The results of scientific name identification and allantoin content assessment of the Dioscorea persimilis samples collected from Dak Lak province

Abstract

Dioscorea is widely used as a food crop and medicinal herb in Asian countries. In this study, a total of four Dioscorea samples collected from Dak Lak province were identified and evaluated for active compounds. The experiment utilised morphological comparison methods to determine the scientific names of the collected samples. The results showed that two samples belonged to the species Dioscorea alata L., one to Dioscorea persimilis Prain & Burki., and one to Dioscorea sp.. The allantoin content of the collected samples ranged from 0.17 to 0.27%. The sample belonging to the species D. persimilis exhibited the highest allantoin content. Therefore, this sample is recommended for use as propagation material in efforts to expand cultivation areas. The sample belonging to the species D. persimilis exhibited the highest allantoin content; thus, this sample is recommended for use as propagation material to expand cultivation areas. These findings provide data for identifying D. persimilis locally and guide the development of Dioscorea medicinal plant production areas in Dak Lak province.