Phenotypic Characterization of Tiger Nuts (Cyperus esculentus L.) from Major Growing Areas in Ghana

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

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

Polyphenols and Lactation: Molecular Evidence to Support the Use of Botanical Galactagogues

Botanicals and herbal supplements contain a diverse array of polyphenols that may affect mammary gland function and promote galactagogue activity. This scoping review is conducted to identify scientific literature elucidating how polyphenols affect mammary gland biology and cellular mechanisms critical for lactation. A literature search of PubMed and Medline reviews relevant studies in dairy animals, rodent models, and cultured mammary epithelial cells that are published from January 2010 until July 2023, to ascertain effects of polyphenols on mechanisms regulating milk production and composition. The PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Review) strategy is applied and 80 studies on polyphenols and their implications on milk production and composition are included in this review. Limited information delineating effects of polyphenols on the molecular pathways that affect lactation are found, although available information suggests modulation of Stat5 signaling/differentiation, Stat3 signaling/remodeling, mTOR and insulin signaling/energy production, and nuclear factor kappa beta (NFκβ) signaling/oxidative stress and inflammation may play roles. A profound lack of mechanistic information underscores the critical need for further research to understand the impact of botanical supplements and polyphenols on milk production and composition in humans to establish maternal nutritional guidelines to support lactation and breastfeeding goals.

Improving Tuber Yield of Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) through Nitrogen Fertilization in Sandy Farmland

The cultivation of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) on marginal lands is a feasible and effective way to increase food production in Northern China. However, the specific influence of nitrogen fertilizer application on the growth dynamics, tuber expansion, overall yield, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of tiger nuts cultivated on these sandy lands is yet to be fully elucidated. From 2021 to 2022, we conducted a study to determine the effect of N fertilizers on the leaf function morphology, canopy apparent photosynthesis (CAP), tuber yield, and NUE of tiger nut. The results indicate that the tuber yield and NUE are closely related to the specific leaf area (SLA), leaf area index (LAI), leaf nitrogen concentration per area (NA), CAP, and tuber expansion characteristics. Notably, significant enhancements in the SLA, LAI, NA, and CAP during the tuber expansion phase ranging from the 15th to the 45th day under the 300 kg N ha-1 treatment were observed, subsequently leading to increases in both the tuber yield and NUE. Moreover, a maximum average tuber filling rate was obtained under the N300 treatment. These improvements led to substantial increases in the tuber yield (32.1-35.5%), nitrogen agronomic efficiency (NAE, 2.1-5.3%), nitrogen partial factor productivity (NPP, 4.8-8.1%), and nitrogen recovery efficiency (NRE, 3.4-5.7%). Consequently, 300 kg N ha-1 of N fertilizers is the most effective dose for optimizing both the yield of tiger nut tubers and the NUE of tiger nut plants in marginal soils. Structural equation modeling reveals that N application affects the yield and NUE through its effects on leaf functional traits, the CAP, and the tuber filling characteristics. Modeling indicates that tuber expansion characteristics primarily impact the yield, while CAP predominantly governs the NUE. Above all, this study highlights the crucial role of N fertilizer in maximizing the tiger nut tuber yield potential on marginal lands, providing valuable insights into sustainable farming in dry areas.

Chemosensitivity analysis of tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentus L.) using ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) and colchicine mutagens

Four hundred tubers of four genotypes, two brown and two black tiger nuts were subjected to Ethyl Methanesulfonate (EMS) and Colchicine treatments at concentrations of 0 %, 0.1 %, 0.25 %, 0.5 % and 1.0 % for 24 h. Each genotype had twenty tubers treated with each of the five different concentrations and were planted using Complete Randomized Design (CRD) in a greenhouse. Quantitative data was collected and LD50 and RD50 were analysed using Excell 2016 and Genstat 11.2. A general decreasing trend in percentage germination and plant height was observed with increasing concentrations of mutagens applied. An EMS treatment had LD50 and RD50 values of 0.97 % and 1.49 % for black and 0.63 % and 1.63 % for brown genotypes. Similarly, the percentage colchicine treatment had LD50 and RD50 values of 1.65 % and 19.51 % concentrations for black and 0.91 % and 1.71 % concentrations for brown genotypes.

