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The research on endophytes is focused on understanding the complex microbiome compositions, their interactions with host plants and their bioactive potential. Our study provided an overview of the diversity, distribution and bioactivities of culturable endophytic fungi associated with fungal endophytes of Dioscorea bulbifera L. The phylogenetic analysis depicted the evolutionary relationship among taxa of endophytic fungal isolates. The isolated fungal endophytes belonged to twenty-five genera and thirty-eight species. Further, diversity indices demonstrated significant diversity of fungal endophytes in the different tissues: stem, leaf, tuber and bulbil. A higher consistency of endophytic fungal isolates in the bulbils was found using Shannon index. Furthermore, Simpson's index revealed that the leaf tissue harboured highly diverse fungal endophytes. Likewise, Margalef's index depicted high taxonomic richness in bulbils. The isolates such as Acrocalymma medicaginis, Curvularia lycoperscii, Talaromyces macrospora, Fusarium laceratum, Paecilomyces formosus and Microascus cirrosus isolated in this study have been reported as endophytes for the first time from any plant. In-vitro antioxidant and antidiabetic activities of the ethyl acetate extracts revealed that Nigrospora oryzae (Z2) effectively inhibited α-glucosidase activity with IC 50 value of 0.6 µg/ml whereas IC 50 value of the acarbose, the positive control was reported to be 0.040 µg/ml. The results of antioxidant activity demonstrated that H15A (Acrocalymma medicaginis) and BD5 (Phomopsis longicolla) could be used as potential sources of antioxidant agents. Moreover, H15A (Acrocalymma medicaginis) was reported to produce 687.1 ± 0.17 µg GAE/mg of TPC and 78.55 ± 0.29 µg QE/mg of TFC quantitatively. These findings suggest that the potential endophytes could be explored using systematic bio-guided investigations to further discover novel natural products. Our study provides an important resource for a deeper understanding of endophyte-plant interactions at molecular and genetic levels. [Display omitted] • First report on the exploration of the culturable fungal endophytes from Dioscorea bulbifera L., an essential ethnomedicinal plant. • The isolated endophytic fungi showed abundant diversity in various tissues of the plant. • Six fungal endophytes obtained in this study have been reported as endophytes for the first time. • Nigrospora oryzae (Z2) exhibited potential α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. • Acrocalymma medicaginis (H15A) could be used as a potential source of antioxidant agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigation of extracts from bulbils of Dioscorea bulbifera L. yielded two new norclerodane diterpenoids, diosbulbin N acetate (1) and epi-diosbulbin B (3), together with eleven known compounds. Their structures were established based on spectroscopy. The absolute configurations of 1 and diosbulbin B (2) were determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis using Cu Kα radiation. The absolute configuration of 3 was determined by comparison of its ECD spectrum to that of 2. Isolated phenanthrenes 7, 9 and 10 exhibited moderate cytotoxicity against the HelaS3 cell line with IC50 values of 9.03 ± 0.04, 27.13 ± 6.86 and 10.88 ± 2.75 µM, respectively. In addition, 7-9 and 11 showed potent inhibition of NO production by LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dioscorea bulbifera L. is well known for its diverse chemical composition and medicinal applications. • This systemic review covers the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacological importance and toxicity of D. bulbifera L. • Various clinical studies included in this review validate the folk usage of this herb. • The findings presented herein provide a stepping stone for future investigations into the mechanism of action of the formulations or metabolites derived from it and delve into their potential as pharmaceutical agents. Dioscorea bulbifera L. (Dioscoreaceae) is extensively being used in African, Chinese and Indian traditional medicinal systems since ages. It is an ingredient in many herbal and Ayurvedic preparations that are used against various ailments. The current study is aimed to systematically review and document findings on ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, nutritive value and toxicity of the herb. The study is intended to overcome the inconsistency between the traditional and pharmacological applications of the herb concerning its folkloric use and offer novel insights for future researchers. The literature was systematically collected from various offline and online sources using relevant keywords. Electronic databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Springer Online, Research Gate, Scopus etc. were used to retrieve the relevant information. D. bulbifera L. is widespread in tropical and temperate regions of Asia, Africa and America. In traditional medicinal systems, it is used widely to cure sore throat, skin diseases, ulcers, boils, piles, pain, inflammation, dog bites, snake bites, food poisoning, asthma, cough, tuberculosis, cold, jaundice, malaria, typhoid of children, contraceptives, diabetes, ophthalmia, pink eye conjunctivitis etc. Among bioactive constituents, aglycone types of steroidal saponins dioscorin(e), dioscin(e), diosbulbin, and diosgenin possess significant biological activities. The chemical structures of the phytoconstituents presented in this review are drawn using ChemDraw Ultra software. The clinical studies included in this review have been performed to validate the folk usage of this herb. However, more studies are required to be done on scientific and clinical aspects to support its therapeutic applications. The updated information provided in this systematic review would open new perspectives for performing in-depth analysis of pharmacological research in future. The study would be useful for improving the clinical use of the herb and is surely going to bridge a gap between the traditional and modern use of scientific research for future researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dioscorea bulbifera (Dioscoreaceae), a versatile herbaceous climber native to Africa and Asia, holds significant nutritional and medicinal value. Despite extensive characterization and genetic