Sweet Potato

Scientific Name(s): Ipomoea batatas L.
Common Name(s): Caiapo, Camote, Kumara, Nyamis, Sweet potato, Yam

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jun 21, 2021.

Clinical Overview

Use

Limited clinical studies of sweet potato use in type 2 diabetes, vitamin A deficiencies, or for its antioxidant, cardiovascular, and immune effects have been conducted; information is lacking to recommend sweet potato for any use.

Dosing

Diabetes: 4 g/day of a sweet potato preparation (caiapo tablets) given for 3 to 5 months has been used in clinical studies. Clinical studies evaluating efficacy of the nutraceutical caiapo used 2 g (low dose) or 4 g (high dose) daily, for a total of 4 tablets daily (each containing either 168 or 336 mg of powdered white-skinned sweet potato). Sweet potato supplements are available in powder and tablet (caiapo) forms. Dosage regimens vary, but most commercial manufacturers suggest 2 tablets 30 minutes before meals, up to a total of 6 tablets daily. Vitamin A deficiency: Daily consumption of beta-carotene–rich sweet potato (orange-fleshed varieties) has been used to improve vitamin A status.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to any of the chemical components of the plant species.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. Women with hypersensitivity reactions to the plant should avoid use.

Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

Historical and clinical data report no serious adverse reactions. Patients with known hypersensitivity reactions to the plant may develop generalized urticaria, hypotension, and edema of the hands and face. Dizziness, loss of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, and a sensation of tickling and tightness in the throat have been documented.

Toxicology

No data.

Scientific Family

• Convolvulaceae

Botany

The sweet potato plant is an herbaceous perennial vine that originated in Central America. Although China is considered the leading producer of sweet potatoes, the plant is widely cultivated and consumed throughout the world. It has alternate, heart-shaped, lobed leaves and medium-sized flowers. The root is edible and is often long and tapered. The skin may be red, purple, or brown and white. The interior, or "flesh," may be white, yellow, orange, or purple. The leaves and shoots are sometimes eaten as greens. Synonyms include Convolvulus tiliaceus auct. non Willd.; Ipomoea fastigiata (Roxb.) Sweet; Ipomoea tiliacea auct. non (Willd.) Choisy; Ipomoea triloba auct. non L.1, 2

History

Sweet potato is one of the world's largest food crops and is important for the growing populations in Asian and African countries. The plant has been used medicinally in Japan for treating diabetes and other diseases. American Indians used sweet potato to treat thirst and weight loss attributed to diabetes.3, 4, 5, 6

Chemistry

Numerous extensive phytochemical investigations focusing on the nutraceutical properties and physiological functions of sweet potato have been conducted.7, 8 The root and skin contain most of the studied medicinal components. High levels of polyphenols, such as anthocyanins and phenolic acids (eg, caffeic acid), have been isolated from sweet potato. Chlorogenic, dicaffeoylquinic, and tricaffeoylquinic acids are derivatives of caffeoylquinic acid that protect the root from fungal diseases and have potential cancer chemo...