A Review on Pharmacological activities of Colocasia esculenta

Abstract

Mother Nature has always given us essential medicinal plants for long decades. Today modern world has started its dependability on medicinal agents obtained from traditionally used plants. Colocasia esculenta is a magnificent source of fiber and starch, which is responsible for number of health benefits, such as for improved blood sugar levels, for better skin care, helps to reduce obesity. Colocasia esculenta also contains a variety of antioxidants and polyphenols. Leaves are caloriedeficient, rich in proteins, micronutrients, dietary fiber and good carbohydrates which enhance the metabolism of our digestive system and it helps to provide healthy weight loss, even they have abundant presence of anti-nutrients such as tannins, oxalates. It consists of high levels of Vit.E, Vit.C, and Vit. B6 also contributes to maintain a better immune system and may eradicate free radicals. All parts of Colocasia esculenta have essential properties including some levels of toxicity which are overcome by cooking and steamed boiling. It has several health benefits like anti-hepatotoxic and hepatoprotective activity, anti-inflammatory activity, neuropharmacological activity, anti-fungal activity and anti-metastatic activity. In India major Colocasia esculenta production occurs in states like Uttar-Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Himachal-Pradesh, Gujarat, etc. The present review includes detail study of pharmacological activity of plant-Colocasia esculenta [Taro].

Full text

Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 15(2): April – June, 2023
125
ISSN 0975-2331 (Print)
0975-4385 (Online)
DOI: 10.52711/0975-4385.2023.00019
Vol. 15 |Issue-02|
April – June | 2023
Available online at
www.anvpublication.org
Research Journal of
Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry
Home page www.rjpponline.org
REVIEW ARTICLE
A Review on Pharmacological activities of Colocasia esculenta
Khush Jain*, Fariah Rizwani, Shefali Thakkar
D.Y. Patil Deemed to be University, School of Pharmacy, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
*Corresponding Author E-mail: khush3652@gmail.com
ABSTRACT:
Mother Nature has always given us essential medicinal plants for long decades. Today modern world has started
its dependability on medicinal agents obtained from traditionally used plants. Colocasia esculenta is a
magnificent source of fiber and starch, which is responsible for number of health benefits, such as for improved
blood sugar levels, for better skin care, helps to reduce obesity. Colocasia esculenta also contains a variety of
antioxidants and polyphenols. Leaves are caloriedeficient, rich in proteins, micronutrients, dietary fiber and good
carbohydrates which enhance the metabolism of our digestive system and it helps to provide healthy weight loss,
even they have abundant presence of anti-nutrients such as tannins, oxalates. It consists of high levels of Vit.E,
Vit.C, and Vit. B6 also contributes to maintain a better immune system and may eradicate free radicals. All parts
of Colocasia esculenta have essential properties including some levels of toxicity which are overcome by
cooking and steamed boiling. It has several health benefits like anti-hepatotoxic and hepatoprotective activity,
anti-inflammatory activity, neuropharmacological activity, anti-fungal activity and anti-metastatic activity. In
India major Colocasia esculenta production occurs in states like Uttar-Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil
Nadu, Himachal-Pradesh, Gujarat, etc. The present review includes detail study of pharmacological activity of
plant- Colocasia esculenta [Taro].
KEYWORDS: Colocasiaesculenta, Pharmacological activity, Phytochemical content, Antioxidant activity.
INTRODUCTION:
Colocasia esculenta is commonly called as taro, belongs
to the family Araceae1. It is a tropical plant and was first
discovered in the Bay of Bengal area of South-east
Asia2. It is a perennial herb having tuberous stem which
are underground and thick in nature as shown in Fig 33.
Its leaves are heart shaped, simple, long stalked and
broad in appearance as shown in Fig 1 and 24. These
leaves are rich in protein content and are even good
sources of Vitamin A, adequate quantities of Vitamin B,
Vitamin C, Manganese, Copper, Calcium, Iron and
Potassium1. Tubers as shown in Fig 4 and 5 are spherical
in shape covered with brown skin and hairs5-6.