variability analyses of African accessions, studies on the genetic variation of this species in China are limited. To address this gap, we conducted low-coverage whole genome sequencing on D. bulbifera accessions from diverse regions across mainland China and Taiwan island. Our initial investigation encompassed comprehensive comparative plastome analyses of these D. bulbifera accessions, and developing plastome resources (including plastome-derived repetitive sequences, SSRs, and divergent hotspots). We also explored polymorphic nuclear SSRs and elucidated the intraspecific phylogeny of these accessions. Comparative plastome analyses revealed that D. bulbifera plastomes exhibited a conserved quadripartite structure with minimal size variation mainly attributed to intergenic spacer regions, reinforcing prior observations of a high degree of conservation within a species. We identified 46 to 52 dispersed repeats and 151 to 163 plastome-derived SSRs, as well as highlighted eight key divergent hotspots in these D. bulbifera accessions. Furthermore, we developed 2731 high-quality candidate polymorphic nuclear SSRs for D. bulbifera. Intraspecific phylogenetic analysis revealed three distinct clades, where accessions from Southeast China formed a sister group to those from South China and Taiwan island, and collectively, these two clades formed a sister group to the remaining accessions, indicating potential regional genetic divergence. These findings not only contributed to the understanding of the genetic variation of D. bulbifera, but also offered valuable resources for future research, breeding efforts, and utilization of this economically important plant species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study fractionated Dioscorea bulbifera bulbil proteins, determined the fractions inhibitory potential against a-amylase and a-glucosidase activity, and evaluated their antioxidative activity in-vitro. Dioscorea bulbifera bulbil flesh was homogenized in Phosphate Buffer Saline (pH7.2), centrifuged at 10,000 xg for 30 min and supernatant was subjected to ammonium sulphate fractionation. Three fractions (25%, 60% and 90%) were produced and their hemagglutinating activity, blood group and sugar specificity were determined. Ability of the fractions to inhibit a-amylase and a-glucosidase activity was investigated. Antioxidative properties were evaluated using DPPH, Nitric oxide and hydroxyl radicals scavenging assay. Their reducing power, total antioxidant capacity and ferrous chelating activity were also evaluated. Data obtained revealed the presence of lectin in the crude protein extract, 25% and 60% protein fractions. The lectin agglutinated rabbit blood erythrocyte better than human blood groups erythrocyte. Protein fraction (60%) has no hemagglutinating activity towards human blood erythrocyte. Mannose completely inhibited the hemagglutinating activity. Alpha-amylase and a-glucosidase activities were inhibited by 25% and 60% protein fractions with no significant difference. But their inhibitory action was better than that of acarbose. All the free radicals tested were scavenged by the fractions to various degrees. Sixty percent protein fraction could not scavenge nitric oxide but it was a better scavenger of hydroxyl radical. No activity was recorded for 90% protein fraction. The results showed the anti-diabetic potential of the protein fractions and can be harnessed for possible development of therapeutics agents for the treatment of diabetes and oxidative stress associated ailments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Wound healing is a complex physiological process that involves a series of coordinated events that recover structural and functional tissue integrity. The desire to promote nature-based solutions has led to the screening of various plants and herbs for their wound healing potentials with results showing the enhancement of various aspects of the wound healing process. Dioscorea bulbifera possesses a wide range of applications in folk remedies. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used in the treatment of mumps, goitre, sore throat, gastric cancer and carcinoma of the rectum alone or in combination with other plants. The present study evaluated the effect of hydromethanolic extract of Dioscorea bulbifera (HEDB) on wound size, percentage of wound contraction and tissue hydroxyproline in male Wistar rat excision wound models. Methods: Twenty-five (25) male Wistar rats (180–200 g) were used for the study. They were divided into five (5) groups comprising five (5) animals per group. A circular excision wound (1.5–2 cm) was experimentally induced in each animal following ketamine anaesthesia. Groups I and II served as negative and positive controls and were treated with topical administration of distilled water and petroleum jelly respectively. Groups III, IV and V served as the experimental groups and were treated with 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg of HEDB topically. The diameter of the wound was measured and the wound area and percentage of wound contraction were calculated. Tissue hydroxyproline was determined using tissue excised from the healed portion of the dorsal surface of the animals via coulometric standard procedures. Results: Data from the study indicates that animals in the experimental groups (III, IV and V) had an earlier wound closure compared to the control. Animals treated with 200 mg/kg HEDB (Group III) showed complete wound closure by day 17, whereas animals treated with 400 mg/kg (Group IV) and 800 mg/kg HEDB (Group V) groups achieved complete wound closure by the 18th and 20th day of the experiment respectively. Similarly, all the animals in the experimental groups had significantly increased percentage of wound contraction compared to negative control (P < 0.05). Tissue hydroxyproline was significantly raised amongst the animals treated with 200 and 800 mg/kgHEDB compared to the negative control (p < 0.05). Discussion: Evidence from the study has shown that HEDB possesses potent wound healing activity as the present study has demonstrated that it reduced wound area, and increased wound contraction and tissue hydroxyproline on experimentally induced excision wound male Wistar rat models. These findings provide scientific evidence that validates the traditional medicinal application of Dioscorea bulbifera in promoting wound healing.

