Cyperus esculentus (tiger nut): An insight into its bioactive compounds, biological activities, nutritional and health benefits
Great Iruoghene Edo, Favour Ogheneoruese Onoharigho, Agatha Ngukuran Jikah, Gift Onyinyechi Oloni, Princess Oghenekeno Samuel, Opiti Ajiri Rapheal, Ovie Ikpekoro, Patrick Othuke Akpoghelie, Joy Johnson Agbo, Helen Avuokerie Ekokotu, Ufuoma Ugbune, Gracious Okeoghene Ezekiel, Gibson Akpode Abere, Ephraim Evi Alex Oghroro, Aghoghoroghene Elizabeth Ojulari, Kennedy Ahamefula Okoronkwo, Joseph Oghenewogaga Owheruo, Emmanuel Oghenekome Akpoghelie
Abstract
Physiologically important qualities and nutritional benefits prove the value of tiger nut. Phytochemicals like flavonoids, alkaloids, fat, fatty acids and etcetera that are abundant throughout the plant aid in a number of metabolic processes as well as elicit therapeutic and biological effects of anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-cardiovascular disease, aphrodisiac, anti-diabetic effects thus improving general wellbeing and health conditions. More to that, in various other industries than the medical (Pharmaceutical, agricultural, food and e.t.c), tiger nuts are utilizable in making starch, animal feed, beverages, biofuel to mention but a few. Considering all these enormous benefits and applications of tiger nut, it is the intention of this review, to add to the scope of available information regarding them stating with specificity their bioactive compounds, biological activities, nutritional and health benefits as well as their industrial applications.