Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Biology, production constraints and uses of Cyperus exculentus L. (neglected and underutilized crop species), implication for valorization: a review

  • Notes on Neglected and Underutilized Crops
  • Published:
Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Food security relies mainly on a few major crop species such as wheat, maize and rice, cassava and yam. Many of the cultivated plant species such as Tigernut (Cyperus exculentus) are still considered invasive plants and are neglected and underutilized. However, they may play a crucial role in food security, nutrition, and income generation among poor rural people. In the perspective to valorization of the species, this systematic review aimed at identifying the biology, production constraints and uses of tigernut for future research directions. Extensive searches were carried out and studies were screened and extracted using established systematic review methods. A total of 175 papers from Africa, America, Asia, and Europe met the inclusion criteria. Thematic synthesis was used to synthesis data and findings are presented under three framework aspects. Approximately 52% of the studies were undertaken in Europe while 21.71% were undertaken in Africa. Most of the papers reviewed for the study were published between [2010 and 2015]. The results highlighted the critical research gaps in ecology, plant demography, genetic diversity using SSR makers, genomics and evolutionary biology. Further, production constraints and solution approaches for the conservation and promotion of the species were the other gaps identified in the reviewed studies. Production constraints were specifically related to the insufficient mineral fertilizers, difficult in harvesting and post-harvest losses. Tigernut is used in more fields such as food, medicinal, cosmetic, biofuel and fishing and fish breeding. Such investigations would help in decision-making and elaboration of breeding strategies, and advancing steps towards sustainable use and the valorization of the species.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6

References

  • Abad P, Pascual B, Maroto JV, López-Galarza S, Vicente MJ, Alagarda J (1998) RAPD analysis of cultivated and wild yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.). Weed Sci 46:319–321

    Google Scholar 

  • Adama KK, Afolayan MO, Oberafo AA, Sunday T (2014) Isolation and physicochemical characterization of Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) starch as a potential industrial biomaterial. Int J Mater Sci Appl 3(2):37–41

    Google Scholar 

  • Adejuyitan JA, Otunola ET, Akande EA, Bolarinwa IF, Oladokun FM (2009) Some physicochemical properties of flour obtained from fermentation of tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) sourced from a market in Ogbomoso, Nigeria. Afr J Food Sci 3(2):51–55

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Adejuyitan JA (2011) Tiger nut processing: its food uses and health benefits. Am J Food Technol 6(3):197–201

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Adgidzi EA, Ingbian EK, Abu JO (2011) Effects of hot water and steam blanching on the quality of aqueous extract from tigernuts (Cyperus esculentus). Prod Agric Tech 7(1):90–102

    Google Scholar 

  • Agbabiaka LA, Madubuiko CU, Anyanwu CN (2012) Replacement Value of Tigernut Meal (Cyperus esculentus) with Maize in Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Diets. Sci Res Rep 2(2):130–134

    Google Scholar 

  • Agbabiaka LA, Ezeafulukwe CF (2013) Utilization of tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L.) meal as dietary supplement by African catfish (Clarias gariepinus Burchell, 1822). Fish Aquacult J 1–8. http://astonjournals.com/faj

  • Agbai EO, Nwanegwo CO (2013) Luteinizing hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, testosterone, sperm count and motility in male Albino Wistar Rats. J Med Appl Biosci 5(2):52–61

    Google Scholar 

  • Aka Boigny AA, Konan N’Guessan Y, Coulibaly A, Chatigre Kouamé O, Biego GH (2016) Physico-chemical and nutritive properties of seeds and oil deriving from the sweet pea (Cyperus esculentus L.) marketed in Côte d’Ivoire. Int J Biochem Res Rev 13(2):1–9

    Google Scholar 

  • Alobo AP, Ogbogo PO (2007) Selected properties of tigernut starch as affected by physical and chemical modification. In: Proceedings of the 31st Annual NIFST Conference, Abuja, Nigeria. 22–25th October 2007

  • Aly D, Dah-Dovonon ZJ, Dansi A (2007) Deuxième rapport sur l'état des ressources phytogénétiques pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture au Bénin. Ministère de l’Agriculture de l’Elevage et de la Pêche 59p

  • Arafat SM, Gaafar AM, Basuny AM, Nassef SL (2009) Chufa tubers (Cyperus esculentus L.): as a new source of food. World Appl Sci J 7(2):151–156

