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info
Pachyrrihizus is derived
from the Greek word meaning "thick root."
Botany
Sinkamas is a coarse, climbing,
herbaceous vine growing from large, edible, turnip-shaped, fleshy roots.
Leaflets, at least the terminal ones, are broader than long, up to 15 centimeters long and 20 centimeters wide, with
a deltoid base, shallowly lobed upper half, and the lateral leaves inequilateral. Racemes are up to 45 centimeters
in length, while the lower nodes produce short branches and the other nodes several flowers each. Flowers are pale blue or blue and white, 2 to 2.5 centimeters long,
about 1.5 centimeters wide. Pods are about 10 centimeters long, 10-12 millimeters wide, flat and
hairy, containing 8 to 10 seeds.
Distribution
In settled
areas, in thickets and hedges throughout the Philippines, at
low and medium altitudes.
Constituents
• Roots are high in carbohydrates; good source of calcium and
iron.
• Young pods are also good sources of calcium and iron.
• Seeds yield a colorless and limpid oil, 38.4%
• Seeds also yield a poisonous substance, pachyrrhizid, a glucoside;
toxic to fish if pounded and dropped in water.
• The seeds also contain a toxic resin.
Properties
• Roots are high in carbohydrates; good source of calcium and
iron.
• Pounded seeds are toxic to fish; powdered seeds are reportedly fatal to dogs.
Parts used
Roots and stems.
Uses
Nutritional
Roots are eaten raw
or prepared; pods used as vegetable.
Folkloric
Decoction of the roots
used as a diuretic.
Warmed poultice of the stem pulp applied to painful areas in the leg.
Seeds are laxative; and the oil of seeds is purgative in doses of 40
gms.
Tincture from seeds used for treatment of herpes.
In Taiwan, roots used for fever and hemorrhages.
Studies
•
CNS Depressant Activity: PE seed is known to contain
rotinoids, flavonoids, phenylfuranocoumarins with antifungal, antisecretory,
antibacterial and spasmolytic activities. Study showed CNS depressant
effect with decreased locomotor activity, muscle relaxation, antianxiety
and antiaggressive activity.
 •
Anti Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): Studies on seeds of
PE isolated 9 known cxomponents – 5 rotenoids, two isoflavonoids,
one phenylfuranocoumarin and a monosaccharide. Moderate anti-herpes
simplex virus activity was observed.
• Yam bean seed poisoning: Five patients presented with signs and symptoms mimicking acute cyanide intoxication with perioral numbness, nausea and vomiting after ingesting soup made from yam bean seeds. One patient progressed to severe metabolic acidosis and coma, requiring aggressive therapy.
• Anti-Osteoporosis: Study of the effects of EA extract of root of P. erosus on bone loss in ovariectomized rat model showed significant prevention of bone loss in OVX rats. Significant prevention of uterine atrophy and increased body weight gain were observed. Results suggest a phytoestrogen compound that could be of benefit in postmenopausal women.
• Antifungal / Phytochemicals: A dichlormethane extract yielded rotenone, erosone, paquirrizone, dolineone and paquirrizine. The acetone extract yielded dehydroneotenone. The secondary metabolities significantly inhibited postharvest fungi.
• Nutrient Analysis / Phytochemicals: Tuber showed a high level of moisture, appreciable carbohydrates, crude fiber and protein, with negligible lipid, with a caloric value of 39 kcal per 100 g. Micro- and macro-nutrient analysis showed a potential source of potassium, sodium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium. Tuber also yielded significant ascorbic acid and detected thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, niacin and folic acid.
• Antioxidant: Study showed highest Total Antioxidant Status (TAS) for raw jam bean with 50% methanol extract, and lowest with water extraction.
Availability
Widely cultivated
for its edible roots.
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