Search Results (229)

Dioscorea polystachya (Chinese yam) is a crop valued for both medicinal and edible purposes, and exhibits rich genetic diversity. However, research into its germplasm resources remains understudied, and molecular breeding efforts lag behind. To bridge this gap, this study employed an integrated approach, combining the analysis of 23 phenotypic traits (17 qualitative and 6 quantitative) with genotyping using 19 polymorphic SSR markers. This combined strategy was applied to 53 accessions collected across 16 Chinese provinces to assess genetic diversity, population structure, and marker–trait associations. Phenotypic analysis revealed high diversity, with the Shannon diversity index (I) ranging from 0.09 to 1.15 for qualitative traits and from 1.45 to 1.79 for quantitative traits. Tuber traits exhibited the highest variability (with a CV up to 71.45%), indicating significant potential for yield improvement. Principal component analysis distilled phenotypic variation into eight principal components (accounting for 73.13% of the cumulative variance), and elite germplasm (e.g., DP24, DP52) was selected for breeding based on this analysis. Stepwise regression prioritized eight core evaluation traits (e.g., flowering rate, tuber length). SSR markers amplified 80 alleles (mean 4.211/locus), showing moderate genetic diversity (He = 0.529, PIC = 0.585). Population structure analysis divided accessions into two subpopulations, correlated with geographic origins: Group 1 (northern/southwestern China) and Group 2 (central/eastern China), reflecting adaptation to local climates and human selection. Association analysis identified 10 SSR loci significantly linked (p < 0.01) to key traits, including YM07_2 (flowering, R² = 13.94%), YM37_2 (leaf margin color, R² = 19.03%), and YM19_3 (leaf width, R² = 19.34%). This study establishes a comprehensive genetic framework for Chinese yam, offering molecular tools for marker-assisted breeding and strategies to conserve high-diversity germplasm, thereby enhancing the utilization of this orphan crop. Full article

The Okapi Wildlife Reserve (OWR) in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo represents both a biodiversity hotspot and the ancestral homeland of the Indigenous Mbuti and Efe peoples, whose livelihoods and knowledge systems are closely tied to forest resources. This study investigates how Indigenous knowledge and practices contribute to sustainable resource management under conditions of rapid socio-cultural transformation. A mixed-methods approach was applied, combining socio-demographic surveys (n = 80), focus group discussions, floristic inventories, and statistical analyses (ANOVA, logistic regressions, chi-square, MCA). Results show that hunting, fishing, gathering, and honey harvesting remain central livelihood activities, governed by customary taboos and restrictions that act as de facto ecological regulations. Agriculture, recently introduced through intercultural exchange with neighboring Bantu populations, complements rather than replaces traditional practices and demonstrates emerging agroecological hybridization. Nevertheless, evidence of biodiversity decline (including local disappearance of species such as Dioscorea spp.), erosion of intergenerational knowledge transmission, and increased reliance on monetary income indicate vulnerabilities. Multiple Correspondence Analysis revealed a highly structured socio-ecological gradient (98.5% variance explained; Cronbach’s α = 0.977), indicating that perceptions of environmental change are strongly coupled with demographic identity and livelihood strategies. Floristic inventories confirmed significant differences in species abundance across camps (ANOVA, p < 0.001), highlighting site-specific pressures and the protective effect of persistent customary norms. The findings underscore the resilience and adaptability of Indigenous Peoples but also their exposure to ecological and cultural disruptions. We conclude that formal recognition of Indigenous institutions and integration of their knowledge systems into co-management frameworks are essential to strengthen ecological resilience, secure Indigenous rights, and align conservation policies with global biodiversity and climate agendas. Full article

Dioscorea nipponica is an important medicinal and edible plant in northern China, and its extract dioscin is an important raw material for the modern pharmaceutical industry. To investigate the key environmental factors influencing diosgenin accumulation in the rhizomes of D. nipponica and their action mechanism, we collected wild D. nipponica plants from 60 plots on Zhongtiao Mountain and analyzed the effects of environmental conditions on both plant growth and diosgenin synthesis. Additionally, physiological parameters of D. nipponica were investigated under different intervals of watering treatments: control (CK, 3 days), mild drought (MID, 5 days), moderate drought (MD, 8 days) and severe drought (SD, 10 days). The results showed that the water content of rhizome was the main factor affecting the diosgenin content, and soil nutrients, especially nitrogen, played an important role in the growth of D. nipponica. The results of a drought stress gradient test showed that diosgenin increased significantly under mild drought compared to the control, reaching 103.19 ± 2.63%. SD inhibited the growth of plants, and the indexes decreased by 10.08 ± 0.03–34.94 ± 5.60% compared with MID but increased the proliferation rate of rhizomes (83.33%), which is the reproductive strategy of D. nipponica when faced with drought stress. It provides a scientific basis for imitation of wild cultivation of D. nipponica. Full article

