Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam): a comprehensive review of its botany, nutritional composition, phytochemical profile, health benefits, and future prospects

By 2050, feeding nearly 10 billion people will require sustainable agricultural innovations amid rising threats from climate-induced insect outbreaks, floods, and droughts. Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam), a climate-resilient and nutrient-dense crop, offers promising potential in addressing both food security and public health. It is particularly rich in bioactive compounds such as anthocyanins, polyphenols, and β-carotene, which exhibit a broad spectrum of pharmacological effects. Anthocyanins demonstrate potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, while polyphenolic compounds are known to inhibit oxidative damage, modulate inflammatory pathways, and offer neuroprotective and anti-cancer benefits. β-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, plays a crucial role in enhancing vision, immunity, and skin health, and also contributes to reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders and diabetes. Current review highlights significant phytochemical variability among sweet potato genotypes rich in anthocyanins, phenolics and β-carotene. This review highlights the botanical, nutritional, and pharmacological value of sweet potatoes, emphasizing their antioxidant, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects. With potential in functional foods and therapeutics, sweet potato is a key crop for boosting nutrition, sustainability, and disease prevention globally.