Received on 07.09.2022 Modified on 13.12.2022
Accepted on 20.02.2023 ©AandV Publications All right reserved
Res. J. Pharmacognosy and Phytochem. 2023; 15(2):125-132.
DOI: 10.52711/0975-4385.2023.00019
Taro is also called as a starchy vegetable due to presence
of carbohydrate content in its root called as resistant
starch. Taro roots are white, pinkish in color covered
under brown skin2. Its fragrance is very delightful due to
presence of oxalates. Flavor is often mentioned very
mild with slight nutty flavor, can be used alternative
sweetener to potatoes7. Taro grows up to 1.5 m in height
and is suitable for both dryland and wetland culture.
Leaves are up to 40cm×24.8cm. The petiole is 1.0 to 1.2
m in height. The spadix is almost three fifths as long as
plants having large sheathing bract enclosing flower
clusters till 8mm. Colocasia esculenta is one of the
ancient food crops, firstly cultivated in Southeast Asia
and later excelled its growth in entire world and
currently it’s major crop cultivated in Pacific, Asia,
Africa, and the Caribbean8. Table No. 1 gives the
information of all the vernacular names of Taro plant as
being used in various parts of India.

Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 15(2): April – June, 2023
126
Fig. 1and 2: Colocasia esculenta Leaves
Fig. 3: Colocasia esculenta Root tuber
Fig. 4 and 5: Colocasia esculenta Root
Table No 1: Common Names of Colocasia esculenta9:
Sr. No
Language
Vernacular
name
Sr.
No
Language
Vernacular
name
1]
English
Taro
7]
Punjabi
Gagli
2]
Hindi
Arabi, Aruwi
8]
Malayalam
Chemp
3]
Marathi
Alu, Alem
9]
Odia
Kachu
4]
Manipuri
Pan
10]
Assamese
Bon kachu
5]
Sanskrit
Dalasarini
11]
Bengali
Banakochu
6]
Kannada
Kesavu
12]
Gujarati
Alavi
Table No 2: Chemical composition of Colocasia esculenta [Taro]:
Sr. No
Constituents
Structure
1]
Flavonoids
2]
Anthraquinone
3]
Terpenoid
4]
Phenols
5]
Alkaloid
6]
Saponin
7]
Thiamine
8]
Riboflavin
9]
Apigenin
10]
Luteolin
11]
Anthocyanin
12]
Cyanidine 3-
glucoside
1
2

Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 15(2): April – June, 2023
127
According to the scientific statements, the plants and
their phytoconstituents helps in prevention of various
diseases which is continuously advancing10. Since
ancient times, people were completely dependent on
plants as the primary source of medication, as in those
times allopathic system of medicine was not developed11-
15. Herbal drugs can be obtained from different parts of
plants such as root, stem, bark, leaves and fruits16.
Chemical constituents obtained from these herbal plants
are as follows, tannins, glycosides, flavonoids, steroids
and resins17.
Pharmacological activity of Colocasia esculenta:
Colocasiaesculenta possess many pharmacological
activities as follows:
Anti-Diabetic activity18:
It was reported that the ethanolic extract of Colocasia
esculenta (EECE) leaves were exposed to phytochemical
screening and were assessed to check for anti-diabetic
activity on blood glucose level as per weight of alloxan
induced diabetic rats. [EECE (100, 200 and 400mg/kg)
and metformin (450mg/kg)] were given orally to[alloxan
(120mg/kg, i.p.) induced diabetic rats]. During this study
of (Acute oral toxicity -AOT 425) [Table No. 3]
injecting EECE resulted no deathsup to (5000mg/kg) and
the start of decrease in blood glucose level was seen at [4
h (96mg/dl)], and its peak at [6 h (120mg/dl)]. In study
of subacute toxicity [Table 4], maximum decrease in
blood glucose was observed (174.34mg/dl) at the dose of
(400mg/kg) on 14th day of experimentation. EECE then
showed lowering of blood glucose levels (p<0.001).