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Aremu MO, Olaofe O, Akintayo ET (2006) A comparative study on the chemical and amino acid composition of some Nigerian underutilized legume flours. Pakistan J Nutr 5:34–38

    Google Scholar 

  • Aremu MO, Olonisakin A, Opaluwa OD, Mohammed Y, Salau RB (2007) Nutritional qualities assessment of tilapia fish (Tilapia quinnesis). Indian J Multidis Res 3:443–465

    Google Scholar 

  • Bamishaiye EI, Bamishaiye OM (2011) Tiger nut: as a plant, its derivatives and benefits. Afr J Food Agric Nutr Dev 11(5):5157–5170

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Barminas JT, Maina HM, Tahir S, Kubmarawa D, Tsware K (2001) A preliminary investigation into the biofuel characteristics of tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) oil. Biores Technol 79(1):87–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0960-8524(01)00026-8

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Batel W, Graef M, Meyer GJ, Moller R, Schroedder F (1980) Pflonzenole fur die kraftstoff-und energieversorgung. Grundlagen Der Landtechnik 30(2):40–51

    Google Scholar 

  • Belewu MA, Abodunrin OA (2006) Preparation of Kunnu from unexploited rich food source: tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus). World J Dairy Food Sci 1(1):19–21

    Google Scholar 

  • Biradar S, Kangralkar VA, Mandavkar Y, Thakur M, Chougule N (2010) Antiinflammatory, antiarthritic, analgesic and anticonvulsant activity of Cyperus essential oils. Int J Pharm Pharm Sci 2(4):123–125

    Google Scholar 

  • Bonanome A, Grundy SM (1988) Effect of dietary stearic acid on plasma cholesterol and lipoprotein levels. New Engl J Med 318(19):1244–1248

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bosch L, Alegria A, Farre R (2005) RP-HPLC determination of tiger nut and orgeat amino acid contents. Food Sci Technol Int 11(1):33–40. https://doi.org/10.1177/1082013205051266

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chevallier A (1996) The encyclopidia of medicinal plants. Dorling Kindersley, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Chinma CE, Adewuyi O, Abu JO (2009) Effect of germination on the chemical, functional and pasting properties of flour from brown and yellow varieties of tigernut (Cyperus esculentus). Food Res Int 42(8):1004–1009. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2009.04.024

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chukwuma ER, Obioma N, Christopher OI (2010) The phytochemical composition and some biochemical effects of Nigerian tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L.) tuber. Pakistan J Nutr 9(7):709–715

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cortés C, Esteve MJ, Frıgola A, Torregrosa F (2005) Quality characteristics of horchata (a Spanish vegetable beverage) treated with pulsed electric fields during shelf-life. Food Chem 91(2):319–325. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2004.06.014

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Daniel Z, Hopf M (2000) Domestication of plants in the old world, third edition, Oxford University Press, 198

  • Dansi A, Vodouhè R, Azokpota P, Yedomonhan H, Assogba P, Adjatin A, Akpagana K (2012) Diversity of the neglected and underutilized crop species of importance in Benin. The Sci World J. https://doi.org/10.1100/2012/932947

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Darnoko D, Cheryan M (2000) Kinetics of palm oil transesterification in a batch reactor. J Am Oil Chem Soc 77(12):1263–1267. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11746-000-0198-y

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • De Castro O, Gargiulo R, Del Guacchio E, Caputo P, De Luca P (2015) A molecular survey concerning the origin of Cyperus esculentus (Cyperaceae, Poales): two sides of the same coin (weed vs. crop). Ann Bot 115(5):733–745. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcv001

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Defelice MS (2002) Yellow Nutsedge Cyperus esculentus L.—snack food of the Gods1. Weed Technol 16(4):901–907

    Google Scholar 

  • Dodet M (2006) Diversité genetique et phenologie de Cyperus esculentus L. (Cyperaceae) pour une Gestion Intégrée de l'Espèce dans les Cultures de Haute Lande. Thèse de doctorat. Université de Bourgogne 224

  • Dubois V, Breton S, Linder M, Fanni J, Parmentier M (2007) Fatty acid profiles of 80 vegetable oils with regard to their nutritional potential. Eur J Lipid Sci Technol 109(7):710–732. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejlt.200700040

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dutta AC (2002) Botany for Degree students (5th Edition). Oxford University Press, London, pp 752–780

    Google Scholar 

  • Ekeanyanwu RC, Ononogbu CI (2010) Nutritive value of Nigerian Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L). Agric J 5(5):297–302

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Foidl N, Foidl G, Sanchez M, Mittelbach M, Hackel S (1996) Jatropha curcas L. as a source for the production of biofuel in Nicaragua. Bioresou Technol 58(1):77–82

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) (2017) Sustainable Land Management (SLM) in practice in the Kagera Basin. Lessons learned for scaling up at landscape level - Results of the Kagera Transboundary Agro-ecosystem Management Project (Kagera TAMP). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy, 440

  • Gambo A, Da’u A, (2014) Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus): composition, products, uses and health benefits-a review. Bayero J Pure Appl Sci 7(1):56–61

    Google Scholar 

  • Ghane SG, Lokhande VH, Ahire ML, Nikam TD (2010) Indigofera glandulosa Wendl. (Barbada) a potential source of nutritious food: underutilized and neglected legume in India. Genet Resour Crop Evolut 57(1):147–153

    Google Scholar 

  • Global Invasive Species Database (2009) Cyperus exculentus, http://www.issg. or/database/ species/ ecology.asp?si=1448 [May, 18 2021]

  • Groombridge B (1992) Global Biodiversity status of the Earth’s living Resources, London Chapman and Hall. 350–355

  • Haoua D, Dramane K, Fatoumata K, Mady S (2008) Appui au développement de la chaîne de valeur du pois sucré à Farakala, Sikasso-Mali. 12

  • Haoua B, Toudou O, Adamou MDM, Moumouni Dan Mairo T (2018) La culture de souchet (Cyperus esculentus) au Niger: Origine, atouts et contraintes. J Anim Plant Sci 37(1):5997–6007

    Google Scholar 

  • Harden CL, Meador KJ, Pennell PB, Allen Hauser W, Gronseth GS, French JA, Le Guen C (2009) Management issues for women with epilepsy—Focus on pregnancy (an evidence‐based review): II. Teratogenesis and perinatal outcomes: report of the quality standards subcommittee and therapeutics and technology subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Epilepsy Society. Epilepsia 50(5):1237–1246

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hicks GC (1929) Cytological studies in Cyperus, Eleocharis, Dulichium and Eriophorium. Bot Gaz 88:132–149. https://doi.org/10.1086/333986

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hoffmann ZP, Buzsáki K, Béres I (2006) Spreading and germination of yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) in Hungary. Commun Agric Appl Biol Sci 71:797–801

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Houndonougbo JSH, Kassa B, Mensah S, Salako VK, Kakaï RG, Assogbadjo AE (2020) A global systematic review on conservation nd domestication of Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) R. Br. ex G. Don, an indigenous fruit tree species in Sub-Sahara African traditional parklands: current knowledge and future directions. Genet Resour Crop Evolut 67(4):1051–1066

    Google Scholar 

  • Ikpeme-Emmanuel CA, Ekpeyoung IO, Igile GO (2012) Chemical and protein quality of Soybean (Glycine max) and Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) based weaning food. J Food Res 1(2):246

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • https://gibraltar.desertcart.com/products/102440238-tigernut-oil-100-pure-natural-and-organic-against-hair-growth. Retrieved May 5, 2021

  • INRAN (2007) Deuxième rapport sur l’état des ressources phytogénétiques pour l’alimentation et l’agriculture, 71

  • Johns T, Eyzaguirre PB (2006) Symposium on “wild- gathered plants: basic nutrition, health and survival” Linking biodiversity, diet and health in policy and practice. Proc Nutr Soc 65:182–189

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Judd, C, Kellog & Stevens (2002) Relations Phylogéniques entre les Angiospermes. Botanique Systématique - Une perspective phylogénétique. De Boeck Université, 1ère édition, 210–216

  • Killinger G.B, Stokes WE (1946) Chufas in Florida. University of Florida Agricultiral Experiment Station Bulletin, n°.4l9, 16

  • Li M, Wedin DA, Tieszen LT (1999) C3 and C4 photosynthesis in Cyperus (Cyperaceae) in temperate eastern North America. Can J Bot 77:209–218

