Nutrient coordination mechanism of tiger nut induced by rhizosphere soil nutrient variation in an arid area, China

Tiger nut is a bioenergy crop planted in arid areas of northern China to supply oil and adjust the planting structure.However,in the western region of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region,China,less water resources have resulted in a scarcity of available farmland,which has posed a huge obstacle to planting tiger nut.Cultivation of tiger nut on marginal land can effectively solve this problem.To fully unlock the production potential of tiger nut on marginal land,it is crucial for managers to have comprehensive information on the adaptive mechanism and nutrient requirement of tiger nut in different growth periods.This study aims to explore these key information from the perspective of nutrient coordination strategy of tiger nut in different growth periods and their relationship with rhizosphere soil nutrients.Three fertilization treatments including no fertilization(N:P(nitrogen:phosphorous)=0:0),traditional fertilization(N:P=15:15),and additional N fertilizer(N:P=60:15)were implemented on marginal land in the Dengkou County.Plant and soil samples were collected in three growth periods,including stolon tillering period,tuber expanding period,and tuber mature period.Under no fertilization,there was a significant correlation between N and P contents of tiger nut roots and tubers and the same nutrients in the rhizosphere soil(P<0.05).Carbon(C),N,and P contents of roots were significantly higher than those of leaves(P<0.05),and the C:N ratio of all organs was higher than those under other treatments before tuber maturity(P<0.05).Under traditional fertilization,there was a significant impact on the P content of tiger nut tubers(P<0.05).Under additional N fertilizer,the accumulation rate of N and P was faster in stolons than in tubers(P<0.05)with lower N:P ratio in stolons during the tuber expansion period(P<0.05),but higher N:P ratio in tubers(P<0.05).The limited availability of nutrients in the rhizosphere soil prompts tiger nut to increase the C:N ratio,improving N utilization efficiency,and maintaining N:P ratio in tubers.Elevated N levels in the rhizosphere soil decrease the C:N ratio of tiger nut organs and N:P ratio in stolons,promoting rapid stolon growth and shoot production.Supplementary P is necessary during tuber expansion,while a higher proportion of N in fertilizers is crucial for the aboveground biomass production of tiger nut.

Mechanisms and reusability potentials of zirconium-polyaziridine-engineered tiger nut residue towards anionic pollutants

Access to fresh water,its availability,and its quality are a global challenge to humanity,largely due to human activities in the environment.Thus,global water security has been jeopardized,requiring urgent remediation to safeguard our very existence.Hence,a novel and facilely engineered zirconium and polyethylenimine adsorbent based on tiger nut residue (TNR) was prepared,and its adsorptive capabilities towards a model dyestuff and nutrient were invested through a batch adsorption method.The developed adsorbent,zirconium-polyethylenimine-engineered tiger nut residue (TNR@PEI–Zr) was characterised by scanning electron microscopy,Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy,X-ray diffraction analysis,and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to understand its morphology and surface chemistry and predict its adsorption mechanism.TNR@PEI–Zr had a p H point of zero charge (pH_(zpc)) of 6.7.The introduction of salts inhibited the removal efficiency of Alizarin red (AR) and phosphate (PO_(4)^(3–)) in the order of HCO_(3)^(-)>SO_(4)^(2–)>Cl^(-).Increasing temperatures (293–313 K) favoured the adsorption process at pH 3.The Langmuir model suited the adsorption processes of both AR and PO_(4)^(3–),implying homogenous and monolayer removal of pollutants with a maximal capacity of 537.8 mg·g^(-1)and 100.5 mg·g^(-1)at a dose of 0.01 g,respectively.The rate-determining steps of AR and PO_(4)^(3–)followed a pseudo-secondorder kinetic model and were thermodynamically spontaneous with an increase in randomness at the solid-solution interface.The adsorbent’s recyclability was notable and outperformed most adsorbents in terms of removal efficiency.TNR@PEI–Zr was found to be stable,and its use in practical wastewater decontamination was effective,ecologically acceptable and free of secondary pollution problems.