Mucilage, naturally occurring polysaccharides in various plant parts, possesses unique structural and multi-functional properties. These biopolymers consist primarily of com-plex polysaccharides associated with flavonoids, phenolics, and oxidized sugars. A systematic review of databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science evaluated 22 re-search papers on mucilage with antioxidant potential. The key finding highlights that Cydonia ob-longa, Abelmoschus esculentus, Zizyphus mauritiana, Coccinia indica, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Malva parviflora, Corchorus olitorius, and Dioscorea opposita contain antioxidants. Various analytical techniques include DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, hydroxyl radical, and superoxide radical assays for the evaluation of the antioxidant properties of mucilage. The findings aim to foster innovation in health benefits and applications in food and cosmetic products, leveraging the multi-functional potential of these biopolymers to enhance efficacy and safety. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dioscoreae Rhizoma, commonly known as yam, has long been used in East Asia as a medicinal food for gastrointestinal (GI) health. This systematic review aimed to assess the GI-related benefits of Dioscoreae Rhizoma by synthesizing findings from both human clinical trials and in vivo experimental studies. Methods: A structured search of eight major databases—including PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science—was conducted through April 2025. This systematic review includes both human and in vivo animal studies that investigated the effects of Dioscoreae Rhizoma on gastrointestinal function. Studies such as in vitro experiments, non-original articles and studies involving multi-herbal formulations were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed with three different tools including the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool. Results: Twenty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising two human trials and twenty-five animal experiments. Clinical trials reported improvements in gut-microbiota balance, glycemic control, and postsurgical recovery, including enhanced wound healing and reduced infection rates. In animal models, yam-derived interventions attenuated inflammatory responses, enhanced antioxidant defenses, preserved mucosal-barrier integrity, and favorably modified gut-microbiota composition. Discussion and Conclusions: Accumulating evidence supports the GI-beneficial effects of Dioscoreae Rhizoma, mediated through diverse biological pathways, including immunomodulation, antioxidation, and microbiota regulation. This study has limitations on lack of high-quality human studies, small sample size and heterogeneity among studies regarding different plant parts used, extraction processes, and dosage. Further rigorously designed studies are warranted to clarify the mechanisms, standardize intervention protocols, and validate clinical efficacy. Full article

Background: Liuwei Dihuang Pills, a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been widely used in clinical practice for its multiple pharmacological effects. However, the systematic characterization and identification of its chemical constituents, especially the aqueous decoction, remain insufficient, which hinders in-depth research on its pharmacodynamic material basis. Thus, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive analysis of its chemical components using advanced analytical techniques. Methods: After screening chromatographic columns, the ACQUITY UPLC™ HSS T3 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.8 μm) was selected. The column temperature was set to 40 °C, and the mobile phase consisted of 0.1% formic acid in water (A) and 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile (B). A gradient elution program was adopted, and the separation was completed within 20 min. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Orbitrap-MS) combined with a self-established information database was used for the analysis. Results: A total of 80 compounds were tentatively identified, including 13 monoterpenoids, 6 phenolic acids, 16 iridoids, 11 flavonoids, 25 triterpenoids, and 9 other types. Triterpenoids are mainly derived from Poria cocos and Alisma orientale; iridoids are mainly from Rehmannia glutinosa; monoterpenoids are mainly from Moutan Cortex; and flavonoids are mainly from Dioscorea opposita. Among them, monoterpenoids, iridoids, and triterpenoids are important pharmacodynamic components. The cleavage pathways of typical compounds (such as pachymic acid, catalpol, oxidized paeoniflorin, and puerarin) are clear, and their mass spectral fragment characteristics are consistent with the literature reports. Conclusions: Through UPLC-Orbitrap-MS technology and systematic optimization of conditions, this study significantly improved the coverage of chemical component identification in Liuwei Dihuang Pills, providing a comprehensive reference for the research on its pharmacodynamic substances. However, challenges remain in the identification of trace components and isomers. In the future, analytical methods will be further improved by combining technologies such as ion mobility mass spectrometry or multi-dimensional liquid chromatography. Full article

