Introduction:

Ipomoea batatas, commonly known as sweet potato, is a plant native to tropical America and is cultivated throughout India for its edible tubers. Sweet Potato is used to treat conditions such as strangury (painful urination), urinary discharges, burning sensations, thirst, low fever, and skin diseases.

Names and Habitat Of Sweet Potato

It belongs to the Convolvulaceae family and is known by various names in different languages, such as Mukhaaluka, Rataalu, Raktaalu, Raktapindaka, Raktakanda in Ayurveda, Sakkareivelleikulangu in Siddha/Tamil, and Shakarkand, Rataalu in Unani.

Traditional Uses of Sweet Potato

The root of sweet potato has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. It is used to treat conditions such as strangury (painful urination), urinary discharges, burning sensations, thirst, low fever, and skin diseases. The whole plant is also used for its beneficial effects in these conditions.

Chemical Composition and Nutritional Value

Cooked sweet potato tubers contain various sugars, including reducing sugars (6.45%), sucrose (2.23%), maltose (8-64%), dextrins (0.51%), and polysaccharides (14-13%).

Cooking the tubers increases their sweetness, as starch is hydrolyzed into maltose and dextrins by the enzyme beta-amylase. Sweet potatoes are rich in starch content and undergo changes in composition during storage.

A part of the starch is converted into reducing sugars and subsequently into sucrose. Indian types with white flesh generally have little or no carotene, while American types with pink flesh can contain as high as 5.4-7.2 mg/100 g of carotene.

Sweet potatoes also contain vitamins such as thiamine (0.09-0.14), riboflavin (0.05-0.10), and vitamin C (16-22 mg/100 g).

Medicinal Properties of Sweet Potato

The hot aqueous extract of sweet potato leaves has been found to exhibit significant inhibitory activity on rat lens aldose reductase (AR). This activity is attributed to the presence of ellagic and 3,5-dicaffoylquinic acids, which act as potent inhibitors.

The leaves also contain polysaccharides that can increase the platelet count in experimental animals by enhancing the production of thrombopoietin. Extracts from the stem and root have yielded compounds such as hexadecyl, octadecyl, and eicosyl p-coumarates.

Additionally, the tubers of sweet potatoes exhibit significant lectin activity and haemagglutinating activity in trypsinized rabbit erythrocytes.

Conclusion:

Sweet potatoes, scientifically known as Ipomoea batatas, are not only a delicious and nutritious food source but also possess valuable medicinal properties.

Traditionally used for treating various conditions, the plant’s components have been found to have inhibitory effects on aldose reductase, increase platelet count, and exhibit lectin activity.

Moreover, sweet potatoes are rich in starch, sugars, and vitamins, making them a beneficial addition to a healthy diet. Incorporating sweet potatoes into one’s meals can provide both culinary pleasure and potential health benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

What is Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas)?
Sweet potato, scientifically known as Ipomoea batatas, is a plant native to tropical America and cultivated throughout India for its edible tubers.

What are the traditional uses of sweet potato?
Sweet potato has been traditionally used to treat conditions such as strangury, urinary discharges, burning sensations, thirst, low fever, and skin diseases.

What is the chemical composition of sweet potato?
Cooked sweet potato tubers contain various sugars, including reducing sugars, sucrose, maltose, dextrins, and polysaccharides. They also contain starch, vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, and vitamin C.

How does cooking affect the sweetness of sweet potato?
Cooking sweet potato tubers increases their sweetness as starch is hydrolyzed into maltose and dextrins by the enzyme beta-amylase.

What is the carotene content of sweet potato?
Indian types with white flesh generally have little or no carotene, while American types with pink flesh can contain as high as 5.4-7.2 mg/100 g of carotene.

What medicinal properties does sweet potato possess?
Sweet potato leaves have been found to exhibit inhibitory activity on rat lens aldose reductase. The plant’s components can increase platelet count and exhibit lectin activity.

What compounds have been found in sweet potato stem and root extracts?
Extracts from the stem and root of sweet potatoes have yielded compounds such as hexadecyl, octadecyl, and eicosyl p-coumarates.

How do sweet potato tubers contribute to lectin activity?
Sweet potato tubers exhibit significant lectin activity and haemagglutinating activity in trypsinized rabbit erythrocytes.

What is the nutritional value of sweet potato?
Sweet potatoes are rich in starch, sugars, and vitamins such as thiamine, riboflavin, and vitamin C.

How can sweet potatoes be incorporated into a healthy diet?
Sweet potatoes can be incorporated into a healthy diet by baking, roasting, or boiling them and including them in various dishes such as soups, salads, and side dishes.

Can sweet potato consumption help with weight management?
Sweet potatoes are relatively low in calories and high in fiber, which can contribute to feelings of fullness and aid in weight management.

Is sweet potato a good source of antioxidants?
Yes, sweet potatoes contain antioxidants such as ellagic and 3,5-dicaffoylquinic acids, which have been found to have beneficial effects on health.

Can sweet potato consumption support heart health?
Sweet potatoes are a good source of potassium, which is important for heart health. They also contain fiber, which may help improve cholesterol levels.

Are sweet potatoes suitable for people with diabetes?
Sweet potatoes have a lower glycemic index compared to other starchy carbohydrates and may be a suitable choice for people with diabetes when consumed in moderation.

Can sweet potato consumption support gut health?
Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, which can promote healthy digestion and support a healthy gut microbiome.

Can sweet potatoes help boost the immune system?
Sweet potatoes contain vitamin C, which is important for immune function, and can contribute to a stronger immune system when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

Are sweet potatoes gluten-free?
Yes, sweet potatoes are naturally gluten-free and can be enjoyed as a nutritious alternative for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Can sweet potatoes be included in a vegetarian or vegan diet?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes are a versatile food that can be enjoyed by individuals following plant-based diets.

Are there any potential allergic reactions to sweet potatoes?
While uncommon, some individuals may be allergic to sweet potatoes. It is always advisable to seek medical advice if you experience any allergic symptoms after consuming sweet potatoes.