Preliminary phytochemical screening showed the
existence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins and alkaloids
as mentioned in (Table No. 2) as part of major
constituent in the ethanol extract which are responsible
for this activity. This shows that they have anti-
hypoglycemiceffect in alloxan-induced diabetic rats.
Taro is the food crop used in Caribbean and also used as
an ancient medicinal food for the therapeutics of
Diabetes Mellitus. It’s concluded that EECE shows safe
and strong anti-diabetic activity.
Anti-Microbial activity19:
It was evaluated that Colocasia esculenta [Taro] leaf
extract showed the existence of phytochemical
compounds benefitting for their antimicrobial activity.
Constituents like glycosides, alkaloids, phenols,
terpenoids, resins, flavonoids and saponins as mentioned
in Table No. 2 and the amino group were found in their
study. The antimicrobial activity was done against 4
bacterial strains –Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas
aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella sp., and
Candida albicans. The antioxidant activity of leaf was
evaluated by using “1, 1- diphenyl-2 picrylhydrazyl
(DPPH)”- the results showed are 86.5%, lowest when
compared with standard - ascorbic acid 87.5% (Figure
No. 6). Even Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) tests
were conducted which revealed their Retention-factor
(Rf) values of constituents present in the leaves of
Colocasia esculenta such as alkaloid, tannin, flavonoid,
saponin and phenolare [0.95-0.97-0.96-0.97-0.96] (Table
No. 5).
Table 3:Result of EECE on glucose level in body (mg/dl) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats (acute study)
Treatment [mg/kg.
p.o]
Glucose Level in Body [mg/dl]
0 hr
2 hr
4 hr
6 hr
24 hr
EECE [400]
330.0±16.370
309.830±10.150
234.0±8.950*
210.330 ± 180**
245.830 ± 13.920*
EECE [200]
33.5±17.500
2306.660±10.940
244.0±10.410
221.330 ± 19.410*
247.0 ± 12.960
EECE [100]
320.0±15.50
302.830±12.580
247.660±10.310
226.50 ± 17.400*
250.660 ± 14.130
Metformin [450]
347.830±25.110
311.660±8.800
228.660±12.570*
197.830 ± 13.950**
237.330 ± 12.90*
Negative control
276.0±12.310
279.0±5.280
283.0±12.280
295.330 ± 14.440
299.160 ± 12.440
Table 4: Result of EECE on glucose level in body (mg/ dl) in
alloxan-induced diabetic rats (Sub-acute study)
Treatment
[mg/kg. p. o]
Glucose Level in Body[mg/dl]
0 day
7 day
14 day
EECE [400]
330.0 ±
16.370
220.50 ±
18.140***
155.660 ±
12.840***
EECE [200]
323.50 ±
17.500
223.660 ±
17.690**
167.830 ±
15.000***
EECE [100]
320.0 ±
15.550
242.0 ±
18.450*
188.160 ±
9.430***
Metformin
[450]
347.830 ±
25.110
199.0 ±
11.200***
144.330 ±
12.270***
Negative
control
276.0 ±
12.310
316.330 ±
15.090
332.160 ±
11.210
Figure No. 6: Graph of concentration (%) v/s DPPH (g/ml) for
Antioxidant activity

Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 15(2): April – June, 2023
128
Table No. 5: Phytochemical Screening of Colocasia esculenta extracts
Phytochemical
constituents
Mobile phase
Confirmatory test
Extract
RF Value
Saponins
Ethyl acetate
Vanillin H2SO4 reagent
Methanol
0.99
Phenols
Toluene: Acetone: Formic acid (60.0:60.0:10.0)
10% KOH reagent
Methanol
0.97
Tannins
Chloroform: Ethyl acetate (6.0:4.0)
10% FeCl3 reagent
25ml water
0.99
Flavonoids
Chloroform: Ethyl acetate (6.0:4.0)
Aluminum chloride reagent
70% ethanol
0.97
Alkaloids
Acetone:water:26% ammonia (90.0:7.0:3.0)
Dragendroff reagent
1 ml HCL+ 9ml water
0.96
Table No. 6: Inhibition zone (mm) showed against given foodborne pathogenic agents by leaf extract of Colocasia esculenta
Strains of Bacteria used
Inhibition zone [mm]
TLE [1.00%]
CHX [1.00%]
DMSO [10.0%]
Staphylococcus aureus [ATCC 29737]
11.60 ± 0.20
15.00 ± 0.00
0.0
Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium [ATCC 14028]
9.70 ± 0.30
11.00 ± 0.00
0.0
Listeria monocytogenes [ATCC 19112]
12.20 ± 0.30
14.00 ± 0.00
0.0
Escherichia coli [ATCC 43895]
9.70 ± 0.30
11.00 ± 0.00
0.0
Table No. 7: Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) evaluated against given
foodborne pathogenic agents by leaf extract ofColocasia esculenta
Strains of Bacteria used
TLE [mg/mL]
CHX [mg/mL]
MIC
MBC
MIC
MBC
Staphylococcus aureus [ATCC 29737]
2.5
5
0.08
0.15
Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium [ATCC 14028]
2.5
5
0.31
0.62
Listeria monocytogenes [ATCC 19112]
2.5
5
0.04
0.08
Escherichia coli [ATCC 43895]
2.5
5
0.62
1.25
Hence, it was concluded that Taro leaves possess
antimicrobial activity against given strains and due to
present of its rich phytochemical constituents which are
to be used as antimicrobialagents in treatingburns and
wounds.
Anti-Bacterial activity20:
It was studied that chicken meat is said to be the most
consumed animal product throughout the world. It’s the
most convenient growth medium for bacteria. The
bacterial growth causes food poisoning and foodborne
illness. We cannot use chemical preservatives because it
affects chicken spoilage, therefore as a natural
preservative Colocasia esculenta can be used. It aims to
assess the antibacterial activity of taro leaves extract
against bacterial strains Salmonella typhimurium,
Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus by “Disc
diffusion test (DDA)” [Table No. 6] and “Minimum
inhibitory concentration (MIC)” and “Minimum
bactericidal concentration (MBC)” [Table No. 7].
Minimum inhibitory concentration and Minimum
bactericidal concentration tests were done to evaluate the
MIC and MBC of taro leaves extract. The resulted values
of MIC and MBC for tested pathogens were observed to
be 2.50mg/mL and 5.0mg/mL respectively.
Leaf extract of Taro (Colocasia esculenta) observed
antibacterial activity when carried against L.
monocytogenes, E. coli, S. aureus and S. enterica ser.
Typhimurium. Colocasia esculenta leaf extract could be
used to decrease the bacterial population when used for
raw chicken meat in concentration, temperatures and
exposure times in a subsequent way. The result found
that the extract could be used as natural preservatives.
Anti-Obesity and Hypolipidemic activity21:
It was investigated that the results of Colocasia
esculenta powder of lipid metabolism and body weight
in presence of cholesterol and high fat in “mice”.
Experiment was performed by dividing mice in 4
different groups:
1) Group containing – “Normal diet group animals”
2) Group containing – “High fat and cholesterol diet
group”
3) Group containing – “High fat and cholesterol group
with 20% of taro powder”
4) Group containing – “high fat and cholesterol group
with 30% of taro powder”
Groups were observed for 8 weeks, Normal group
animals had body weight in the “high fat group increased
to 175%”, while high fat group containing 20% taro and
high fat group containing 30% taro “decreased by 12%
and 14% compared to high fat group”. The both high fat
20% taro and high fat 30% taro groups were observed to
be reduced epididymal adipose tissue weight. Total
cholesterol, plasma triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol
were higher in the high fat group compared normal
group while, it further reduced in high fat group
containing 20% taro and high fat group containing 30%
taro. Deposition of triglycerides and cholesterol in the
liver was inhibited in the high fat group containing 20%
taro and high fat group containing 30% taro. This result
claimed that Colocasia esculenta powder possibly has an
effective ingredient for obesity by decreasing plasma
triglycerides and cholesterol levels.

Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 15(2): April – June, 2023
129
NeuropharmacologicalActivity22:
Neuropharmacological activity of Colocasia esculenta
leaf extracts were tested in Adult Wistar albino rats. The
effects of “Hydroalcoholic extracts of leaves of
Colocasia esculenta” (HECE) on depression, anxiety,
rotarod performance and thiopental-induced sleeping
time were studied. “The anxiolytic activity of HECE
(100, 200, and 400mg/kg) per os (p.o)”given orally to
rats were indicated by their increase in time spent and
number of entries shown open arms in the “Elevated plus
maize” (EPM) as compared with control group (p <
0.001). “The HECE (100, 200, and 400mg/kg, p.o.)
showed dose-dependent significant decrease in time of
immobility (p < 0.01) in their Porsolt forced swimming
test”. The HECE at the doses 50 and 100mg/kg, i.p. was
observed to bring about a remarkable decrease in motor
coordination (p<0.001) and extention of “thiopental-
induced sleeping time (p < 0.001)”. This study shows the
possession of plant having neuropharmacological
activity.
Antioxidant Activity23-24:
It was investigated that Colocasia esculenta leaf extracts
contains abundant phytochemical constituents such as
phenols, flavonoids25, terpenoids, alkaloids, saponins,
glycosides and oxalates were found to be present in its
extract. These constituents were identified using UV
spectrophotometer instrument. To observe antioxidant
property, present in the extract, “DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-
picrylhydrazyl)” method was carried out referring
ascorbic acid as standard. Table No. 9 explains the study
of three different solvents forthis activity- Ethanol,
Methanol, Chloroform. “DPPH scavenging activity” of
ascorbic acid was observed to be 84%, whereas when
checked for ethanol it was found to be 78.92%, for
methanol: 76.46% and for chloroform: 72.46%. After
studying these results, Colocasia esculenta showed high
antioxidant activity and can be opted for medicinal
applications. The identification of certain functional
groups present in phytochemical constituents were
inspected using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
(FTIR).
Table No. 8: Identified Phytochemicals with respective solvents
Phytochemical
Ethanol
extract
Methanol
extract
Chloroform
extract
Tannins
+
+
+
Phlobatannins
+
+
-
Saponins
-
+
-
Flavonoids
+
+
+
Terpenoids
+
+
+
The results showed the existence of many phytochemical
constituents in Colocasia esculenta leaf extracts, which
were quantitatively regulated using UV-Vis
spectrophotometer and FTIR spectroscopy. Ethanolic
extract showed better results compared to methanol and
chloroform extracts in terms of DPPH radical
scavenging activity. The observed outcome indicated
that taro can be used as a nutritional food and a
medicinal product due to presence of Antioxidant
properties.
Antihepatotoxic and Hepatoprotective activity26:
It was observed that the presence of antihepatotoxic
activity is found in leaves of Colocasia esculenta using
in vitro liver slice of rat. It is studied against two most
common hepatotoxins – Paracetamol and CCl4as
mentioned in Table No. 9. The free radicals which are
produced by these hepatotoxins cause damage to major
cell organelles and oxidative stress which leads to
serious injury to hepatocytes. The range of damage and
its evolution produced by free radicals was considered
using leakage of marker enzymes present in liver
function which are ALP, AST, and ALT are explained in
Fig 7, 8 and 9.
Table No. 9: Signifying testing of antihepatotoxic results of Colocasia esculenta leaf juice against Paracetamol and CCl4
Sr. No.