Starch particles (SPs) were extracted from underutilized wild yam (Dioscorea remotiflora) tubers using two methods: (1) acid hydrolysis (AH) alone and (2) acid hydrolysis assisted by ultrasound (AH-US). The SPs were chemically modified through esterification (using acetic anhydride [AA] and lauroyl chloride [LC]) and crosslinking (with citric acid [CA] and sodium hexametaphosphate [SHMP]). They were subsequently characterized by their yield, amylose content, and structural and physical properties. The yield of particles was 17.5–19.7%, and the residual amylose content was 2.8–3.2%. Particle sizes ranged from 0.46 to 0.55 µm, which exhibited mono-modal and bi-modal distributions for AH and AH-US treatments, respectively. Following chemical modification, yield notably increased, especially with substitution by LC (33.6–36.5%) and CA (32.6–38.7%). Modified SPs exhibited bi-modal particle distributions with micro- and nanoparticles and variable peak intensities depending on the chemical compound used. Unmodified SPs displayed irregular morphologies, showing disruptions (AH) or aggregation (AH-US). Chemical substitutions altered morphologies, leading to amorphous surfaces (CA: AH), clustering (LC), or fragmentation into smaller particles (SHMP) under AH-US treatment. FT-IR analysis indicated a decrease in hydroxyl groups’ peak area (A(-OH)), confirming the substitution of these groups in the starch structure. Crosslinking with CA resulted in the highest degree of substitution (AH: 0.43; AH-US: 0.44) and melting enthalpy (ΔH_f: 343.0 J/g for AH-US), revealing stronger interactions between SPs from both methods. These findings demonstrate that the extraction treatment of D. remotiflora SPs and the type of chemical modifier significantly influence the properties of SPs, underscoring their potential applications as natural biocarriers. Full article

Fritillaria unibracteata is a rare and endangered medicinal plant in the Liliaceae family, whose bulbs have been used in traditional Chinese traditional medicine for over 2000 years. The mevalonate (MVA) pathway is involved in the growth, development, response to environmental stress, and active ingredient production of plants; however, the functional characterization of MVA-pathway genes in the Liliaceae family remains poorly documented. In this study, an Acetyl-CoA C-acetyltransferase gene (FuAACT) was first cloned from F. unibracteata. It exhibited structural features of the thiolase family and showed the highest sequence identity with the Dioscorea cayenensis homolog. The K_m, V_max, and K_cat of the recombinant FuAACT were determined to be 3.035 ± 0.215 μM, 0.128 ± 0.0058 μmol/(min·mg), and 1.275 ± 0.0575 min⁻¹, respectively. The optimal catalytic conditions for FuAACT were ascertained to be 30 °C and pH 8.9. It was stable below 50 °C. His361 was confirmed to be a key amino acid residue to enzymatic catalysis by site-directed mutagenesis. Subsequent subcellular localization experiments demonstrated that FuAACT was localized in chloroplasts and cytoplasm. FuAACT-overexpressing transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants showed higher drought tolerance than wild-type plants. This phenotypic difference was corroborated by significant differences in seed germination rate, lateral root number, plant height, and leaf number (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the FuAACT transgenic plants resulted in the formation of a more developed fibrous root system. These results indicated that the FuAACT gene revealed substantial biological activity in vitro and in vivo, hopefully providing the basis for its further research and application in liliaceous ornamental and medicinal plants. Full article

Dioscorea species, known as “Yams”, belong to the Dioscoreaceae family. Members of the Dioscoreaceae family are widely distributed across subtropical and tropical regions. They are notable for their high content of starch, dietary fiber, and various bioactive compounds. In addition to serving as a staple food source, these tubers possess significant medicinal value in traditional medicine, particularly for treating diabetes, diarrhea, and various inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to comprehensively summarize the active components and food development potential of Dioscorea species from research over the past decade by searching commonly used databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. This review highlights the classification of bioactive compounds in Dioscorea spp. using the NPClassifier tool. We discuss 60 representative bioactive metabolites, including terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, carbohydrates, fatty acids, alkaloids, and amino acids. Additionally, we discuss the functional food applications and regulations of Dioscorea spp., which possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anticancer properties. This review is expected to provide scientific ideas for future research related to prioritizing the optimization of extraction technologies, the execution of rigorous clinical trials to confirm therapeutic effects, and the exploration of novel applications of Dioscorea spp. bioactives to fully harness their potential in improving human health. Full article

