Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Bioactive Compounds and Biological Activities of Edible Yam (Dioscorea sp.) in Thailand

  • Living reference work entry
  • First Online:
Bioactive Compounds in the Storage Organs of Plants

Part of the book series: Reference Series in Phytochemistry ((RSP))

  • 31 Accesses

Abstract

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is one of the essential crops used as a starch source for human consumption, especially in Africa, Asia, and the South Pacific. Some cultivars have biofunctional properties such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, antimutagenic, hypoglycemic, and immunomodulatory effects. However, using Dioscorea spp. as food and medicinal plants in Thailand is limited since yam is not cultivated in Thailand. This study reviewed the bioactive compounds found in Thai yams, i.e., D. hispida Dennst., D. esculenta Burk., and D. alata L. used as foods, and D. bulbifera L, D. birmanica Prain & Burkill, and D. membranacea commonly used in traditional Thai medicines. The habitats and distribution of Thai yam and nutritional benefits (starch, protein, polysaccharide, and glycoprotein) and secondary metabolites (steroidal saponins, allantoin, polyphenols, and alkaloids) were discussed. This study also addressed the alterations of some bioactive compounds in yam during food production. Moreover, knowledge about nutritive and medicinal characteristics could help determine appropriate measures in Thai yam classification and selections for future use by applying functional genes to aid the selection of multispecies plant populations from their natural habitats with the desired traits and explore the genetic potential for crop improvement and biodiversity management for sustainable utilization of Thai yam.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution

Institutional subscriptions

Abbreviations

ABTS:

2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid

AUC:

Area under the curve

BKJ:

Dioscorea alata accession from Kasetsart University

CE:

Catechin equivalent

CGE:

Cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent

CLSM:

Confocal laser scanning microscopy

d.b.:

Dried weight basis

GAE:

Gallic acid equivalent

GBP:

Granule-bound protein

KKFCRC:

Dioscorea alata accession 13.1 from Khon Kaen Field Crop Research Centre

KKN:

Thai name for Dioscorea hispida

LCMS-IT-TOF:

Liquid chromatograph–mass spectrometer–ion trap–time of flight

MW:

Molecular weight

PAS:

Periodic acid-Schiff

PPO:

Polyphenol oxidase

QTL:

Quantitative trait locus

SDS-PAGE:

Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis

SEM:

Scanning electron microscopy

References

  1. Sartie A, Asiedu R, Franco J (2012) Genetic and phenotypic diversity in a germplasm working collection of cultivated tropical yams (Dioscorea spp.). Genet Resour Crop Evol 59:1753–1765

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Couto RS, Martins AC, Bolson M, Lopes RC, Smidt EC, Braga JMA (2018) Time calibrated tree of Dioscorea (Dioscoreaceae) indicates four origins of yams in the Neotropics since the Eocene. Bot J Lin Soc 188:144–160

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Chen HL, Wang CH, Chang CT, Wang TC (2003) Effects of Taiwanese yam (Dioscorea alata L. cv. Tainung no. 2) on the mucosal hydrolase activities and lipid metabolism in Balb/c mice. Nutr Res 23:791–801

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  4. Lee SC, Tsai CC, Chen JC, Lin JG, Lin CC, Hu ML, Lu S (2002) Effects of “Chinese yam” on hepato-nephrotoxicity of acetaminophen in rats. Acta Pharmacol Sin 23:503–508

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Ahmadu U, Agbomeji O, Yahya M, Odeku OA (2018) Physicochemical and material properties of starches from three cultivars of Dioscorea rotundata. Agric Nat Resour 52:79–83

    Google Scholar 

  6. Darkwa K, Olasanmi B, Asiedu R, Asfaw A (2020) Review of empirical and emerging breeding methods and tools for improvement of yam (Dioscorea spp.): status and prospects. Plant Breed 139(3):474–497

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Padhan B, Panda D (2020) The potential of neglected and underutilised yams (Dioscorea spp.) for improving nutritional security and health benefits. Front Pharmacol 11:496. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.00496

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  8. Maneenoon K (2013) Medicinal plants of the genus Dioscorea L. used in traditional Thai medicine prescriptions. KKU Sci J 41:797–807