Exogenous naphthaleneacetic acid alleviated alkalinity-induced morpho-physio-biochemical damages in Cyperus esculentus L. var. sativus Boeck

Cyperus esculentus L. var. sativus Boeck (commonly called Chufa) is a perennial species that produces nutritious underground tubers and contributes to the diet and health of human worldwide. However, it is salt-sensitive and its adaptation to salinity stress remains an enigma. Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) plays a vital role in regulating plant salt stress tolerance. Thus, we aimed to investigate the impact of NAA (150 mg/L) application on growth and physio-biochemical response mechanisms of Chufa plants to different levels of salinity stress (0-, 90-, and 180 mM of alkaline stress ([1:1 ratio of Na₂CO₃ and NaHCO₃]). In response to increasing stress levels, shoot-root growth decreased, whereas malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), osmolytes (soluble protein, proline, and soluble sugars), and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) significantly increased. Alkalinity led to significant increase in Na⁺ and Cl^-, but decrease in Mg²⁺ concentration in both roots and leaves; however, K⁺ decreased significantly in leaves under both stresses. Additionally, NO 3 - and. levels, nitrate reductase (NR) activities, and glutamate synthase (GOGAT) decreased significantly. However, glutamine synthetase (GS) increased non-significantly at 90 mM but declined at 180 mM. Foliar NAA application reduced Na⁺ and Cl^-, MDA, and H₂O₂ but increased photosynthetic pigments, K⁺ and Mg²⁺, osmolytes, nitrogen (N) metabolism, and upregulating the enzymatic antioxidant system to reduce oxidative stress under alkaline conditions. Hence, our findings manifest that NAA application is an effective strategy that can be utilized to enhance tolerance of chufa plants to alkaline stress. Future studies should explore whether NAA can positively alter the nutrient composition of chufa tubers at deeper molecular levels, which might offer solutions to nutritious problems in developing countries.

Planting Cyperus esculentus augments soil microbial biomass and diversity, but not enzymatic activities

The planting of Cyperus esculentus, a member of the grass family Cyperaceae which includes nut sedge weeds, is being increasingly promoted in northern China's semi-arid and arid regions. Yet the effects of planting C. esculentus upon soil quality and soil microbial characteristics of sandy land remain unclear. This study examined the short-term (1 year) impact of this grass species on soil microbial biomass indices, enzymatic activities, and microbiome characteristics in the Horqin Sandy Land area of China. The results show that planting C. esculentus could increase microbial biomass in the form of carbon (MBC), nitrogen (MBN), and phosphorus (MBP), but it negligibly influenced the enzymatic activities of soil β-1,4-glucosidase (BG), cellobiohydrolase (CBH), leucine aminopeptidase (LAP), and β-1,4-N-acetaminoglycosidase (NAG). Over 1 year, we found that planting C. esculentus significantly increased the soil bacterial richness and diversity of sandy land, yet also altered community composition of soil bacteria and eukaryotes in way that could promote their homogenization. In this respect, the relative abundances of Acidobacteria and Proteobacteria significantly decreased and increased, respectively; hence, they may be considered for use as important indicators of soil nutrient-rich conditions. Overall, the results could be explained by greater soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN), mainly derived from cumulative plant litter input to soils, which then increased the sandy soil's C:N ratio. Future research should focus on exploring the long-term effects of planting C. esculentus on soil quality and soil microbial characteristics of sandy lands in China and abroad.

