sweet potato
Ipomoea batatas
Ipomoea batatas, commonly known as sweet potato, is a plant native to Central and South America. Traditionally, it has been used in various culinary practices but no specific traditional medicinal uses have been documented. Scientific evidence suggests that blends of blue corn and purple sweet potato flour exhibit improved antioxidant capacity and sensory characteristics. Additionally, studies indicate that certain genotypes of purple sweet potatoes can be suitable for breeding programs due to their high root yield and micronutrient concentrations. Purple sweet potato leaves extract modestly improved glucose tolerance and enhanced metabolic flexibility in mice fed a high-fat diet by activating AMPK-dependent pathways. In pig diets, sweet potato inclusion typically improves gut health markers without consistently affecting growth performance or meat quality. No major safety issues have been recorded for the plant, and there are no known drug interactions reported.
- Best evidence
- A
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study found that ready-to-eat flakes made from blends of blue corn and purple sweet potato flour exhibited improved antioxidant capacity and sensory characteristics.
- The study identified several sweetpotato genotypes with high and stable root yield and micronutrient concentrations, suitable for breeding programs.
- Purple sweet potato leaves extract modestly improved glucose tolerance and enhanced metabolic flexibility in mice fed a high-fat diet by activating AMPK-dependent pathways.
- Sweet potato inclusion in pig feed typically improves gut health markers without consistently affecting growth performance.
- The study found that Leuconostoc sp. LU1 produced 5.86 g L-1 of EPS from sweet potato waste with good physicochemical properties and functional characteristics.
- Sweet potato can acquire potassium from vermiculite and enhance potassium availability for neighboring soybean plants.
Frequently asked questions
What is sweet potato?
sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about sweet potato?
6 sourced findings are recorded for sweet potato; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: The study found that ready-to-eat flakes made from blends of blue corn and purple sweet potato flour exhibited improved antioxidant capacity and sensory characteristics.
How strong is the evidence for sweet potato?
The strongest finding for sweet potato carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is sweet potato safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for sweet potato in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does sweet potato interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for sweet potato in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of sweet potato?
sweet potato is also known as: батат, Batate.
Is sweet potato a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) in swine nutrition: A systematic review of bioactive compounds, physiological functions, and feeding applications. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam) leaves extract prevents weight gain and lipotoxicity in mice fed a high-fat diet by increasing metabolic flexibility and oxidative metabolism in skeletal muscle and brown adipose tissue. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Adaptability and Stability Analyses of Root Yield and Micronutrient Concentrations in Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam.) Genotypes. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Physicochemical Properties, Antioxidant Capacity, and Sensory of Ready-to-Eat Flakes of Blue Corn and Purple Sweet Potato Blends. literature abstract metadata
- T2 K acquisition from vermiculite by sweet potato also improves K nutrition in neighboring plants. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Exopolysaccharide Produced by Leuconostoc sp. LU1 Using Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) Waste: Physicochemical and Functional Characterization. literature abstract metadata