    Google Scholar 

  9. Thapyai C (2004) Taxonomic revision of Dioscoreaceae in Thailand. Ph.D. dissertation, Forestry Graduate School, Kasetsart University

    Google Scholar 

  10. Thapyai C (2012) Thailand forest ecological research network (T-FERN): research result relationship. Endemic and rare species of wild yams in Thailand. Bangkok (Thailand): Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand, Kasetsart University Institute for Advanced Studies, Center for Advanced Studies in Tropical Natural Resources, p 189

    Google Scholar 

  11. Maneenoon K, Sirirugsa P, Sridith K (2008) Ethnobotany of Dioscorea L. (Dioscoreaceae), a major food plant of the Sakai tribe at Banthad range, Peninsular Thailand. Ethnobot Res Appl 6:385–394

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Srivichai S, Hongsprabhas P (2019) Changes of composition during tuber development and anthocyanins in yam (Dioscorea alata L.). In Paper presented at the 16th KU-KPS National Conference, Kasetsart University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, 3-4 December 2019

    Google Scholar 

  13. Srivichai S, Hongsprabhas P (2020) Profiling anthocyanins in Thai purple yams (Dioscorea alata L.). Int J Food Sci. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/1594291

  14. O'Neill, A. (2023) Urbanisation in Thailand. https://www.statista.com/statistics/455942/urbanization-in-thailand/ Accessed 30 May 2023

  15. Sakuanrungsirikul S, Ithipong S, Sasayawichai T, Kapetch P, Sarawat P, Macawin S, Hongprabhas P (2010) The study of indigenous plants in northeastern Thailand, Dioscorea species for the utilisation as health products and natural pharmaceutical substances: phase 1, survey, collect and study of botanical and agricultural characteristics. Final Report, Field Crops Research Institute, Department of Agriculture, Thailand

    Google Scholar 

  16. Baah FD (2009) Characterisation of water yam (Dioscorea alata) for existing and potential food products. Ph.D. Dissertation, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

    Google Scholar 

  17. Hongsprabhas P, Israkarn K, Kananurux N, Sajjaanantakul T, Idhipong S, Sakuanrungsirikul S (2014) Characteristics of Thai yam (Dioscorea alata L.) and spherulitic structure in starch film. Paper presented at the 52nd Kasetsart University annual conference: agro-industry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand, 4-7 February 2014

    Google Scholar 

  18. Sajjaanantakul T, Likitwattanasade T, Idhipong S, Sakuanrungsirikul S, Hongsprabhas P (2014) Effect of storage conditions on phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of Thai yam (Dioscorea alata L.) tubers. Paper presented at the 52nd Kasetsart University annual conference: agro-industry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand, 4-7 February 2014

    Google Scholar 

  19. Tattiyakul J, Naksriarporn T, Pradipasena P, Miyawaki O (2006) Effect of moisture on hydrothermal modification of yam Dioscorea hispitda Dennst starch. Starch-Stärke 58(3–4):170–176

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Tattiyakul J, Naksriarporn T, Pradipasena P (2012) X-ray diffraction pattern and functional properties of Dioscorea hispida Dennst starch hydrothermally modified at different temperatures. Food Bioprocess Technol 5:964–971. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11947-010-0424-3

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  21. Huang C, Lai P, Chen I-H, Liu Y, Wang CRR (2010) Effects of mucilage on the thermal and pasting properties of yam, taro, and sweet potato starches. LWT – Food Sci Technol 43(6):849–855

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Fu Y-C, Chen S, Lai Y-J (2006) Centrifugation and foam fractionation effect on mucilage recovery from Dioscorea (yam) tuber. J Food Sci 69(9):E509–E514

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Zacharius RM, Zell TE, Morrison JH, Woodlock JJ (1969) Glycoprotein staining following electrophoresis on acrylamide gels. Anal Biochem 30(148):148–152

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Jay GD, Culp DJ, Jahnke MR (1990) Silver staining of extensively glycosylated proteins on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels: enhancement by carbohydrate-binding dyes. Anal Biochem 185:324–330