The study evaluated the effect of different processing methods (boiling, toasting and soaking) on the nutrient and of wild aerial yam (Dioscorea bulbifera). One kilogram of raw wild Dioscorea bulbifera (RWDB) was boiled for 30 minutes at 100°C, another one kg was soaked for 24 hours. Toasting of another one kg of Dioscorea bulbifera tubers were carried out for 30 minutes. The raw and processed tubers were dried, milled and chemically analysed for proximate compositions, phytochemical components, minerals and amino acid content. Mean dry matter, crude protein, lipid, fibre, ash and carbohyd-rate contents of boiled wild Dioscorea bulbifera meal were 10.86%, 89.14%, 11.63%, 32.28%, 4.10%, 3.61% and 66.53% respectively. There were significant differences (p

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of spent engine oil and industrial effluent on the soil and Dioscorea bulbifera plant. Spent engine oil (SEO) was added to the buckets filled with 15 kg of loamy soil at different volumes of 0, 75, 225, and 375mL. Another bucket was filled with 15 kg of industrial effluent (IE). The results showed that SEO in soil has highly significant (p ≤ 0.05) effects on some of the soil's physicochemical properties. Industrial effluent (IE) had the highest nitrogen content (0.89%) while the lowest was in 75 mL15kg-1 (0.72%). pH was higher in control (4.29) and the lowest was at 375 mL15kg-1 (4.89). The chlorophyll content range was 274.06 mg g-1 (IE) -- 349.60 mg g-1 (control). Also, bulbils from IE had the least fresh and dry weight (20.21 g and 14.73 g, respectively). The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of all heavy metals examined was less than 1, except for copper. Heavy metal uptake order by the bulbil is Cu > Fe > Zn > Pb. Considering the detrimental effects of SEO and IE pollution on soil and plants, it has become necessary for the government to have a policy that will prevent indiscriminate disposal of waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The proximate composition, functional properties and amino acid profile of samples of Dioscorea alata, Dioscorea rotundata and Dioscorea bulbifera were investigated using standard analytical methods. The results showed that Dioscorea alata had the highest ash (5.59±0.06 %) and crude fiber content (12.12±0.20 %), indicating that it has more mineral stuffing and is best to reduce the risk of obesity. Dioscorea rotundata had the highest fat content (11.63±0.04 %) as well as the lowest moisture content (7.04±0.06 %), indicating that it is a better source of calories and has a longer shelf-life than other yam species analysed. Dioscorea bulbifera also had the highest crude protein (8.64±0.03 %) and carbohydrates (77.51±0.08 %) than other yam species analysed, indicating high bodybuilding capacity and a better source of energy than other yam samples analysed. Dioscorea alata showed the highest bulk density (0.87±0.02 g/cm3) and swelling capacity (15.25±0.03 g/g). It is indicating its usefulness in the reduction of paste thickness and water-holding capacity of starch granules respectively while Dioscorea rotundata, showed the highest water absorption capacity (164.02±0.02 %), oil absorption capacity (149.76±0.02 %) and dispersibility (72.17±0.01 %). This indicates its importance in the consistency and bulking of products, flavour retaining in food and reconstitution of flour samples in water to give a fine consistent paste during mixing. The yam species were also rich in amino acids which are building blocks of protein. However, Dioscorea rotundata was the richest in amino acid content, as it had 36.32±0.16 g/100g and 36.49±0.16 g/100g, for essential and non-essential amino acids respectively.

Rayap menjadi salah satu permasalahan di Kelurahan Curug Induk, Kota Bogor karena keberadaannya yang sering menyerang banyak furnitur rumah tangga yang terbuat dari kayu. Upaya pengendalian yang telah dilakukan yaitu dengan penyemprotan insektisida sintetik yang biasa dijual di pasaran. Insektisida sintetik yang digunakan secara berkelanjutan dapat menimbulkan dampak negatif bagi lingkungan dan kesehatan. Salah satu cara yang dapat dilakukan dalam mengendalikan keberadaan rayap adalah penggunaan insektisida nabati yang diharapkan dapat mengurangi dampak negatif penggunaan insektisida sintetik. Salah satu flora yang dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai insektisida nabati adalah daun dan umbi Dioscorea bulbifera L. Metode pelaksanaan yang dilakukan dalam program ini adalah metode pendampingan mengenai pemanfaatan D. bulbifera sebagai insektisida nabati. Sasaran kegiatan ini adalah Tim Penggerak Pemberdayaan dan Kesejahteraan Keluarga (TP-PKK), perwakilan Kelompok Tani Dewasa (KTD) dan Kelompok Wanita Tani (KWT) Kelurahan Curug Induk. Hasil dari pendampingan ini adalah menambah wawasan peserta mengenai bahaya insektisida sintetis baik bagi lingkungan dan kesehatan serta pemanfaatan D. bulbifera sebagai insektisida nabati, dalam hal ini adalah pengendalian rayap kayu kering. Pada saat kegiatan berlangsung, peserta pendampingan sangat antusias yang terlihat dari keseriusan dan keaktifan bertanya saat diskusi. Pengembangan D. bulbifera sebagai insektisida nabati diharapkan dapat menjadi solusi dalam pengurangan pemakaian insektisida sintetis dan ramah lingkungan.