Microbiological Quality of Cyperus esculentus L. Products Sold in Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso (Burkina Faso)

This study aimed to assess the microbiological quality of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) products sold in Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso. The microbial load of tubers and tiger nut milk was determined using ISO 4833-1 (2003) standard (total mesophilic aerobic flora), NF ISO 7954 (1998) standard (yeasts and molds), and ISO 4832 (2006) standard (total coliforms, thermotolerant coliforms). The results showed that tiger nut tubers had an average microbial load between 4.86 ± 7.03 × 106 UFC/g and 1.82 ± 2.30 × 107 UFC/g for total mesophilic aerobic flora, from 4.34 ± 10.6 × 105 UFC/g to 3.52 ± 4.54 × 106 UFC/g for yeasts and molds, from 2.23 ± 2.25 × 105 UFC/g to 1.41 ± 2.16 × 105 UFC/g for total coliforms and from 1.83 ± 2.03 × 105 UFC/g to 7.0 ± 10.8 × 104 CFU/g for thermotolerant coliforms. For tiger nut milk samples, the average microbial load varied from 3.48 ± 2.98 × 106 CFU/g to 2.80 ± 5.69 × 107 CFU/g for total mesophilic aerobic flora, from 5.00 ± 7.21 × 104 CFU/g to 1.88 ± 3.31 × 105 CFU/g for yeasts and molds, from 4.58 ± 10.4 × 104 CFU/g to 6.31 ± 9.17 × 105 CFU/g for total coliforms and 7.00 ± 7.00 × 103 CFU/g to 2.87 ± 5.86 × 105 CFU/g for thermotolerant coliforms. This study revealed that the tubers and tiger nut milk sold in Ouagadougou and Bobo Dioulasso had a high microbial load which could lead to the degradation of these products and food poisoning for consumers.

Optimization of Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus) Roasting Process Using Response Surface Methodology

Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) is an underutilized tuber and a non-conventional oil seed which are known for their biological effect. The transformation of tubers into nutritional and stable flour could be important for West Africa populations. Thus, roasting is a process that improves the biochemical composition of seeds. The purpose of this study was to optimize temperature and roasting time on Tiger nut’s tubers in order to produce high nutritional tiger nut flour. A response surface methodology was used to optimize the roasting process in a temperature range (130°C - 150°C) and in a duration range (20 - 35 min). The data are processed by the software Statgraphic Centurion XVI version 16.2.04. Total polyphenols and flavonoids contents, antioxidant activity, titratable acidity, browning index and Maillard reaction products absorbance were evaluated. A second-order polynomial model was established to predict optimal values, included temperature and time. The contents of polyphenols and flavonoids range respectively from 0.196 to 0.891 g GAE/100g and from 0.022 to 0.051 g CE/100g, the antioxidant activity ranges from 25.21 to 57.09%, titratable acidity varies between 0.193 and 0.472 g/100g, the browning index from 28.42 to 56.20 and the absorbances at 420 nm of Maillard Reactions Products ranged between 0.365 and 0.897. The global desirability was 90%. Roasting had significant effects (p 0.05) on titratable acidity, browning index and antioxidant activity. The optimum roasting conditions were established at the temperature of 147°C for 38 minutes. Experimental values of parameter for flour obtained in optimal condition were proximate to predict values excepted titratable acidity. The model performance is acceptable for this study. The research for the optimal roasting conditions for tiger nut reveals an appropriate temperature and time combination which could improve the biochemical composition with a more attractive color.

Quality property of beverage drink from Tiger nut milk, malted yellow maize blend