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  25. Huang R, Xie J, Yu Y, Shen M (2020) Recent progress in the research of yam mucilage polysaccharides: isolation, structure and bioactivities. Int J Biol Macromol 155:1262–1269

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Wanasundera JP, Ravindran G (1994) Nutritional assessment of yam (Dioscorea alata) tubers. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 46(1):33–39

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Conlan S, Griffiths LA, Turner M, Fido R, Tatham A, Ainsworth C et al (1998) Characterisation of the yam tuber storage protein dioscorin. J Plant Physiol 153(1):25–31

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Myoda T, Matsuda Y, Suzuki T, Nakagawa T, Nagai T, Nagashima T (2006) Identification of soluble proteins and interaction with mannan in mucilage of Dioscorea opposita Thunb. (Chinese yam tuber). Food Sci Technol Res 12(4):299–302

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Kumar S, Das G, Shin H-S, Patra JK (2017) Dioscorea spp. (a wild edible tuber): a study on its ethnopharmacological potential and traditional use by the local people of Similipal biosphere reserve, India. Front Pharmacol 8:52. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2017.00052

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  30. Jesus M, Martins AP, Gallardo E, Silvestre S (2016) Diosgenin: recent highlights on pharmacology and analytical methodology. J Anal Methods Chem 2016. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/4156293

  31. Adomėnienė A, Venskutonis PR (2022) Dioscorea spp.: comprehensive review of antioxidant properties and their relation to phytochemicals and health benefits. Molecules 27(8):2530. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27082530

  32. Arya P, Munshi M, Kumar P (2023) Diosgenin: chemistry, extraction, quantification and health benefits. Food Chem Adv 2:100170. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.focha.2022.100170

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Yang L, Ren S, Xu F, Ma Z, Liu X, Wang L (2019) Recent advances in the pharmacological activities of dioscin. BioMed Res Intern. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/5763602

  34. Fu Y-C, Ferng L-HA, Huang P-Y (2006) Quantitative analysis of allantoin and allantoic acid in yam tuber, mucilage, skin and bulbil of the Dioscorea species. Food Chem 94(4):541–549. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2004.12.006

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. Lee MY, Lee NH, Jung D, Lee JA, Seo CS, Lee H (2010) Protective effects of allantoin against ovalbumin (OVA)-induced lung inflammation in a murine model of asthma. Int Immunopharmacol 10:474–480

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Wu ZG, Jiang W, Nitin M, Bao XQ, Chen S-L, Tao ZM (2016) Characterising diversity based on nutritional and bioactive compositions of yam germplasm (Dioscorea spp.) commonly cultivated in China. J Food Drug Anal 24:367–375

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  37. Jayakody L, Hoover R, Liu Q, Donner E (2007) Studies on tuber starches. II. Molecular structure, composition and physicochemical properties of yam (Dioscorea sp.) starches grown in Sri Lanka. Carbhydr Polym 69:48–163

    Google Scholar 

  38. Ramos-Escudero F, Santos-Buelga C, Pérez-Alonso JJ, Yáñez JA, Dueñas M (2010) HPLC-DAD-ESI/MS identification of anthocyanins in Dioscorea trifida L. yam tubers (purple sachapapa). Eur Food Res Technol 230:745–752

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  39. Shoyama Y, Nishioka I, Herath W, Uemoto S, Fujieda K, Okubo H (1990) Two acylated anthocyanins from Dioscorea alata. Phytochemistry 29:2999–3001

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  40. Yoshida K, Kondo T, Kameda K, Kawakishi S, Lubag AJM, Mendoza EMT, Goto T (1991) Structures of alatanin A, B and C isolated from edible purple yam Dioscorea alata. Tetrahedron Lett 32:5575–5578

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Moriya C, Hosoya T, Agawa S, Sugiyama Y, Kozone I, Shin-ya K, Terahara N, Kumazawa S (2015) New acylated anthocyanins from purple yam and their antioxidant activity. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 79:1484–1492

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Araghiniknam M, Chung S, Nelson-White T, Eskelson C, Watson RR (1996) Antioxidant activity of Dioscorea and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in older humans. Life Sci 59:147–157

