A comprehensive review on the nutritional value, anti-nutritional factors, acridity, medicinal properties, and culinary applications of Alocasia macrorrhizos

Abstract

Alocasia macrorrhizos is an ornamental plant, often called giant taro or elephant ear. The plant is native to tropical regions of the Asia and Pacific and is highly valued for its nutritional and therapeutic qualities. This review aims to present its nutritional and health benefits, pharmacological benefits, traditional uses, and identification of phytochemicals. Alocasia macrorrhizos is a staple food in many societies due to its high content of nutritional fibres, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals- particularly calcium, iron, and potassium. A. macrorrhizos has long been used in traditional medicine to treat several diseases such as chronic constipation, mouth ulcer, rheumatic arthritis, haemorrhoids, and cough and combat malaria and jaundice. On the other hand, it is an essential staple food that must be prepared properly to reduce the presence of toxic substances, like calcium oxalate and other antinutrient substances such as phytates, tannins, polyphenols, amylase inhibitors, and hydrogen cyanide, via several conventional treatments, such as fermentation, frying, soaking, and ethanol extraction, and non-conventional treatments such as microwave and ultrasound. This plant is popular all over the world for its large and eye-catching leaves. Despite its medicinal value, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding its nutritional, health, and commercial benefits. The review emphasizes the requirement for more research into its commercial and culinary applications, along with its nutritional and health benefits.