Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas): An emerging natural source for antibacterial and anticancer therapy

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a dicotyledonous plant that belongs to the family, Convolvulaceae. The presence of a wide variety of antioxidants, including beta-carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin help to protect cells from damage, reduce inflammation and can lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer and cognitive decline. Despite their natural sweetness, they have a relatively low glycemic index and can regulate blood sugar levels and prevent spikes in insulin levels, making them a good choice for people with diabetes. Sweet potato is a highly valuable food crop in the present scenario and hence the present study selected the tubers. The antibacterial activity was carried out using Citrobacter sp., Psuedomonas sp., Escherichia coli, Streptococcus sp. and Staphylococcus sp. and the results revealed the presence of inhibition zones. The anti-cancerous properties were carried out by in vitro cytotoxicity assay with the cell line Ehrlich's Ascites Carcinoma cells (EAC) and the results proved 35% efficacy.