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Fang Z, Wu D, Yü D, Ye X, Liu D, Chen J (2011) Phenolic compounds in Chinese purple yam and changes during vacuum frying. Food Chem 128:943–948

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  44. Hou WC, Lee MH, Chen HJ, Liang WL, Han CH, Liu YW, Lin YH (2001) Antioxidant activities of dioscorin, the storage protein of yam (Dioscorea batatas Decne) tuber. J Agric Food Chem 49:4956–4960

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Hsu FL, Lin YH, Lee MH, Lin CL, Hou WC (2002) Both dioscorin, the tuber storage protein of yam (Dioscorea alata cv. Tainong no. 1), and its peptic hydrolysates exhibited angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory activities. J Agric Food Chem 50:6109–6113

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Liu YW, Shang HF, Wang CK, Hsu FL, Hou WC (2001) Immunomodulatory activity of dioscorin, the storage protein of yam (Dioscorea alata cv. Tainong no. 1) tuber. Food Chem Toxicol 45:2312–2318

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Wang Z, Zhao S, Tao S, Hou G, Zhao F, Tan S, Meng Q (2023) Dioscorea spp.: bioactive compounds and potential for the treatment of inflammatory and metabolic diseases. Molecules 28:2878. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28062878

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  48. Lin PL, Lin KW, Weng CF, Lin KC (2009) Yam storage protein dioscorins from Dioscorea alata and Dioscorea japonica exhibit distinct immunomodulatory activities in mice. J Agric Food Chem 57:4606–4613

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Liu YM, Lin KW (2009) Antioxidative ability, dioscorin stability, and the quality of yam chips from various yam species as affected by processing method. J Food Sci 74:C118–C125

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Misaki A, Ito T, Harada T (1972) Constitutional studies on the mucilage of “yamanoimo” Dioscorea batatas Decne, forma Tsukune. Agric Biol Chem 36:761–771

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  51. Lee HM, Lin YS, Lin YH, Hsu FL, Hou WC (2003) The mucilages of yam (Dioscorea batatas Decene) tuber exhibited angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory activities. Bot Bull Acad Sin 44:267–273

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  52. Zhao G, Kan JA, Zhou G, Chen ZW (2005) Structural features and immunological activity of a polysaccharide from Dioscorea opposita Thunb roots. Carbohydr Polym 61:125–131

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Cakrawati D, Srivichai S, Hongsprabhas P (2021) Effect of steam-cooking on (poly)phenolic compounds in purple yam and purple sweet potato tubers. Food Res 5(1):330–336

    Article  Google Scholar 

  54. Chaniad P, Wattanapiromsakul C, Pianwanit S, Tewtrakul S (2016) Anti-HIV-1 integrase compounds from Dioscorea bulbifera and molecular docking study. Pharm Biol 54(6):1077–1085

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Surarit W, Nuengchamnong N, Hansakul P (2021) Protective effects of Dioscorea birmanica extract against oxidative stress-induced damage in cultured normal hepatocytes and its phytochemical constituents. Food Biosci 41:101030. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fbio.2021.101030

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Liu C-X (2021) Overview on development of ASEAN traditional and herbal medicines. Chinese Herb Med 13(4):441–450. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chmed.2021.09.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  57. Jirakiattikul Y, Rithichai P, Boonyeun T et al (2020) Improvement of dioscorealide B production by elicitation in shoot cultures of Dioscorea membranacea Pierre ex Prain & Burkill. Physiol Mol Biol Plants 26:585–591. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12298-020-00762-w

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  58. Sriapha C, Tongpoo A, Wongvisavakorn S, Rittilert P, Trakulsrichai S, Srisuma S, Wananukul W (2015) Plant poisoning in Thailand: a 10-year analysis from Ramathibodi poison center. Southeast Asian J Trop Med Public Health 46(6):1063–1076

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Kurahashi Y, Yoshino Z (2000) Heat-moisture-treated starch; its production, properties, and uses. J Appl Glycosci 47:125–132

    Article  Google Scholar 

  60. Hoover R, Vasanthan T (1994) The flow properties of native, heat–moisture treated and annealed starches from wheat, oat, potato and lentil. J Food Biochem 18:67–82

