Sex-specific variations in phytochemicals and antimicrobial potentiality of Dioscorea

Abstract

Abstract Background The monocotyledonous herbaceous crop Dioscorea is native to tropical and temperate regions of the world. Dioscorea tubers are dioecious in nature, have colossal therapeutic potentiality, and are frequently used in traditional medical practices throughout the world. Most of the research works are aimed to determine the medicinal property, nutritions, antinutrients, and biological activities of Dioscorea spp. without specifying the sexes of Dioscorea which promoted us to carry out this present research work. Results Sex-specific variation of phytoconstituents, antioxidants, and antimicrobial efficiency in tubers was appraised. The results obtained from this study divulge existence of significant quantitative variation between the male and female tubers. The female tubers are superior in acquiring phytochemicals compared to male counterparts and acquired maximum antioxidant and antimicrobial potentiality. Conclusion This study will offer an apposite baseline for further sex-specific assessment which can be directed towards both qualitative and quantitative amelioration of medicinally important noble compounds by exploiting modern scientific strategies leading to their active participation in nutraceutical industries.