    Google Scholar 

  • Magbagbeola JAO, Adetoso JA, Owolabi OA (2010) Neglected and underutilized species (NUS): a panacea for community focused development to poverty alleviation/poverty reduction in Nigeria. J Econ Int Fin 2(10):208–211

    Google Scholar 

  • Maton A, Hopkins J, McLaughlin CW, Susan H, Warner MQ, LaHart D, Jill D (1993) Human biology and health. Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, USA

    Google Scholar 

  • Mordi JI, Okafor JNC, Ozumba AU, Solomon HM, Olatunji O (2006) Contaminants and defects in Nigerian Tiger-nut varieties. Trop Sci 46(3):141–142. https://doi.org/10.1002/ts.71

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moshe N (1992) A sweetmeat plant, a perfume plant and their weedy relatives: a chapter in the history of Cyperus esculentus L. and C. rotundus L. Econ Bot 46(1):64–71

    Google Scholar 

  • Mulligan GA, Junkins BE (1976) The biology of Canadian weeds. 17. Cyperus esculentus L. Can J Plant Sci 56(2):339–350. https://doi.org/10.4141/cjps76-052

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Obeng-Koranteng G, Kavi RK, Bugyei KA, Anafo P (2017) Information sources used by tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) farmers for improved sustainable agriculture development in Aduamoa Ghana. J Sustain Dev Africa 19(3):84–102

    Google Scholar 

  • Ofoefule AU, Ibeto CN, Okoro UC, Onukwuli OD (2013) Biodiesel Production from Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) Oil and Characterization of its Blend with Petro-diesel. Phys Rev Res Int 3(2):145–153

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Okoli CAN, Shilling DG, Smith RL, Bewick TA (1997) Genetic diversity in purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) and Yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.). Biol Control 8(2):111–118. https://doi.org/10.1006/bcon.1996.0490

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oladele AK, Alatise PS, Ogundele O (2010) Evaluation of Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) meal as a replacement for maize meal in the diet of catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings. World J Agric Sci 6(1):18–22

    Google Scholar 

  • Oladele AK, Aina JO (2007) Chemical composition and functional properties of flour produced from two varieties of tigernut (Cyperus esculentus). Afr J Biotechnol. https://doi.org/10.5897/AJB2007.000-2391

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Oldfield Callie A, Evans JP (2016) Twelve years of repeated wild hog activity promotes population maintenance of an invasive clonal plant in a coastal dune ecosystem. Ecol Evolut 6(8):2569–2578

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Oloyede GK, Abimbade SF, Nwabueze CC (2014) Antioxidant and toxicity screening of extracts obtained from Cyperus esculentus. Acad Arena 6(1):77–83

    Google Scholar 

  • Osagie AU, Eka OU (1998) Nutritional quality of plant foods. Post-Harvest Res Unit 22:246–249

    Google Scholar 

  • Pascual-Seva N, San Bautista A, López-Galarza SV, Maroto JV, Pascual B (2013) ‘Alboraia’and ‘Bonrepos’: the first registered Chufa (Cyperus esculentus L. var. sativus Boeck.) cultivars. HortScience 48(3):386–389

    Google Scholar 

  • Peamuru (2013) Le souchet: (Cyperus esculentus) une culture de rente très prometteuse dans la région de Maradi (Niger). Rapports d’enquête sur le souchet. 2p. https://recaniger.org/IMG/pdf/Souchet_au_Niger_P EAMURU_light.pdf

  • Padulosi S, Eyzaquirre P, Hodgkin T (1999) Challenges and Strategies in Promoting Conservation and Use of Neglected and UnderutilizedCropSpecies, edited by J. Janick, ASHS Press, Alexandria, Va, USA

  • Sakatai DP, Bouba AA, Bassala JPO, Balna J, Palou O, Bourou S (2020) Valorisation de quatre accessions de souchets (Cyperus esculentus L.): une bonne option de diversification de culture pour les producteurs de la localité de danay-vokgora (Mayo-danay) en zone soudano-sahélienne du Cameroun. Inte J Biol Chem Sci 14(6):2277–2293

    Google Scholar 

  • Salau RB, Ndamitso MM, Paiko YB, Jacob JO, Jolayemi OO, Mustapha S (2012) Assessment of the proximate composition, food functionality and oil characterization of mixed varieties of Cyperus esculentus (Tiger nut) rhizome flour. Cont J Food Sci Technol 6(2):13–19