Postharvest losses and limited physiological knowledge restrict the conservation and year-round availability of underutilized crops such as Dioscorea trifida. This study characterized the postharvest behavior of Colombian purple D. trifida tubers and evaluated low-cost, GRAS-status technologies to improve storage performance in smallholder production systems. Tubers were stored for 34 days at ambient conditions (20 °C, 90% RH) and compared with treatments including cold storage, calcium pretreatments combined with Aloe vera-based coatings, and short-duration hot water immersion. Over storage, total carbohydrates increased, while potassium remained at substantial levels until the final day. Weight loss and respiration declined steadily, and sprouting was absent, suggesting extended endodormancy in this genotype. Major deterioration causes observed upon reception included fragmentation, insect damage, and surface molds, highlighting the importance of improved sanitation and mechanical protection during harvest, early postharvest stages, and transportation. Edible coatings enhanced antioxidant activity and increased malic and succinic acid concentrations. Cold storage at 3 °C reduced weight loss more effectively than storage at 12 or 20 °C, although citric acid accumulation was greater at the latter temperature. Among all treatments, immersion at 55 °C for 5 min was the most promising, offering a scalable, low-input option to extend shelf life in neglected yam species. Full article

This study evaluated the therapeutic potential of 70% ethanol extracts from six medicinal plants (Chenopodium album, Cassia tora, Cudrania tricuspidata, Dioscorea polystachya, Lonicera japonica, Solidago virgaurea subsp. gigantea) through their antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and immunomodulatory activities, targeting applications in aquaculture. All extracts exhibited potent antibacterial activity (MIC ≤ 10 μg/mL) against Aeromonas spp. and Photobacterium damselae subsp. damselae, but limited efficacy against Streptococcus parauberis. C. tricuspidata (CTR) and C. tora (CTO) demonstrated superior antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 1292 μg/mL and IC₅₀ = 227 μg/mL, respectively), correlating with high polyphenol content (1498 and 1409 mg GAE/g). CTR displayed significant concentration-dependent cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ = 904.2 μg/mL), while C. album (CA) promoted cell proliferation (132.3% viability). In LPS-stimulated CHSE-214 cells, D. polystachya (DP) induced the highest IL-8 expression (207-fold), followed by Chenopodium album (CA) (194-fold IL-8, 49-fold TNF-α) and CTR (245-fold RIPK2), activating NF-κB, MAPK, and NOD-like receptor pathways critical for teleost immunity. Lonicera japonica (LJ) suppressed TNF-α (0.4-fold) and IRF1 (0.3-fold), indicating anti-inflammatory potential, while S. virgaurea subsp. gigantea (SV) showed biphasic TNF-α modulation (79-fold at 10 μg/mL, 5-fold at 100 μg/mL). These diverse bioactivities, particularly the robust immunomodulatory effects, highlight the promise of these extracts as natural therapeutic agents for fish health management in aquaculture. Full article

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) provides various nutritional and medicinal benefits, including a high starch content, dietary fiber, essential micronutrients, and bioactive compounds. The molecular mechanisms underlying tuber expansion have not yet been clarified. Rapid alkalinization factor (RALF) genes, which mediate various processes in plants, are thought to contribute to the regulation of tuber growth; however, their role in yam development, especially in gibberellin (GA)-mediated processes, remains unclear. Here, we characterized seven DrRALF genes in the yam genome. Analysis of gene duplication demonstrated that the expansion of DrRALF genes was primarily driven by whole-genome duplication or segmental duplication. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that DrRALF genes were concentrated in specific clusters, indicating that their functions are relatively conserved. DrRALF5 was specifically expressed in the roots, and DrRALF2, DrRALF3, DrRALF4, and DrRALF6 were highly expressed in flowers. DrRALF1, DrRALF2, DrRALF3, DrRALF4, DrRALF5, and DrRALF6 were shown to play a role in tuber expansion. Subsequent qRT-PCR validation of four selected DrRALF genes confirmed the regulation of DrRALF2, DrRALF4, DrRALF5, and DrRALF6 by GA and PP333 (paclobutrazol, a GA biosynthesis inhibitor). Yeast one-hybrid assays further showed that the DrRALF6 promoter region interacted with the GA-signaling protein, DrDELLA1. Our findings provide novel insights into the regulatory network controlling yam tuber expansion, especially through the interaction between DrRALF6 and GA signaling pathways. Our results clarify the molecular mechanisms involved in tuber growth and propose a promising strategy for improving yam production through genetic manipulation of the GA-RALF signaling pathway. Full article