Multiple importations of Lilioceris cheni, a defoliating beetle of the invasive air potato plant, were received by the ARS-Invasive Plant Research Laboratory from 2002 to 2012. The last two, in 2011 (China) and 2012 (Nepal), formed the basis of two colonies from which releases were made into six Southeastern U.S. States. Colony populations were examined using the mitochondrial COI sequence. Phylogenetics, evolutionary divergence, a haplotype network, population statistics, and migration models were generated for the two colonies, countries of origin, and the inferred populations (clades). Phylogenetics eliminated the possibility of cryptic speciation and alleviated the need for host-range testing of the 2012 Nepalese samples. Evolutionary divergence showed the Chinese colony was 1.65X as divergent as the Nepalese, but one Nepalese clade was the most distinctly different of all clades. AMOVA showed most (>70%) genetic variation resided within rather than between colonies. In contrast, AMOVAs showed high levels (>61.5%) of genetic variation between underlying clades with proportionally less variation within. The haplotype network showed broad agreement with the phylogeny. Clade C, from China, displayed the largest number of haplotypes and the largest mutation-scaled effective population size in MIGRATE software. The best MIGRATE models indicated that migration and descent followed the order of phylogenetic descent. The results suggest that the genetic diversity being offered to the adventive range by these very divergent colonies (and clades) is large and should support great ecological flexibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature derived product drew a lot of interest because of their potential nutritional and therapeutics value. Most natural compounds are now processed and developed as possible antioxidative, antimitotic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, and anti-carcinogenic pharmaceutical agents. Indeed, several natural products have been used as lead compounds in the development of most potent physiologically relevant chemicals for therapeutic application. In the current study antioxidant and anticancer potential of tuber extract of Dioscorea bulbifera have been determined as well as its antimicrobial potential against pathogenic bacteria. The IC50 value for the extract was found to be 55µg/ml for MCF-7 and 75µg/ml for MD-AMB-231 human breast cancer adenocarcinoma whereas minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of the methanolic extract against S. aureus was 0.19 mg/ml and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was 1.56 mg/ml. Further to identify compounds responsible for antioxidant, anticancer and antimicrobial activity GCMS analysis of the extract was conducted. Histopathological and haematological assay were carried out on animal model to identify any toxic effect of extract on vital organ system. This study may be used to provide the groundwork for the creation of novel nature-derived drugs whose biological activity can be determined by further purification, characterization, and validation of the active phytochemicals and their mechanism of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dioscorea bulbifera (Family: Dioscoreaceae) also referred to as 'Air potato,' carries significant importance in the traditional medicine of China, West Africa and India. It is a common ingredient in numerous herbals and Ayurvedic formulations used to treat a variety of ailments. The literature review extensively examined the historical usage, phytoconstituents, characterisation of phytoconstituents, and medicinal uses of tubers, leaves, rhizomes and bulbils, with a particular focus on comparing research findings. Among the bioactive constituents, aglycone forms of steroidal saponins such as dioscorine, dioscin, diosbulbins, and diosgenin exhibit significant biological activities. Extracts from different parts of the plant exhibited pharmacological activities like anti-viral, anti-malarial, analgesic, antidiabetic, and anticancer. It is necessary to conduct an in-depth investigation to bridge between traditional knowledge and scientific evidence. This comprehensive review aims to provide a detailed understanding of the ethnobotany, phytoconstituent, chemical characterization and pharmacological potential of D. bulbifera, highlighting its prospects and challenges for future research and medicinal application., (© 2024 Wiley-VHCA AG, Zurich, Switzerland.)

This study investigated the presence of bioactive compounds and micro anatomy on leaf, stem and petiole of Dioscorea species (Dioscorea alata and Dioscorea bulbifera). The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, glycosides and absent of alkaloids, anthraquinone and phlobatanin in Dioscorea alata. Alkaloids, saponins, tannins, glycosides and flavonoids were present in Dioscorea bulbifera while anthraquinone and phlobatanin were absent. Microanatomical section of Dioscorea alata leaf showed amphistomatous epidermal cell with thickened cell wall and distinct middle lamella, bounded with intercellular air space, adaxial epidermal cells with eccentric nuclei, large central vacuole with thin peripheral layer of cytoplasm. The foliar epidermis of Dioscorea bulbifera leaf revealed anamocytic and anisocyticstomatas as well as dense hairy trichomes with cuticular striated cell wall on the adaxial and abaxial epidermis. Histological sections of Dioscorea alata stem revealed vascular bundles arranged in two concentric circles. The vascular bundle of the outer circle was smaller than the inner, with two metaxylem vessels together with one phloem unit present at both ends, however, the sections of Dioscorea bulbifera stem, showed bundles of inner circle with unpaired metaxylem with phloem unit at one end. Sections of Dioscorea alata’s petiole showed basically collateral vascular bundles arranged in a ring with the presence of two to three phloem units in each bundle with the presence of crystal granules. The sections of Dioscorea bulbifera’s petiole on the other hand showed longitudinal cell walls with the presence of sieve plates. These histological features and active compounds show that these plant parts are likely to have some medicinal compositions values that should be explored.

This study investigated the presence of bioactive compounds and micro anatomy on leaf, stem and petiole of Dioscorea species (Dioscorea alata and Dioscorea bulbifera). The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, glycosides and absent of alkaloids, anthraquinone and phlobatanin in Dioscorea alata. Alkaloids, saponins, tannins, glycosides and flavonoids were present in Dioscorea bulbifera while anthraquinone and phlobatanin were absent. Microanatomical section of Dioscorea alata leaf showed amphistomatous epidermal cell with thickened cell wall and distinct middle lamella, bounded with intercellular air space, adaxial epidermal cells with eccentric nuclei, large central vacuole with thin peripheral layer of cytoplasm. The foliar epidermis of Dioscorea bulbifera leaf revealed anamocytic and anisocyticstomatas as well as dense hairy trichomes with cuticular striated cell wall on the adaxial and abaxial epidermis. Histological sections of Dioscorea alata stem revealed vascular bundles arranged in two concentric circles. The vascular bundle of the outer circle was smaller than the inner, with two metaxylem vessels together with one phloem unit present at both ends, however, the sections of Dioscorea bulbifera stem, showed bundles of inner circle with unpaired metaxylem with phloem unit at one end. Sections of Dioscorea alata's petiole showed basically collateral vascular bundles arranged in a ring with the presence of two to three phloem units in each bundle with the presence of crystal granules. The sections of Dioscorea bulbifera's petiole on the other hand showed longitudinal cell walls with the presence of sieve plates. These histological features and active compounds show that these plant parts are likely to have some medicinal compositions values that should be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dioscorea bulbifera (D. bulbifera) is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of many disease conditions. However, there is a paucity of information on the antioxidant potential of its stem tuber. Methods: The antioxidant activity of the methanolic extract of D. bulbifera stem tuber was evaluated by measuring its ability to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, superoxide anion radical (O2-) and nitric oxide (NO) radical. It was also analyzed for bioactive secondary metabolites using standard qualitative and quantitative spectrophotometric methods. Results: The extract showed total phenolic content (0.243 ± 0.052 mg) gallic acid equivalent compared to tannins content (0.259 ± 0.034 mg). Low flavonoid contents (0.060 ± 0.025 mg) quercetin equivalent (QE) and high flavonol contents (1.399 ± 0.075 mg) QE were found in the extract. The extract showed a potent concentration-dependent DPPH radical inhibitory potential with maximal inhibition activity (69.39 ± 1.62%) at 5000 μg/mL compared to ascorbic acid with maximal inhibition activity (88.9 ± 2.67%) at the same concentration. The extract produced maximal O2- anion inhibitory activity (52.86 ± 0.68%) at 2500 μg/mL compared to quercetin with maximal inhibitory activity (68.23 ± 0.41%) at the same concentration. The extract exhibited NO activity in a dose-depend fashion when compared to α-tocopherol. Conclusion: These results showed that D. bulbifera stem tuber extract contains bioactive secondary metabolites with potent-free radical scavenging activity, which could be extracted and standardized for use as food, medicine, and in industries.