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  61. Hoover R, Vasanthan T (1994) The effect of annealing on the physicochemical properties of wheat, oat, potato and lentil starches. J Food Biochem 17:303–325

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  62. Gunaratne A, Hoover R (2002) Effect of heat-moisture treatment on the structure and physicochemical properties of tuber and root starches. Carbohyd Polym 49:425–437

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  63. Teepsawang S, Sripanidgulchai K, Pariwatthanakun C, Sakuanrungsirikul S, Ithipong S, Saohar C, Sripanidgulchai B (2008) Anti-acute gastric ulcer effect of Dioscorea alata L. in rats. Paper presented at the 1st Sino-Thailand natural product symposium, Chengdu, China, 18-20 September 2008

    Google Scholar 

  64. Price EJ, Bhattacharjee R, Montes AL, Fraser PD (2013) Metabolite profiling of yam (Dioscorea spp.) accessions for use in crop improvement programmes. Metabolomics 13:144. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11306-017-1279-7

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  65. Deng J, Zhang J, Jin Y, Chang Y, Shi M, Miao Z (2023) Effects of Chinese yam polysaccharides on the muscle tissues development-related genes expression in breast and thigh muscle of broilers. Genes 14(1):6. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14010006

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  66. Wang X, Huo XZ, Liu Z, Yang R, Zeng HJ (2020) Investigations on the anti-aging activity of polysaccharides from Chinese yam and their regulation on klotho gene expression in mice. J Mol Struct 1208:127895. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2020.127895

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  67. Wang PC, Zhao S, Yang BY, Wang QH, Kuang HX (2016) Anti-diabetic polysaccharides from natural sources: a review. Carbohydr Polym 148:86–97

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Wang P, Shan N, Ali A, Sun J, Luo S, Xiao Y, Wang S, Hu R, Huang Y, Zhou Q (2022) Comprehensive evaluation of functional components, biological activities, and minerals of yam species (Dioscorea polystachya and D. alata) from China. LWT Food Sci Technol 168:113964. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2022.113964

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  69. Liepman AH, Nairn CJ, Willats WGT, Sørensen I, Roberts AW, Keegstra K (2007) Functional genomic analysis supports conservation of function among cellulose synthase-like a gene family members and suggests diverse roles of mannans in plants. Plant Physiol 143(4):1881–1893

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agro-Industry, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand

    Parichat Hongsprabhas & Subin Srivichai

  2. Center of Excellence on Agricultural Biotechnology: (AG-BIO/MHESI), Bangkok, Thailand

    Parichat Hongsprabhas

  3. Advanced Polymer Technology Research Group, National Metal and Materials Technology Center, Pathum Thani, Thailand

    Kamolwan Israkarn

  4. Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives, Khon Kaen Field Crops Research Center, Khon Kaen, Thailand

    Suchirat Sakuanrungsirikul

Authors
  1. Parichat Hongsprabhas
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Subin Srivichai
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Kamolwan Israkarn
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Suchirat Sakuanrungsirikul
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Parichat Hongsprabhas .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Botany, Karnatak University, Dharwad, Karnataka, India

    Hosakatte Niranjana Murthy

  2. Research Center for the Development of Advanced Horticultural Technology, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea (Republic of)

    Kee Yoeup Paek

  3. Dept of Horticultural Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Korea (Republic of)

    So-Young Park

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2024 Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this entry

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this entry

Hongsprabhas, P., Srivichai, S., Israkarn, K., Sakuanrungsirikul, S. (2024). Bioactive Compounds and Biological Activities of Edible Yam (Dioscorea sp.) in Thailand. In: Murthy, H.N., Paek, K.Y., Park, SY. (eds) Bioactive Compounds in the Storage Organs of Plants. Reference Series in Phytochemistry. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-29006-0_39-1

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-29006-0_39-1

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-031-29006-0

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-031-29006-0

  • eBook Packages: Springer Reference Chemistry and Mat. ScienceReference Module Physical and Materials ScienceReference Module Chemistry, Materials and Physics

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation