Ipomoea batatas(Convolvulaceae) - Sweet Potato

(Sweet Potato)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Ipomoea batatas

Family: Convolvulaceae

Genus: Ipomoea

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Ipomoea aquatica (Water Spinach, Kalambi) - A popular aquatic green vegetable in South India, used for its cooling and digestive properties.

• Ipomoea mauritiana (Giant Potato, Kiribadu Ala) - The tubers are used in traditional medicine as a demulcent and laxative.

• Convolvulus pluricaulis (Shankhapushpi, Shankhahuli) - A renowned Ayurvedic medicinal plant from the same family, primarily used as a brain tonic and nervine.

2. Common Names:Scientific Name: Ipomoea batatas | English: Sweet Potato | Sanskrit: Raktalu, Mithaaluka | Hindi: Shakarkand, Mitha Alu | Tamil: Carḷakkilangu | Telugu: Cīlakada Dumpa | Kannada: Sīḷakkiḷaṅku, Genasu | Malayalam: Madhurakīḻaṇṇu | Marathi: Ratala | Bengali: Ranga Alu | Nepali: Sakarkhanda | Urdu: Shakarkand | French: Patate douce | Spanish: Batata | Italian: Patata dolce | German: Süßkartoffel | Chinese: 红薯 | Russian: Батат | Japanese: サツマイモ | Africaans: |

3. Medicinal Uses:Nutritive Tonic, Demulcent, Laxative, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Immunomodulator, Galactagogue, Potential Antidiabetic.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Carotenoids: Beta-Carotene (especially in orange-fleshed varieties), Lutein. These are powerful Antioxidants that convert to Vitamin A, supporting vision, skin health, and immunity.

Anthocyanins: (Especially in purple-fleshed varieties). These pigments are potent Antioxidants with strong Anti-inflammatory and potential cardioprotective effects.

Dietary Fiber: Both soluble and insoluble. This is key to its Demulcent and Laxative properties, promoting healthy digestion, feeding gut bacteria, and regulating blood sugar levels.

Complex Carbohydrates: It is a source of slow-releasing carbohydrates, which can be beneficial for sustained energy and blood sugar management.

Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin C (Antioxidant) and B6.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Dhatukshayaja Kshaya (For Debility and as a Nutritive Tonic)

Formulation: Roasted or boiled sweet potato.

Preparation & Use: Consuming a roasted sweet potato as a snack or meal is considered a simple and effective way to build strength, energy, and body mass.

Reasoning: Its rich complex carbohydrates, vitamins (A, C), and minerals make it an excellent Nutritive Tonic (Brimhana) for those recovering from illness or suffering from general weakness.

Vibandha (For Constipation)

Formulation: Boiled sweet potato with ghee.

Preparation & Use: Eating a plain boiled sweet potato with a teaspoon of ghee helps relieve constipation.

Reasoning: The high dietary fiber content adds bulk to the stool and promotes regular bowel movements, while its Demulcent property soothes the intestinal lining.

Stanyajanana (As a Galactagogue)

Formulation: Sweet potato as part of a lactating mother's diet.

Preparation & Use: It is included in soups, curries, or simply roasted for nursing mothers.

Reasoning: Its high nutritive value and fluid content are believed to support milk production and quality.

Prameha (For Diabetes Management)

Formulation: Boiled sweet potato in moderation.

Preparation & Use: Replacing high-glycemic index foods with a small portion of boiled sweet potato can help in managing blood sugar levels due to its fiber content.

Reasoning: The fiber slows down the release of sugars into the bloodstream. Some studies suggest it may improve insulin sensitivity. However, it should be consumed in controlled portions.

6. Culinary uses- Decoction, teas, juices and Healing recipes.

Energy-Boosting Roasted Shakarkand

Purpose: A quick, nourishing, and easy-to-digest snack.

Preparation & Use:

• Take whole sweet potatoes, wash them.

• Roast them directly over coals or in an oven until the skin is charred and the inside is soft.

• Peel and eat with a pinch of rock salt. This is a very common winter street food in North India.

Sweet Potato Halwa for Strength and Vitality

Purpose: A nutritive and delicious sweet for children, convalescents, and those with low weight.

Preparation & Use:

• Boil and peel sweet potatoes, then mash them.

• Cook the mash in ghee, then add milk and cook until thick.

• Add jaggery or sugar and cardamom powder. Garnish with nuts.

7. Disclaimer:Sweet potato is generally safe when consumed as food. Due to its carbohydrate content, individuals with diabetes should consume it in moderation and monitor their blood sugar levels. It is a healthy food but can cause bloating or gas in some individuals if eaten in excess. The information provided is for educational purposes and is not medical advice.

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8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. NadkarniThe Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

9. Further study:Taro (Colocasia esculenta) - Family Araceae. As discussed, both are starchy root vegetables used as nutritive tonics. However, their energy (Virya) and post-digestive effect (Vipaka) differ, leading to different dietary recommendations in Ayurveda.

Yam (Dioscorea spp. - e.g., Dioscorea alata, Ratalu) - Family Dioscoreaceae. Yams are another category of starchy tubers used similarly as strength-building foods in traditional diets across India.