DETERMINATION OF ALKALOIDS IN BITTER YAM

ABSTRACT The determination of alkaloids in bitter yam (Dioscorea dumetorum) was motivated by the need to explore both its medicinal and toxic properties, as well as to fill the knowledge gap regarding its alkaloid content. Alkaloids are naturally occurring compounds known for their diverse pharmacological properties, but they can also be toxic if consumed in large amounts. The problem addressed by this study is the lack of comprehensive information on the alkaloid composition in bitter yam, which limits its potential application in pharmaceutical and food industries. The objectives of this study included the extraction and identification of alkaloids present in bitter yam, quantifying their content, and isolating specific alkaloids for further research. Using the alkaline precipitation gravimetric method, the alkaloid content of bitter yam was measured. A 5g sample of bitter yam was treated with 10% acetic acid in ethanol, followed by concentration and precipitation using ammonia solution. The precipitate was then filtered, dried, and weighed to determine the alkaloid percentage. The results indicated alkaloid content ranging from 6.7% to 9.5%, with a mean of 7.8% across samples. Significant alkaloids such as dioscoreine, diosgenin, and yamogenin were identified, which possess both beneficial and toxic properties. Dioscoreine, for instance, is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects but can be toxic in raw or improperly processed yam. These findings are significant as they underscore the need for proper processing to reduce the toxicity of bitter yam while also highlighting its potential as a source of bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical applications. The study contributes to the field of biochemistry by expanding the understanding of bitter yam’s chemical composition and its potential applications, offering insights into its use in traditional medicine, pharmacology, and food safety.