Nutritional supplement and pharmaceutical potential of <i>Ipomea batata</i> L. leaves: A review

Abstract

Sweet potatoes are an exceptionally essential crop in several parts of the world, being produced in more than 100 countries and positioned as sixth most major crop in the world. The world production of sweet potato has steadily declined with the exception of America and Sub-saharan Africa in the last decade. The study was intended to provide the latest information on sweet potato leaves and its nutritional and medicinal potential. It was first introduced into Nigeria in late 1694 through the early activities of Portuguese and Spanish explorers. Nigeria is one of the largest producers of sweet potato in sub-Saharan Africa with annual production estimated at 3.46 million tons per year. The sweet potato can, however, be harvested many times during the year considerably more than many other greens vegetables. It is one of the few vegetables that can be cultivated in both rainy and dry seasons. Sweet potato leaves are considered to be rich in protein, fibers, vitamin B, Vitamin C and minerals, such as iron, calcium, magnesium, zinc, dietary bioactive compounds, and contain more phenols than any other commercial vegetables. The pharmaceutical importance includes anti-inflammatory,anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-diabetes and anti-mutagenic among others. Sweet potato leaves could serve as an additional leafy green vegetable and promote food security forsustainable growth.