Background:Beverage making is an effective method of product conversion of rhizomes and cereals particularly in the context of providing health/nutritional benefits.The Combination of Tiger nut and yellow maize to make a beverage drink would be promising.Therefore,Proximate,chemical,microbial and sensory qualities as influenced by blend variations was investigated.Methods:Tiger nut(Cyperus esculentus L.)and yellow maize(zea mays)were processed into fresh natural beverage drink.Tiger nut milk and malt extracted from malted yellow maize were blended at A(90%:10%),B(80%:20%),C(70%:30%),D(60%:40%)respectively and tiger nut milk(100%)was used as a control.Results:Proximate,chemical,microbial and sensory qualities revealed that protein,fiber,Titratable acidity ash and carbohydrate increased with increase in malt from yellow maize addition.Protein(2.20-6.34)%,Fibre(022-0.34)%,Ash(0.21-0.31)%,carbohydrate(2.21-13.58)%,Moisture(70.41-77.10)%,Fat(18.41-9.0)%values decreases with an increase in malted yellow maize addition.Result of the chemical analysis revealed that total solid(23.10-24.61),(2.81-5.91),Viscosity(68.01-92.01),pH(622-6.74)increased with increase in malted yellow maize addition while pH decrease with increase in malted yellow maize.Total viable count(8.0×10^(6)±7.1-1.0×10^(7)±7.1)and total fungi count(3.15×10^(6)±3.6-2×10^(3)±1.4)increased among sample A(100%Tiger nut milk:0%malted yellow maize)and E(60%Tiger nut milk:40%malted yellow maize),except sample B(90%Tiger nut milk:10%malted yellow maize)C(80%Tiger nut milk:20%malted yellow maize)and D(70%Tiger nut milk:30%malted yellow maize).Significant differences existed in sensory scores for flavor/aroma(7-5),texture(5-7),taste(4-7)and general acceptability of the products(5-8).Conclusion:Beverage drinks prepared from tiger nut milk and malted yellow maize can be used as a beverage food for both young and older persons due to the products high nutrient density.

Synergistic Mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera Aqueous Extract: Its Liver and Kidney Benefits in Male Albino Rat Model

Background: The synergistic mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera (STCD) aqueous extract is a common drink in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. It is assumed to have various health benefits. However, the synergistic mixture of the content has not been studied scientifically, hence the need to evaluate its effect on the liver and kidney being part of the body’s metabolic organs. Aim: This study evaluated the synergistic mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera (STCD) aqueous extract in male albino rats. Methods: Acute toxicity LD50 of STCD was carried out, afterwards, fifteen male albino rats were grouped into three groups with 5 rats in each group;Control, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg STCD. The rats were administered STCD orally 24 hourly, for 21 days, with feed and water ad libitum. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis of the liver and kidney biomarkers, while the liver and kidney tissues were harvested for histopathological examination using standard laboratory methods. Descriptive statistics were computed and expressed as Mean ± SD. One-way ANOVA and Turkeys test was performed. P value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Acute toxicity LD50 of STCD was observed to be ≥2404.2 mg/kg body weight. An increase in the percentage body weight difference of 8.39% and 2.86% was observed for 200 and 400 mg/kg STCD groups. Also, the liver weight was observed to increase in 400 mg/kg (3.92 ± 1.42) in comparison to the control group (3.48 ± 1.61), a decrease in the kidney weight was observed in all groups administered STCD in comparison to the control group. Administration of STCD at both 200 and 400 mg/kg revealed a decrease in the concentration of the hepatic biomarkers AST, ALT, ALP, TP, Albumin, Total and conjugated bilirubin. The kidney biomarker Urea was observed to decrease in concentration for 200 mg/kg STCD (4.60 ± 1.83) and 400 mg/kg STCD (4.76 ± 0.74) when compared to the control group (6.32 ± 2.74). A decrease in Creatinine was observed in 200 mg/kg (91.80 ± 34.69) and 400 mg/kg (98.60 ± 15.53) in comparison to the control group (117.60 ± 42.88). The histological examination of the liver of rats administered STCD revealed structural normal central vein, hepatocytes and portal tract. The kidney examination revealed normal glomeruli and normal tubule. Conclusion: The findings of this study opine that STCD improved the health of both the liver and kidney as evidenced via the biomarkers and histological examinations of the liver and kidney. This study therefore recommends the intake of STCD at moderate doses for improved liver and kidney function due to its bioactive compounds and nutritional content.