Test
CCl4
Paracetamol (PA)
Colocasia esculenta (CE)1
Colocasia esculenta 2
1
PA + CE2
-
Yes
Yes
-
2
PA + CE1
-
Yes
Yes
-
3
PA Control
-
Yes
-
-
4
CCl4 + CE2
Yes
-
-
Yes
5
CCl4 + CE1
Yes
-
Yes
-
6
CE2 control
-
-
-
Yes
7
CE1 control
-
-
Yes
-
8
CCl4Control
Yes
-
-
-
9
Control
-
-
-
-

Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 15(2): April – June, 2023
130
Fig 7: Colocasia esculentaeffected in vitromutation in AST, ALT and ALP activities in existence of CCl4 and Paracetamol at the finish of
one hour incubation
Fig 8: Colocasia esculentaeffectedin vitromutation in AST, ALT and ALP activities in existence of CCl4 and Paracetamol at the finish of
two hours incubation
Fig 9: Colocasia esculentaeffectedin vitromutation in AST, ALT and ALP activities in existence of CCl4 and Paracetamol at the finish of
four hours incubation
The investigation showed significant hepatoprotective
activity by reducing elevated levels. The duration
dependent raised enzyme activity present in the medium
of control LS indicated hepatocytic activity at the finish
of two and four hours. Several phytoconstituents such as
flavonoids and terpenoids have the existence of
hepatoprotective activity. Furtherly it showed the
presence of anthocyanins like cyanidin-3-glycoside and
cyanosis-3-rhamnoside which have antioxidant
properties too. These anthocyanins are also accountable
for hepatoprotective activity, which are perceive in
association with Colocasia esculenta leaf extract.
Antifungal activity27:
The aqueous and alcoholic extracts were used for
determination of Antifungal activity of Taro leaves by
the technique of food poisoning which is opposed to
“Alternaria blight of Chili caused by Alternaria solani
and Alternaria blight of Castor caused by Alternaria
ricini”. This food poisoning technique was carried at
100%, 75%, 50%, 25% concentration of extract. In
antifungal study of alcoholic extract, four different petri-
plates (80 mm diameter) which contained “Czapek Dox
agar” as a medium were inoculated with an (8 mm)
culture disc of Alternaria solani and Alternaria ricini

Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 15(2): April – June, 2023
131
and These plates were incubated at room temperature
(26± 3°C.) This procedure was repeated for aqueous
extracts and alcoholic extracts of taro plants.
Table No. 10: Determination of linear growth (millimeter) on
“Alternaria solani causing Alternaria blight of Chili” using Taro
leaf extracts
Sr.
No.
Percentage
concentration
Linear growth in mycelia (in millimeter)
Aqueous leaf extract
Alcoholic leaf extract
1
Control
80.00
80.00
2
100%
31.33
Nil
3
75%
34.66
Nil
4
50%
44.66
Nil
5
25%
51.33
Nil
Table No. 11: Determination of linear growth (millimeter) on
“Alternaria ricini causing Alternaria blight of Castor”using Taro
leaf extracts
Sr.
No.
Percentage
concentration
Linear growth in mycelia (in millimeter)
Aqueous leaf extract
Alcoholic leaf extract
1
Control
80.00
80.00
2
100%
21.44
Nil
3
75%
27.33
Nil
4
50%
38.34
Nil
5
25%
48.36
Nil
Hence, effect of plant extract carried on Alternaria
solani and Alternaria riciniconveyed great result to treat
blight disease in the ecofriendly control method opposed
to the blight disease produced by Chili and Castor.
Alcoholic leaf extract indicated good antifungal activity
compared with aqueous leaf extract of Colocasia
esculenta against Alternaria solani (Table No. 10) and
Alternaria ricini (Table No. 11) which revealed 100%
“percentage control efficacy (PCE)” at 25%
concentration. Aqueous leaf extract decreased the
pathogenic maturation as concentration of extract is
increased. Results revealed the true efficacy of
Colocasia esculenta leaf extract against fungal growth.