This study provides the first comprehensive genome-wide identification and characterization of the SWEET gene family in yam (Dioscorea rotundata), integrating structural bioinformatics, gene expression profiling, and functional validation to explore its roles in sucrose transport and tuber development. A total of 19 SWEET genes were identified and predicted to localize to the plasma membrane, and they showed high phylogenetic conservation with Arabidopsis thaliana, suggesting conserved functions in sugar distribution. Yeast substrate assays revealed that DrSWEET6 and DrSWEET12 are capable of transporting both hexose and sucrose across the plasma membrane, with their expression predominantly observed in the tuber, implicating their involvement in sucrose unloading. Expression profiling indicated high expression levels of the SWEET genes at the tuber apex, which progressively increased during tuber development, underscoring their critical roles in sucrose unloading, cell expansion, and biomass accumulation. These findings provide novel insights into the structural and functional mechanisms of the SWEET-mediated sucrose transport in yam, laying a solid foundation for future crop improvement strategies aiming to optimize sucrose distribution and enhance tuber yield and quality. Full article

Dioscorea is a genus comprising over 600 species, many of which possess edible tubers that are commonly referred to as yams. While Dioscorea is a significant crop across the globe, it holds a unique cultural significance to the people of Tonga in western Polynesia. Presently, Dioscorea is known for its essential role in festivals and ceremonies, as well as for its nutritional contributions to Tongan diets. To understand and to assess the significance of Dioscorea in the distant past, however, archeologists rely on plant residues (e.g., starch granules) preserved on ancient tools. This study provides the necessary first step in archeological starch analysis by examining the granule morphometrics of two culturally significant Dioscorea species, D. alata and D. bulbifera from Tonga. Tubers from three individuals of each species were collected on the island of Vava’u and processed for starch granule extraction and analysis. Morphometric characteristics, including two novel that describe shape (eccentricity ratio and hilum angle), were measured on approximately 300 granules per species. When statistically compared, these novel characteristics allow D. alata and D. bulbifera to be readily distinguished from one another, and therefore increase confidence in assigning archeological granules to a specific taxon. Full article

Yam (Dioscorea cayennensis subsp. rotundata,hereafter referred to as Dioscorea rotundata) is a staple tropical tuber crop with notable nutritional and economic value. Its development and yield depend on efficient sucrose allocation from source tissues. Sucrose transporters (SUTs), a conserved family of membrane proteins, mediate sucrose loading, translocation, and unloading. Although well-studied in model plants and cereals, SUTs in yam remain largely uncharacterized. This study aims to identify and characterize the SUT gene family in yam and explore their roles in sucrose transport and tuber development. We conducted a genome-wide analysis of yam SUT genes, including gene structure, subcellular localization, and phylogeny. Molecular docking was used to predict sucrose-binding residues, and qRT-PCR assessed gene expression across tissues and tuber developmental stages. Eight SUT genes were identified and classified based on sequence similarity and domain structure. Docking analysis revealed key residues involved in sucrose binding and possible conformational shifts influencing transport. Expression profiling showed that most SUT genes, especially in the tuber apex, were progressively upregulated during development, suggesting roles in sucrose unloading and cell expansion. Additionally, functional validation of DrSUT1 in Arabidopsis thaliana confirmed its involvement in sucrose transport, supporting its role in yam sucrose partitioning. Yam SUT genes, especially those highly expressed in sink tissues, are involved in sucrose partitioning and tuber development. These findings provide structural and functional insights into SUT-mediated sugar transport and lay a foundation for improving sucrose utilization and yield in yam and other tuber crops. Full article