• Dioscorea bulbifera is well known for its diverse medicinal properties. • This review covers the ethnobotany and pharmacological activities of Dioscorea bulbifera. • Toxicity and biotechnological approaches for the conservation are described. The use of medicinal plants by nutraceutical, cosmeceutical and pharmaceutical industries is gaining more attention around the globe. Dioscorea bulbifera L. (Family: Dioscoreaceae) commonly known as 'air potato' is an important edible medicinal plant use to treat a wide range of diseases. Its traditional usage is well-recognized in the Chinese medicinal systems as well as in West Africa. Previous studies have demonstrated that D. bulbifera is effective against several therapeutic diseases such as cancer, goiter, skin infections, pharyngitis and orchitis. However, kidney and liver damage by this species is also reported by several researchers. The increasing demand of D. bulbifera mostly the tuber (underground part), as well as illegal/unsustainable harvesting has brought this valuable species to the threatened category. Therefore, more extensive research including different in vitro biotechnological approaches is still required in order to guarantee its sustainable utilization and long-term conservation. In addition, toxicity, safety evaluation and extensive clinical trials are required to check its therapeutic potential. The present review summarizes the synthesis of the current advances of scientific information on the ethnomedicinal uses, pharmacology, toxicity and potential role of modern plant biotechnology tools for the conservation of this high value plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The present study was carried out for determination of amino acid content in tubers of Dioscorea bulbifera using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Methods: The method involved the vapor phase hydrolysis of the sample, automated derivatisation of the amino acids with the aid of AccQ-Fluor reagent kit, separated on a high performance liquid chromatography equipped with photo diode array (HPLC-PDA) at 254 nm having column temperature of 37 ºC. Results: The proportional molar concentration for each amino acid was calculated based on the concentration of standard amino acids and expressed as μg amino acid/mg sample. Methionine, aspartic acid and leucine were major components while as tyrosine was found minor from the plant on dry weight basis. Conclusion: The method is reliable, simple and economical for determining the amino acid content of Dioscorea bulbifera tubers.

Dioscorea bulbifera (Dioscoreaceae), a versatile herbaceous climber native to Africa and Asia, holds significant nutritional and medicinal value. Despite extensive characterization and genetic variability analyses of African accessions, studies on the genetic variation of this species in China are limited. To address this gap, we conducted low-coverage whole genome sequencing on D. bulbifera accessions from diverse regions across mainland China and Taiwan island. Our initial investigation encompassed comprehensive comparative plastome analyses of these D. bulbifera accessions, and developing plastome resources (including plastome-derived repetitive sequences, SSRs, and divergent hotspots). We also explored polymorphic nuclear SSRs and elucidated the intraspecific phylogeny of these accessions. Comparative plastome analyses revealed that D. bulbifera plastomes exhibited a conserved quadripartite structure with minimal size variation mainly attributed to intergenic spacer regions, reinforcing prior observations of a high degree of conservation within a species. We identified 46 to 52 dispersed repeats and 151 to 163 plastome-derived SSRs, as well as highlighted eight key divergent hotspots in these D. bulbifera accessions. Furthermore, we developed 2731 high-quality candidate polymorphic nuclear SSRs for D. bulbifera . Intraspecific phylogenetic analysis revealed three distinct clades, where accessions from Southeast China formed a sister group to those from South China and Taiwan island, and collectively, these two clades formed a sister group to the remaining accessions, indicating potential regional genetic divergence. These findings not only contributed to the understanding of the genetic variation of D. bulbifera , but also offered valuable resources for future research, breeding efforts, and utilization of this economically important plant species., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Lu, Hu, Sun and Chen.)

The air potato beetle, Lilioceris cheni Gressitt and Kimoto (Coleoptera:Chrysomelidae), is a successful biological control agent of the air potato vine, Dioscorea bulbifera L. (Dioscoreales: Dioscoreaceae), in the southern United States. Lilioceris cheni is currently being mass-reared by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Plant Industry (FDACS-DPI) for biological control releases and research. The facility rears and releases over 50,000 adult beetles annually at approximately 1000 different locations. In addition to data on beetle production and distribution, studies on alternative larval and adult diets are described. Adults fed bulbils as the sole food source had reduced life spans compared with beetles given fresh air potato leaves. Adults survived without air potato leaves or bulbils for several days to two weeks depending on availability of leaves at emergence. Larvae did not survive on a modified artificial Colorado potato beetle diet containing fresh air potato vine leaves. Adults survived while consuming artificial diet but ceased oviposition. They, however, resumed egg laying less than one week after being returned to a diet of fresh air potato vine leaves.