Anti-Inflammatory activity28:
The anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanolic extract of
the leaves of Colocasia esculenta Linn (EECE) was
evaluated in wistar rats using carrageenan - induced left
hind paw edema, cotton pellet induced granuloma model
and carrageenan - induced pleurisy. The EECE (100
mg/kg) when administered prohibited carrageenan -
induced paw edema. They showed an inhibitory effect
on leukocyte migration and even reduction on their
pleural exudates along with reduction on the granuloma
weight carried out by the cotton pellet granuloma
method. The study showed the presence of anti-
inflammatory effect.
Anti-Metastatic Activity/Anti-Cancer activity29-30:
It was evaluated that the antimetastatic activity is
showed inColocasia esculenta taro corms because they
contain extremely useful bioactive molecules which
showed effective results against cancer and cancerous
threat factors such as carcinogen and even biological
conditions like oxidative stress and inflammation, even
controls metabolism. These effects are attained by taro’s
wholesome constituents like anti-inflammatory,
antimutagenic, antitumoral, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-
hyperglycemic, and antioxidant activities which has
various health benefits. Taro contains bio actives like
taro polysaccharides 1 and 2,
monogalactosyldiacylglycerols (MGDGs),
digalactosyldiacylglycerols (DGDGs), (A-1/B-2) alpha-
amylase inhibitors, nonphenolic antioxidants and
polyphenols etc. Therefore, taro intake in our daily diet
can be very beneficial therapy for tumorigenesis.
Also, an antiproliferative activity was carried opposed
the rat YYT colon cancer cell line. Soluble form of taro
at (100mg/ml) were incubated within these rat cells to
check its antiproliferative activity, after observing for
two days these cells had apoptotic changes under
evidence by positive terminal deoxy-nucleotidyl-
transferase--mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)
stain. This study shows that taro also bears positive
immunostimulatory activity. With the assistance of flow
cytometry technique, T cells such as CD4+ and CD8+ got
initiated by taro extract. Based on the results, there were
many factors that reduced risk of colon cancer activity.
These results suggested that taro have novel tumor
specific anti-cancer activity.
Other uses of Colocasia esculenta:
Colocasia esculenta leaf extract is used as a good
expectorant, stimulant, appetizer, astringent and juice of
taro corm is used to treat alopecia patients31. Its leaf juice
when applied over scorpion sting poisoning, it shows
promising results even used to treat food poisoning32.
Leaf extract also helps in maintaining one’s sugar
levels10. Taro corms provide many nutritious amounts of
minerals such as copper, iron, zinc and many more1.
Taro leaves when cooked have great effect on digestive
system35. It is used as a sorbent material in treatment of
swelled glands and organs28.Chemical constituents
present in Colocasia esculenta like flavonoids helps in
protection from lung and oral cavity cancers5. It has
good healing properties and can be applied on skin to
treat skin disorders7. Decoction of Colocasia esculenta
peel happened to be used as a tribal medicine to cure
diarrhea6.
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, Colocasia esculenta [taro] plant has many
pharmacological activities and provides great health
benefits when used as a part of our daily life diet. All
parts of taro have been found to be of utmost importance
and have their special essential needs. Chemically, thus
plant contains many phytoconstituents which are
biologically active such as anthraquinones, tannins,
glycosides, flavonoids and other. This review of C.
esculenta compiles of present studies which were done
by researchers towards this plant and their investigation

Research Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 15(2): April – June, 2023
132
helped to know about its true essence. Thus, C. esculenta
extract has been manifested to be a medicinally operative
in the therapeutics of numerous health disorders.
Therefore, it has to be utilized to their extreme potential
in the medicinal and pharmaceutical field.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
I would like to appreciate and thank all above authors for
their support and valuable advice.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST:
The above authors mention no conflict of interest to this
review.
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