Cyperus (Cyperus esculentus L.): A Review of Its Compositions, Medical Efficacy, Antibacterial Activity and Allelopathic Potentials

Cyperus (Cyperus esculentus L.) is an edible perennial grass-like plant, which propagates exclusively with underground tubers. Its tubers are rich in starch (20-30%), fat (25-35%), sugar (10-20%), protein (10-15%) and dietary fiber (8-9%). In addition, the tubers also contain alkaloids, organic acids, vitamins (C and E), steroids, terpenoids and other active components. The contents of oleic acid and linoleic acid in Cyperus oil are very high, which have important medicinal value and health-promoting properties. Most of the extracts from the tubers, stems and leaves of Cyperus have allelopathic potential and antibacterial, antioxidant and insecticidal activities. In recent years, the planting area of Cyperus has increased significantly all over the world, especially in China and some other countries. This paper presents the current status of Cyperus and the recent trend in research in this area. Published reports on its nutritional contents, active ingredients, medicinal efficacy, antibacterial activity and allelopathic potential were also reviewed.

Hoop House and Field Evaluation of Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L. var. sativus Boeck) Selections in New Jersey, USA

Tigernut or ‘chufa’ (Cyperus esculentus L. var. sativus) is gaining popularity in the United States as a high energy tuber crop known for sweet and chewy taste, 40–45% gluten-free digestible carbohydrate, high dietary fiber content, healthful fatty acid profile (73% monounsaturated, 18% saturated, 9% polyunsaturated—similar to olive oil), high oleic acid, and high P, K, and vitamins C. E. Tigernut tubers were obtained from specialty crop markets in central NJ and purchased online from commercial distributors as propagules for transplants for hoop house and field production studies. Nine tigernut selections were also evaluated under NJ hoop house culture conditions for growth habit and in the field for adaptation and productivity We concluded that tigernut production is feasible in NJ based on the results of these experiments. The growth patterns of three selections (GH, MV and SK) were studied and characterized. Foliage growth was similar in the three selections. Plant height ranged from an average of 90 cm in GH to 110 cm in MV and SK; side shoot production capacity ranged from 13 shoots per propagule in GH to 20 or more in MV and SK over 14 weeks. Over 99% of tubers in MV and SK were located within the upper 5 cm of the growth media (Pro-Mix BX brand) but tubers of GH were observed at greater soil depths (~20 cm). Tubers varied from spherical (round) in shape in GH and SK to oblong (elongated) in MV. In the field the best growth and tuber yields from NG3 and T-USA selections were obtained under black or white-over-black plastic mulch in conventionally managed plots. Tubers showed high levels of Fe (168–218 ppm) and Zn (39–50 ppm) implying that they should be a good source of these essential elements in human diet. Studies also showed that the tigernut tuber cannot survive the cold winter months in the field in NJ, therefore minimizing the fear of “tigernut invasion” of agronomic fields in NJ and similar agroecosystems.

Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus L.): Nutrition, Processing, Function and Applications

The tiger nut is the tuber of Cyperus esculentus L., which is a high-quality wholesome crop that contains lipids, protein, starch, fiber, vitamins, minerals and bioactive factors. This article systematically reviewed the nutritional composition of tiger nuts; the processing methods for extracting oil, starch and other edible components; the physiochemical and functional characteristics; as well as their applications in food industry. Different extraction methods can affect functional and nutritional properties to a certain extent. At present, mechanical compression, alkaline methods and alkali extraction-acid precipitation are the most suitable methods for the production of its oil, starch and protein in the food industry, respectively. Based on traditional extraction methods, combination of innovative techniques aimed at yield and physiochemical characteristics is essential for the comprehensive utilization of nutrients. In addition, tiger nut has the radical scavenging ability, in vitro inhibition of lipid peroxidation, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects and displays medical properties. It has been made to milk, snacks, beverages and gluten-free bread. Despite their ancient use for food and feed and the many years of intense research, tiger nuts and their components still deserve further exploitation on the functional properties, modifications and intensive processing to make them suitable for industrial production.