a number of tissue culture protocols have been developed for the production of in vitro plants through meristem culture, direct adventitious organogenesis, callus culture and somatic embryogenesis. Moreover, little research has been done on synthetic seed technology for the in vitro conservation and propagation of sweet potato. The current review comprehensively describes the biology, i.e., plant phenotypic description, vegetative growth, agronomy and cultivation, pests and diseases, varieties, and conventional methods of propagation, as well as biotechnological implementation, of this tuber crop. Furthermore, the explored and unexplored areas of research in sweet potato using biotechnological approaches have been reviewed.

Protective Effect of Carotenoid Extract from Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato on Gastric Ulcer in Mice by Inhibition of NO, IL-6 and PGE2 Production

Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam., Convolvulaceae is widely distributed in Asian areas from tropical to warm-temperature regions. Their tubers are known for their antioxidant, anti-bacterial, anti-diabetic, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ulcer activities. The preventive and therapeutic effects of orange-fleshed sweet potato on gastric ulcers have not been investigated. In this study, the carotenoid extract (CE) of orange-fleshed sweet potato was found to protect against gastric ulcers induced by HCl/ethanol in mice. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the carotenoid pigment extract were also evaluated as possible evidence of their protective effects. Administration of CE reduced gastric ulcers. Oral administration of CE (100 mg/kg) protected against gastric ulcers by 78.1%, similar to the positive control, sucralfate (77.5%). CE showed potent reducing power and decreased nitric oxide production in a mouse macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7, in a concentration-dependent manner. The production of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 and prostaglandin E₂ was also reduced by CE in a dose-dependent manner. The high carotenoid content of orange-fleshed sweet potato could play a role in its protective effect against gastric ulcers. This result suggests the possibility of developing functional products using this nutrient-fortified material.

Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in sweet potato after heat treatment

BACKGROUND

The ability of heat treatment with a soaking solvent to increase soluble phenolic compounds due to the liberation or breakdown of the cell matrix has been investigated in various plants. This study investigated the changes in phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities of 12 sweet potato cultivars after heat treatment with distilled water or prethanol A.

RESULTS

The highest total polyphenol content (134.67 mg gallic acid equivalents/g extract residue) and flavonoid content (65.43 mg catechin equivalents/g extract residue) was observed in the 'Jami' (JM) cultivar after heat treatment with prethanol A. Higher polyphenol and flavonoid content was generally observed in the purple sweet potato cultivars. Salicylic acid was the major phenolic acid, followed by protocatechuic acid or chlorogenic acid in almost all untreated sweet potato cultivars. The salicylic acid, vanillic acid, gallic acid, and caffeic acid content of the sweet potatoes increased after the heat treatment, whereas the protocatechuic acid and chlorogenic acid content decreased. The highest 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azinobis(3-ethyl benzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activity levels were observed in the JM cultivar subjected to heat treatment with prethanol A (48.15 and 80.00 mg TE/g extract residue, respectively).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that heat treatment with a soaking solvent is an efficient method to enhance the antioxidant characteristics of Korean sweet potato cultivars. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Wound Healing Activity of Plants from the Convolvulaceae Family

Significance: Compounds derived from plants are gaining importance for the treatment of several diseases. Many plants from the Convolvulaceae family contain compounds that have demonstrated wound healing and antidiabetic activity. Such compounds can be effectively used as a part of treatments to promote wound healing in diabetics and used in combination with antimicrobial therapy to reduce the likelihood of drug resistance and allergic reactions. Novel strategies for developing herbal formulations such as nanoparticles and adhesive patches can improve the delivery of plant-based therapeutic agents. Recent Advances: Studies have confirmed the antidiabetic and wound healing activities of Merremia tridentata, Argyreia speciosa, and Ipomoea batatas, whereas Evolvulus alsinoides, Evolvulus nummularius, Argyreia cuneata, and Ipomoea carnea have wound healing activity. Critical Issues: Drug resistance is a major problem associated with antimicrobial therapy and can affect wound healing processes. Phytoconstituents can facilitate healing processes and reduce reliance on antibiotics. Future Directions: Plants from the Convolvulaceae family have had frequent traditional uses, and all plants selected for this study have antimicrobial, antidiabetic, and wound healing properties. Detailed phytochemical studies of these plants can help develop novel wound healing therapies.

Utilization of potato peel as eco-friendly products: A review

An eco-friendly product has been the primary agenda of twenty-first century of the global scientists. One of the main focuses is by-product recycling of food processing industries. It has been long time since food industry byproduct converted into energy and value added products. Potato processing is newly emerging food processing factories in developing countries, and potato is the fourth important crop globally. A dramatic food demand increment had shown in the past two decades. This leads to increase the number of food processing industries. Nowadays, food processing industries particularly processed potato manufactures are expanding and generate a huge volume of potato peel. This by-product causes environmental pollution due to decomposition. However, food byproducts like potato peel have essential organic matter. So this review introduces the potential use of potato peel as food preservative, pharmaceutical ingredient, renewable energy, and animal feed to promote eco-friendly food industries.