Preparation and characterization of octenyl succinic anhydride nano starch from tiger nut meals

Tiger nut(Cyperus esculentus L.)is an ideal raw material for oil extraction,but starch-rich tiger nut meal,a by-product of oil extraction,has not been fully utilized.For this,starch was isolated from tiger nut meal,and then starch nanoparticles were prepared by gelatinization,ultrasonication and nanoprecipitation under different conditions.The preparation parameters were optimized by measuring the particle size with dynamic light scattering,and the physicochemical properties of native starch and nano starch were evaluated.The results showed that,compared to native starch,starch nanoparticle(nano starch)has a higher amylose content(39.05%),solubility(56.13%),and swelling power(58.01%).Furthermore,native starch and nano starch were esterified with octenyl succinic anhydride(OSA),respectively,conferring amphiphilic properties.The effects of OSA modification on the resistant starch content,thermal properties,and microstructure of starches were characterized.The resistant starch content of tiger nut native starch increased by 10.81%after OSA modification,while the resistant starch content of OSA nano starch increased to 37.76%.Compared to native starch,the gelatinization temperature of OSA nano starch decreased by 2.7℃ and nano starch decreased by 5.68℃.OSA modified nano starch showed a unique microstructure,such as a slender fiber structure and a regular oblate structure.The hydrophobic OSA groups aggregated to form hydrophobic cavities with a hydrophilic surface in the aqueous phase.The findings presented in this investigation provide a better understanding of the design and development of OSA nano starch and provide valuable guidance to further enhance the added value of tiger nuts and future applications in the food industry.

Optimization of hot air drying process for tiger nut and analysis of fatty acid composition of tiger nut oil

Hot air temperature,hot air humidity,and hot wind speed were selected as independent variables of quadratic orthogonal rotation combination test design through single factor test.Drying time,energy consumption,chromatism value,luminosity value,hardness,rehydration ratio,and other indexes of the product were used as the response value of the test.Response surface methodology(RSM)was used to analyze the effects of independent variables on the quality of tiger nut(Cyperus esculentus L.),and the process parameters were combined and optimized.The results show that the suitable technological conditions for hot air drying of tiger nut are as follows:hot air temperature of 63.15°C,hot air humidity of 44.92%,hot air wind speed of 2.48 m/s.Under these conditions,the product has the advantages of the short drying cycle,low energy consumption,good color and luster,low hardness and good rehydration performance.The fatty acid composition and content of tiger nut oil were determined by gas chromatography.The fatty acid composition and content of tiger nut oil were compared with those of soybean oil,olive oil,rapeseed oil and sesame oil,the results show that among the saturated fatty acids in tiger nut oil,palm oil had the highest content of 11.172%,which was between soybean oil and olive oil.The main composition of unsaturated fatty acids in tiger nut oil is oleic acid,with a content of 77.605%,which is 3.6 times higher than that of soybean oil,and even higher than that of olive oil.

The phytochemical,proximate,pharmacological,GC-MS analysis of Cyperus esculentus(Tiger nut):A fully validated approach in health,food and nutrition

Cyperus esculentus(Tiger nut)has been grossly underutilized and unexploited despite its nutritional and medicinal potentials.This research aimed to evaluate the phytochemical,proximate,GC-MS and pharmacological properties such as antioxidant,anticancer,anti-elastase,anti-melanogenic and anti-tyrosinase activity in ethanol and n-hexane extracts of tiger nut.The pharmacological activities were measured using spectrophotometry,agar well diffusion,MCF-7 and HeLa cell methods.The tiger nut extracts(ethanol and n-hexane)in the phytochemical and proximate analysis showed the existence of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids,glycosides,flavonoids,crude fibres,tannins,proteins,carbohydrates,oxalates,phytates and fats content.The ethanol extract showed superior pharmacological(anticancer,antibacterial,anti-melanogenic and antioxidant)activities,especially against the MCF-7 cell line.The results for scavenging activity of ethanol extract(IC_(50)=535.57μg/mL)showed significant differences(p<0.05)when compared with n-hexane extract(IC_(50)=645.5μg/mL).The GC-MS assessment of both extracts showed the existence of bioactive compounds.Different concentrations(100,200 and 350 mg/mL)of tiger nut extracts against Shigella sp.,Salmonella sp.,Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli demonstrated the highest level of inhibitions at 350 mg/mL.The findings of the current research showed that tiger nut has a high content of nutrients and bioactive phytochemicals.