Summary: Some microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of developmental processes, mainly by controlling the accumulation of transcripts encoding transcription factors that are important for morphogenesis. MADS‐box genes encode a family of transcription factors which control diverse developmental processes in flowering plants. Here we study the convergent evolution of two MIRNA (MIR) gene families, named MIR444 and MIR824, targeting members of the same clade of MIKCC‐group MADS‐box genes. We show that these two MIR genes most likely originated independently in monocots (MIR444) and in Brassicales (eudicots, MIR824). We provide evidence that, in both cases, the future target gene was transcribed in antisense prior to the evolution of the MIR genes. Both MIR genes then likely originated by a partial inverted duplication of their target genes, resulting in natural antisense organization of the newly evolved MIR gene and its target gene at birth. We thus propose a model for the origin of MIR genes, MEPIDAS (MicroRNA Evolution by Partial Inverted Duplication of Antisense‐transcribed Sequences). MEPIDAS is a refinement of the inverted duplication hypothesis. According to MEPIDAS, a MIR gene evolves at a genomic locus at which the future target gene is also transcribed in the antisense direction. A partial inverted duplication at this locus causes the antisense transcript to fold into a stem–loop structure that is recognized by the miRNA biogenesis machinery to produce a miRNA that regulates the gene at this locus. Our analyses exemplify how to elucidate the origin of conserved miRNAs by comparative genomics and will guide future studies. Open Research Badge: This article has earned an Open Data Badge for making publicly available the digitally‐shareable data necessary to reproduce the reported results. The data is available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/genbank/ Significance Statement: We propose a model for the origin of MIRNA genes, MEPIDAS (MicroRNA Evolution by Partial Inverted Duplication of Antisense‐transcribed Sequences). According to MEPIDAS, a MIRNA gene evolves at a genomic locus at which the future target gene is also transcribed in the antisense direction. A partial inverted duplication at this locus causes the antisense transcript to fold into a stem–loop structure that is recognized by the miRNA biogenesis machinery to produce an miRNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel volumetric injection method was developed for measuring damage to air potato tubers, I Dioscorea bulbifera i (Dioscoreaceae), by neonate I Lilioceris egena i larvae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). 16 Pemberton RW & Witkus GL (2010) Laboratory host range testing of Lilioceris sp. near impressa (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) - a potential biological control agent of air potato, Dioscorea bulbifera (Dioscoreaceae). Air potato, belowground herbivory, Lilioceris egena, Dioscorea bulbifera, volumetric injection method, Dioscoreaceae, Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, bulbil, biocontrol agent. [Extracted from the article]

Diterpenoid lactones (DLs), a group of furan-containing compounds found in Dioscorea bulbifera L. (DB), have been reported to be associated with hepatotoxicity. Different hepatotoxicities of these DLs have been observed in vitro , but reasonable explanations for the differential hepatotoxicity have not been provided. Herein, the present study aimed to confirm the potential factors that contribute to varied hepatotoxicity of four representative DLs (diosbulbins A, B, C, F). In vitro toxic effects were evaluated in various cell models and the interactions between DLs and CYP3A4 at the atomic level were simulated by molecular docking. Results showed that DLs exhibited varied cytotoxicities, and that CYP3A4 played a modulatory role in this process. Moreover, structural variation may cause different affinities between DLs and CYP3A4, which was positively correlated with the observation of cytotoxicity. In addition, analysis of the glutathione (GSH) conjugates indicated that reactive intermediates were formed by metabolic oxidation that occurred on the furan moiety of DLs, whereas, GSH consumption analysis reflected the consistency between the reactive metabolites and the hepatotoxicity. Collectively, our findings illustrated that the metabolic regulation played a crucial role in generating the varied hepatotoxicity of DLs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dioscorea bulbifera is commonly known as air potato present in the tropical and subtropical regions. It is a perennial climber traditionally used for various therapeutic purposes by traditional healers. This review explores various medicinal uses of D. bulbifera and its active ingredients, as well as describes its nanoparticle synthesis for medical applications., Methods: The Google Scholar search engine was used to conduct this comprehensive review along with the databases of the following publishers: Elsevier, Springer, Taylor and Francis, Bentham, and PubMed., Discussion: D. bulbifera contains several bioactive compounds that are responsible for its pharmacological properties, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anticancer, and antidiabetic properties. It is also used as a nutritive functional food. D. bulbifera -mediated nanoparticle synthesis has been established by the scientific communities for various medicinal applications., Conclusion: D. bulbifera contains numerous active ingredients, including diosbulbins, bafoudiosbulbin, β-sitosterol, diosgenin, dioscin, pennogenin, myricetin, quercetin, and stigmasterols with numerous biological activities. In addition, it has a vital role in synthesizing nanoparticles with good pharmacological applications, especially in drug delivery systems. However, its potential characteristic features and functional properties of the active molecules present in this tuber need to be further explored in clinical trials. We suggest that using this edible tuber, we may formulate the valueadded food with good medicinal applications., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Two new phenolic derivatives, diosbulbiol A (1), diosbulbiol B (2), and six known compounds were isolated from Dioscorea bulbifera. Their structures was determined by MS, IR, UV, 1D- and 2D-NMR. The cytotoxicity of