Isolation, characterization, and in silico, in vitro and in vivo antiulcer studies of isoimperatorin crystallized from Ostericum koreanum

CONTEXT

Ostericum koreanum (Maxim.) Kitagawa (Apiaceae) roots are traditionally used as an analgesic and antiulcer agent. However, the antiulcer potential of isoimperatorin isolated from O. koreanum has not yet been explored.

AIM

To evaluate the antiulcer activity of isoimperatorin isolated from the roots of O. koreanum.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Isoimperatorin was isolated as cubic crystals by repeated column chromatography of the ethyl acetate fraction and structure was verified with ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS-FAB). The crystals obtained were analyzed with the single crystal X-ray method. The MTT assay was used to determine its cytotoxicity against chondrocytes at different concentrations (0.0-737.74 μM, 24 h). The in vivo antiulcer activity of isoimperatorin (40 mg/kg) was determined against ethanol-, indomethacin- and pyloric ligation-induced ulcers in Sprague-Dawley rats. Furthermore, the effect of isoimperatorin (0.0-737.74 μM, 24 h) on the expression of type II collagen in chondrocytes was determined using western blot method. The in vitro urease inhibitory activity of isoimperatorin (0-80 μM) and molecular docking was also performed against urease.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Isoimperatorin demonstrated significant inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ 36.43 μM) against urease as compared to the standard drug thiourea (IC₅₀ 33.57 μM) without cytotoxic effects. It provided 70.9%, 67.65% and 54.25% protection in ulcer models induced by ethanol, indomethacin and pyloric ligation, respectively. Isoimperatorin showed the highest expression level of type II collagen at 368.87 μM. The docking results confirmed strong binding affinity with the target protein.

CONCLUSION

Isoimperatorin may be used to develop antiulcer drugs with decreased side effects.

Ipomoea batatas (Convolvulaceae)-mediated synthesis of silver nanoparticles for controlling mosquito vectors of Aedes albopictus, Anopheles stephensi, and Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera:Culicidae)

We proposed an effective and eco-friendly control of dengue, malaria, and filariasis-causing vectors. We tested Ipomoea batatas leaves-mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against first to fourth instar larvae and adults of Aedes albopictus, Anopheles stephensi, and Culex quinquefasciatus at different concentrations. The synthesized AgNPs showed broad spectrum of larvicidal and adulticidal effects after 48 h of exposure. The characterization of synthesized AgNPs was done using various spectral and microscopy analyses. The maximum efficacy was observed in synthesized AgNPs against the adult of Ae. albopictus with the LC₅₀ and LC₉₀ values were 10.069 and 15.657 μg/mL, respectively, followed by others.

Alocasia denudata Engler treatment enhance open wound healing activities in Wistar rat's skin

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

A. denudata is traditionally used to treat various skin disorders, including wounds. It is widely used by the traditional healers as an effective wound treatment.

AIM OF STUDY

This study was done to determine A. denudata treatment effects on open wound healing activities in Wistar rat's skin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

120 Wistar rats (250-300 g) were divided into four main groups, 1.5% and 3% A. denudata stem juice treated group, 10% Solcoseryl® gel treated group as positive control and phosphate buffer saline (PBS) treated group as negative control. Six full thicknesses wounds (6mm) were induced bilaterally on the dorsal of the rat's skin. Rats were sacrificed on day 1, 3, 6, 10 and 14. The percentage of wound contraction, biochemical estimations, macroscopic observation and histological examinations were done to evaluate the wound healing activities.

RESULTS

Results showed wounds treated with A. denudata stem juice possess a significant higher rate of wound contraction (p<0.001), total protein concentration (p<0.05), hexosamine concentration (p<0.001) and uronic acid concentration (p<0.001). Moreover, cathepsin B (p<0.05) and hydroxyproline (p<0.05) level showed lower concentration in wounds treated with A. denudata stem juice. Histological observation of wounds treated with A. denudata stem juice displayed organized epithelial layer with dense and compact collagen fibers.

CONCLUSION

Both doses of A. denudata stem juice were found to enhance wound healing process. However, wounds treated with 3% A. denudata stem juice were reported to be more effective as a wound healing agent thus support its traditional usage.

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam)--a valuable medicinal food: a review

Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam, also known as sweet potato, is an extremely versatile and delicious vegetable that possesses high nutritional value. It is also a valuable medicinal plant having anti-cancer, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory activities. Sweet potato is now considered a valuable source of unique natural products, including some that can be used in the development of medicines against various diseases and in making industrial products. The overall objective of this review is to give a bird's-eye view of the nutritional value, health benefits, phytochemical composition, and medicinal properties of sweet potato. Specifically, this review outlines the biological activities of some of the sweet potato compounds that have been isolated, the pharmacological action of the sweet potato extract, clinical studies, and plausible medicinal applications of sweet potato (along with a safety evaluation), and demonstrates the potential of sweet potato as a medicinal food.