    Google Scholar 

  • Sánchez-Zapata E, Fernández-López J, Pérez-Alvarez JA (2012) Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus) commercialization: health aspects, composition, properties, and food applications. Comprehens Rev Food Sci Food Saf 11(4):366–377

    Google Scholar 

  • Sanderson H (2005) Prance, Ghillean, Nesbitt, Mark (eds.). The cultural history of plants. Routledge. p. 74. ISBN 0415927463

  • Sanful RE (2009) The use of tiger-nut (Cyperus esculentus), cow milk and their composite as substrates for yoghurt production. Pakistan J Nutr 8(6):755–758

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schippers P, Ter Borg SJ, Bos JJ (1995) A revision of the infraspecific taxonomy of Cyperus esculentus (yellow nutsedge) with an experimentally evaluated character set. Systematic Botany, 461–481

  • Sivapalan SR (2013) Medicinal uses and pharmacological activities of Cyperus rotundus Linn – a review. Int J Sci Res Publ 3(5):1–8

    Google Scholar 

  • Stoller EW (1981) Yellow nut sedge: a menance in the corn belt (No. 1642). US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service

  • Tetteh JP, Ofori E (1998) A baseline survey of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) production in the Kwahu South District of Ghana. Ghana J Agric Sci 31(2):211–216

    Google Scholar 

  • Toukoua D, Sidikou D, Ibrahim A, Badagé G (2002) Plan d’action sur la filière souchet. Rapport de consultation au PPEAP. 57p

  • Ugheoke BI, Patrick DO, Kefas HM, Onche EO (2007) Determination of optimal catalyst concentration for maximum biodiesel yield from Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus) Oil. Leonardo J Sci 6(10):131–136

    Google Scholar 

  • Umerie SC, Okafor EP, Uka AS (1997) Evaluation of the tubers and oil of Cyperus esculentus. Bioresour Technol 6:171–173. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0960-8524(97)00045-X

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • United States Department of agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service (2016) Cyperus rotundus L., nutgrass, http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CYRO

  • USGS Weeds in the West project (2003) Status of introduced Plants in Southern Arizona Parks, Factsheets for Cyperus esculentus L., Tucson, Arizona

  • Wills GD (1987) Description of purple and yellow Nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus and C. esculentus). Weed Technol 1:2–9

    Google Scholar 

  • World Checklist of Selected Plant Families: Royal Botanic Gardens (2021) Kew. Kew Science. Retrieved May 5

  • Zohary D, Hopf M (2000) Domestication of plants in the Old World, third edition Oxford University Press, 198 p http://bonap.net/Map Gallery/County/Tradescantia%20spathacea.png, Biota of North America Program 2013 county distribution map

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments and suggestions.

Funding

No funds, grants, or other support was received.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Applied Ecology, University of Abomey Calavi, Abomey Calavi, Cotonou, Benin

    Ghislain Comlan Akabassi & Achille Ephrem Assogbadjo

  2. Institut Supérieur des Métiers de l’Agriculture, Université de Kara (ISMA-UK), Kara, Togo

    Koffi Kibalou Palanga

  3. School of Tropical Forestry, National University of Agriculture, Porto Novo, Benin

    Elie Antoine Padonou

  4. Laboratoire de Biotechnologies, Physiologie et Biologie Moléculaire Végétales, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Lomé, Lomé, Togo

    Yao Dodzi Dagnon & Koffi Tozo

Authors
  1. Ghislain Comlan Akabassi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Koffi Kibalou Palanga
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Elie Antoine Padonou
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Yao Dodzi Dagnon
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Koffi Tozo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Achille Ephrem Assogbadjo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

GCA Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Software, Writing—original draft, KKP Writing—review & editing, Funding acquisition, Investigation, Software, EAP Writing—review & editing, Validation, YDD Investigation, KT Supervision, Validation, AEA Supervision and Validation.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Ghislain Comlan Akabassi.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors declares that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Akabassi, G.C., Palanga, K.K., Padonou, E.A. et al. Biology, production constraints and uses of Cyperus exculentus L. (neglected and underutilized crop species), implication for valorization: a review. Genet Resour Crop Evol 69, 1979–1992 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-022-01344-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-022-01344-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation