Unveiling the Nigerian sweet potato; Its nutritional and pharmacological properties

Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato) is the 5th most important food crop globally, packed with nutritive values, and is a vital dietary staple in several developing countries, including Nigeria. Unveiled to Africa (Sao Tome) in the 16th century and later to Nigeria by Portuguese traders, it has become an indispensable food crop due to its adaptability to poor soils, drought and oscillating weather conditions. The Nigerian sweet potatoes are nutritionally rich, and contain high levels of complex carbohydrates, β-carotene (provitamin A), dietary fiber, iron, calcium, vitamin C and other essential micronutrients. These nutritional characteristics contribute to their activities in fighting against vitamin A deficiency and malnutrition, especially in pregnant women and children. In addition to their nutritional value, both the leaves and tubers of Ipomoea batatas exhibit pharmacological characteristics, such as immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties, attributed to their phytochemical constituents like anthocyanins, flavonoids and polyphenols. Despite these numerous benefits, the consumption of sweet potato leaves in Nigerian diets is quite low when compared to other neighboring African countries like Kenya and Ghana, and Asian country such as China and Taiwan. This review explores the varieties, therapeutic potential, nutritional constituents of Nigerian sweet potatoes and underscores the necessity for increased awareness and utilization of this overlooked crop with immense health potential.