Abstract

NUTRITIONAL IMPORTANCE AND THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL OF TIGER NUT (Cyperus esculentus): AN UNDERUTILIZED CROP IN WEST AFRICA

Bou Ndiaye*, Khadija Boualam, Ifeoma C. Orabueze, Papa Guedel Faye and Nicolas C. M. Ayessou

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Abstract

Tiger nut is an abundant plant in the West African sub-region but its uses remains very limited. This review article aims to elucidate the chemical and phytochemical composition and biological activities of Cyperus esculentus. The tuber is a source of food components such as minerals (Na, Mg, Ca, K, P, Fe, Zn), vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12, E, C) and carbohydrates. Its fat content can be as high as 44.52% and the fatty acid profile of its oil consists a percentage of unsaturated fatty acids varying between 70 and 81% with an important proportion of oleic and linoleic acids. Cyperus esculentus contains many phytochemicals which includes; polyphenols, flavonoids, tannin, sterols, polyterpenes, glycosides, alkaloids, salicylic acid, terpenoids, saponins, steroids, several properties are granted. The documented biological potentials of Cyperus esculentus include; aphrodisiac, regenerative, digestive, antimicrobial, larvicidal, antidiarrheal, antidiabetic, hypocholesterolemic, antioxidant, antifungal and galactogenic properties. Tiger nut use can be used in the basic food of the population to fight against malnutrition and certain human pathologies.

Keywords: Cyperus esculentus, tiger nut, chemical and phytochemical composition, biological properties.