new compounds were evaluated against four cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dioscorea bulbifera bulbils are used in the treatment of Piles, dysentery, syphilis, ulcers, cough, leprosy, diabetes, asthma, and cancer. It is a raw material for contraceptives, and it is one of the most consumed yam species especially in West Africa. Unfortunately, this plant is at the verge of extinction because of increased harvest for medicinal purpose. This review aims at providing up-to-date information about its photochemistry, clinical benefits, conservation status and best possible way on how this plant can be conserved for future use. Literature database search was employed, and the findings indicate that much as Dioscorea bulbifera is of diverse clinical and ethnomedicinal benefits, it's vulnerable to extinction. In order to conserve Dioscorea bulbifera, there is a need to enlighten the local inhabitants on its clinical and commercial importance and uses. Also for the sustainable growth of the plant, the government and Non-governmental agencies have to distribute Dioscorea bulbils to the farmers for planting and also encourage its planting back into the wild. In addition, micropropagation of the D. bulbifera will be the perfect tool for re-establishing the plant in the natural habitat with more advantages of improving growth conditions of the plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sougata Ghosh,1 Rahul Nitnavare,1 Ankush Dewle,1 Geetanjali B Tomar,1 Rohan Chippalkatti,1 Piyush More,1 Rohini Kitture,2 Sangeeta Kale,2 Jayesh Bellare,3 Balu A Chopade4 1Institute of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, University of Pune, 2Department of Applied Physics, Defense Institute of Advanced Technology, Pune, 3Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, 4Department of Microbiology, University of Pune, Pune, India Abstract: Medicinal plants serve as rich sources of diverse bioactive phytochemicals that might even take part in bioreduction and stabilization of phytogenic nanoparticles with immense therapeutic properties. Herein, we report for the first time the rapid efficient synthesis of novel platinum–palladium bimetallic nanoparticles (Pt–PdNPs) along with individual platinum (PtNPs) and palladium (PdNPs) nanoparticles using a medicinal plant, Dioscorea bulbifera tuber extract (DBTE). High-resolution transmission electron microscopy revealed monodispersed PtNPs of size 2–5 nm, while PdNPs and Pt–PdNPs between 10 and 25 nm. Energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis confirmed 30.88%±1.73% elemental Pt and 68.96%±1.48% elemental Pd in the bimetallic nanoparticles. Fourier transform infrared spectra indicated strong peaks at 3,373 cm-1, attributed to hydroxyl group of polyphenolic compounds in DBTE that might play a key role in bioreduction in addition to the sharp peaks at 2,937, 1,647, 1,518, and 1,024 cm-1, associated with C–H stretching, N–H bending in primary amines, N–O stretching in nitro group, and C–C stretch, respectively. Anticancer activity against HeLa cells showed that Pt–PdNPs exhibited more pronounced cell death of 74.25% compared to individual PtNPs (12.6%) or PdNPs (33.15%). Further, Pt–PdNPs showed an enhanced scavenging activity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, superoxide, nitric oxide, and hydroxyl radicals. Keywords: Dioscorea bulbifera, platinum nanoparticles, palladium nanoparticles, platinum–palladium bimetallic nanoparticles, anticancer, antioxidant

Graphical abstract Highlights • Three new norclerodane diterpenoids were isolated from Dioscorea bulbifera. • These structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses. • New compounds were investigated for in vitro cytotoxicity against SMMC-7721. Abstract Three new norclerodane diterpenoids, diosbulbin E acetate (1), diosbulbin R (2), and diosbulbin S (3), and seven known compounds (4-10) were isolated from an ethanol extract of Dioscorea bulbifera tubers. The structure of compounds 1 – 10 was determined through extensive NMR and mass spectroscopic analyses. The new compounds were investigated to determine their cytotoxic activity against the SMMC-7721 cancer cell line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dioscorea bulbifera, also known as air potato, has been cultivated as food crop mainly in tropical countries in Asia and Australia. The tubers are edible and have often been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurvedic medicine to treat cancer, diabetes, thyroid disease, and inflammation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of D. bulbifera on HCT116 human colorectal carcinoma cells and to unravel the plausible mechanisms underlying its apoptotic effects. The ethanol crude and fractions (hexane, ethyl acetate and water) of D. bulbifera were subjected to cell viability MTT assay against various cancer cell lines. The lowest IC50 of the extract and fractions on selected cancer cells were selected for further apoptosis assay and western blot analysis. HCT116 cancer cells were treated with D. bulbifera and stained with Annexin/PI or Hoechst 33342/PI for preliminary confirmation of apoptosis. The dissipation of mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) was determined by flow cytometry. The protein expressions of apoptosis-related proteins such as Bcl-2 family, caspases, Fas, PARP, ERK1/2 and JNK were detected by western blot analysis. Moreover, the HCT116 cells were treated with UO126 and SP600125 inhibitors to verify the involvement of ERK1/2 and JNK protein expressions in inducing apoptotic cell death. Based on the result, D. bulbifera ethyl acetate fraction (DBEAF) exhibited the most compelling cytotoxicity on HCT116 cells with an IC50 of 37.91 ± 1.30 µg/mL. The induction of apoptosis was confirmed by phosphatidylserine externalization and chromatin condensation. Depolarization of MMP further conferred the induction of apoptosis was through the regulation of Bcl-2 family proteins. Activation of caspase cascades (caspase-3, -9, -8 and -10) was elicited followed by the observation of cleaved PARP accumulation in DBEAF-treated cells. Furthermore, death receptor, Fas was activated upon exposure to DBEAF. Collective apoptotic evidences suggested the involvement of intrinsic and extrinsic pathways by DBEAF in HCT116 cells. Interestingly, the attenuation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation accompanied by the activation of JNK was detected in DBEAF-treated cells. In conclusion, the findings revealed that DBEAF induced apoptosis through intrinsic and extrinsic pathways involving ERK1/2 and JNK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal endophytes can be considered as a new source of biological control and plant growth promoting agents. Moreover, the huge repertoire of extracellular enzymes produced by them has great biotechnological importance in medicine, agriculture and industry. The current study aimed at the assessment of plant growth promotion and biocontrol potential of endophytic fungal isolates associated with Dioscorea bulbifera L. for efficiently improved plant growth and protection of hosts from various infections. Overall, the experimental work revealed significant results where, 81% of the endophytic fungal isolates exhibited biocontrol potential against atleast one or more bacterial pathogens. The endophytic fungal isolate ARW2 (Clonostachys pseudochroleucha) was found to be highly effective against Gram positive bacteria whereas N4 (Parathyridaria percutanea) and H1B (Curvularia lunata) were effective against Gram negative bacteria. 52% of the endophytic fungal isolates were found to possess strong inhibition potential against fungal pathogens. H22 (F. proliferatum) and G8 (F. equiseti) demonstrated strong inhibition potential with percent inhibition ranging from 50 to 70%. The plant growth promoting activity of endophytic fungal isolates depicted that 52%, 27% and 2% isolates were capable of siderophore production, phosphate solubilisation and HCN production respectively. A quantitative estimation of IAA production revealed that almost all the isolates were producing IAA ranging from 1.2 to 200 μg/mL. Further assessment of extracellular enzymatic potential revealed that 37.5%, 31%, 18%, 12.5% and 4% of the endophytic fungal isolates exhibited activity positive results for amylase, lipolytic, protease, cellulolytic and chitinase activity, respectively. Our results indicate that these endophytic fungal isolated can be a promising source for future applications in medicine, agriculture and industry. • First report on exploration of biocontrol, plant growth promotion and extracellular enzymatic potential of fungal endophytes of D. bulbifera L. • Fungal endophytes were highly effective against bacterial and fungal pathogens. • Aspergillus fumigatus was reported to be more sensitive to the antagonists. • Profound results for plant growth promotion and extracellular enzymatic potential were observed. • These endophytes can be an alternative source in industry and agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the leaf epidermis of wild and micropropagated Dioscorea bulbifera Linn. (D. bulbifera) in order to document useful diagnostic features that may be employed for correct crude drug identification and to clear any taxonomic uncertainties in the micropropagated medicinal plant. Methods: Growth responses of micropropagated D. bulbifera were observed on Murashige Skoog medium supplemented with 6-benzylamino purine (1.0 mg/L)+α-naphthaleneacetic acid (0.2 mg/L)+cysteine (20 mg/L) using nodal segments as explants. Leaves of the wild and micropropagated plants were studied microscopically. Results: More than 80% shoot regeneration and formation of 10%-30% whitish-brown callus were observed within 3 weeks. The highest root proliferation was obtained from Murashige Skoog medium of 6-benzylamino purine (0.05 mg/L) and α-naphthaleneacetic acid (0.01 mg/L) with mean root length of (27.00±1.25) mm and elongated single shoot of mean length (38.00±11.09) mm. Leaf epidermal features that revealed similarities between the wild and micropropagated plants included amphistomatic condition, presence of mucilage, glandular unicellular trichome with multicellular head, polygonal cells with smooth walls, stomata type and shape. Slight variations included thick cuticular wall with closed stomata in wild plant compared to thin walled opened stomata in the in vitro plant. Opening of stomata accounted for larger average stomata sizes of (7.68±0.38) μm and (6.14±0.46) μm on the adaxial and abaxial surfaces, respectively of the micropropagated plant compared to the wild. Conclusions: The diagnostic features obtained in the study could serve as a basis for proper identification for quality control for standardization of the medicinal plant.

Introduction: Diabetic patients have a higher risk to osteoporotic fractures. Foods, such as yam, to oppose hyperglycemia, has been used to treatment of diabetes. Objective: The goal was assess the role of Brazilian yam (Dioscorea bulbifera) on glycemia and bone parameters of female diabetic rats. Methods: Female Wistar rats with 3 months age were allocated in three groups. Control group (C, n = 6), treated with normal fat diet. Diabetic rats treated with high-fat diet without (DM, n = 8) and with (DMY, n = 8) liofilized yam flour. After 5 weeks of the experiment, serum glucose and insulin, pancreas mass, number and area of pancreas islets were quantified. And femur parameters were analyzed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and computed tomography (CT). Results: Differences were considered significant if P

Dioscorea bulbifera L. (Chinese: Huangdu, common name: air potato) is a traditional herbal medicine in China, and it is also one of the most widely consumed yam species, especially in West Africa. Studies have verified that D. bulbifera is effective in treating a wide range of diseases, such as pharyngitis, goitre, pyogenic skin infections, orchitis and cancer. However, more and more studies have also reported liver and kidney damage caused by D. bulbifera. To promote understanding of the bioactivity, toxicity and methods for detoxification of this medicinal and edible plant, the present article reviews the most valuable recent reports on its phytochemistry and pharmacological effects. The possible reasons for its toxicity include the toxic effects of diosbulbin B and D on hepatocytes, the inhibition of antioxidant enzymes in liver mitochondria, and inhibition of enzymes that ordinarily metabolize the herb's components. Synergistic compatibility detoxification may help to reduce toxic effects and improve therapeutic effects. More clinical trials are also required to fully achieve its therapeutic potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]