Phytochemical Characteristics Of Bulbil Bearing Yams (Dioscorea Alata, D. Bulbifera And D. Hirtiflora)

ABSTRACT

 The photochemical and morphological characteristics of 'bulbil bearing yams (Dioscorea): D. alata L. (water yam), D. bulbifera L., (aerial yam) and D.hirtiflora (wild yam), were evaluated and compared. The yam leaves and bulbil-s were sampled and analyzed for alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, anthocyanin and mineral contents. Results obtained Were' statistically analyzed using analysis of variance Significant means were compared using Duncan's Multiple Range test at 5% level of probability. This study shows-that the Dioscorea species contain the phytochemicals and minerals. The presence of alkaloids, was seen highest in the leaf of D. hirtijiora leaf which has the percentage of 0.3 1% and 43.3 1% higher than D. bulbfèra and D. alata. For anthocyanins D. bulbifera has the highest percentage than D. alata and D. hirtiflora by 0.63% and 1.7 1%. In the minerals the phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) content of D. bulbifera leaf is higher than that of D. alata and D. hirtiflora by (0.4% and 5.7%) for P and (8.9% and 19.4%) for K respectively.