 Gen
info
• Marantaceae, the arrowroot family of flowering plants, consists of 31 genera and around 530 species, one of the most species-rich families in the order. The majority of species (80%) are found in the America tropics,, followed by Asian (11%), and African tropics (9%).(35)
•
Marantaceae are commonly called "prayer plants", since the leaves raise in the evening and appear as though they are praying. (36)
•
Although "Arrowroot"
refers to any plant of the genus Amaranth, its popular use is to describe
the digestible starch from the rhizomes of the Maranta arundinacea.
There is evidence to show arrowroot cultivation 7,000 years ago.
• "Maranta" may be an attribution to
Bartolomeo Maranta, the 16th century botanist for whom Marantaceae was named.
• The word may also derive from (1) a corruption of the Aru-root of
the Aruac Indians of South America, (2) Aru-aru. referring to the native
Caribbean Arawak people's "meal of meals" for which the plant
is a dietary staple, and (3) Arrowroot's use for treating poison arrow
wounds.
• Year-old roots are used; and when good, contain 23% starch.
After washing and clearing of paper-like scales, It is beat to a pulp
through a wheel rasp. The milky fluid is passed through a coarse cloth
or sieve; the resultant pure low-protein mucilaginous starch settles
as an insoluble powder that is sun-dried or processed dried power to
become the arrow-root of packaged or canned commerce. (1) (2)
Botany
• Araru is an erect, smooth, dichotomously branched
herbaceous perennial plant 1 - 2 meters high, growing from fleshy, fusiform rootstock. Stems are slender. Leaf blades are lanceolate, attenuate-acuminate,
10 to 20 centimeters long, thin petioled, green and rounded at the base. Inflorescence
is terminal, lax, divaricate, and few-flowered. Flowers are white, about
2 centimeters long.
 Distribution
- Introduced.
-
Widely distributed in the Philippines in cultivation for
its starch-storing rhizomes.
- Native of tropical America.
- Now pantropic.
- It has escaped cultivation and can be found naturalized in a wide variety of substrates and habitats, from open areas with full sunlight to deep-shaded sites.
Constituents
-
The tuber consists of 27% starch, 63% water, 1.56% albumin, 4.10% sugar,
gum, etc., 0.26% fiber and 1.23% ash.
- Plant yields starch (27.17%), fiber, fat, albumen, sugar, gum, ash, and water (62.96%).
- Rhizome skin yields a bitter and resinous substance, removed in peeling in the preparation of arrowroot starch.
- Phytochemical screening of various extracts of rhizomes yielded flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, steroids, phenols, cardiac glycosides, saponins, carbohydrates, and proteins. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of phytoconstituent rich ethanolic extract of rhizome yielded 49 compounds. (12)
- Nutrition analysis per cup of sliced arrowroot (about 120 gm) yields: 78 calories, 0.2 g fat (0.1 g polyunsaturated fat), 31 mg sodium,
16 gm carbohydrate, 5 g protein, 545 mg potassium, 2.7 mg iron, 0.3 mg vitamin B6, 0.2 mg thiamin, 2 g niacin, 30 mg magnesium, 0.1 mg riboflavin (B2), 2.3 mg vitamin C. (22)
- Phytochemical screening of pet-ether, chloroform, methanol and aqueous extracts yielded bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, carbohydrate, cardiac glycosides, aminoacids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, saponins, flavones, and gum. Histochemical study showed innumerable starch grains. Physicochemical parameters showed moisture 6.6%. total ash 2.5%, extractive values of alcohol 1.8%, and water 25.1%. (37)
Properties
- The starch is white, odorless, tasteless.
- Starch is considered nutrient, demulcent and emollient.
- Considered stomachic, anti-inflammatory, demulcent, sedative and digestive.
- Studies have suggested antioxidant, enterokinase inhibitory, antidiarrheal, immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, vibriocidal, nutrient, probiotic, gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory properties.
Parts utilized
Roots, rhizomes.
Uses
Edibility / Culinary / Nutrition
- An important medicinal spice, known for the quality of its starch, which is associated with diets in Asia and the Americas, where specific gel and starch paste rheologies are required. (29)
-
Rhizomes are edible, produce the arrowroot starch.
- Highly digestible.
- Used as thickener in making puddings, baked goods, and sauces.
-
Boiled and roasted or
ground and made into pastries.
- In remote barrios, starch also used for starching clothes.
- Valuable as an easily digested and nutritive and nourishing diet for
the convalescing.
- Well suited for infants in the weaning from breast milk.
- A chief ingredient in infant cookies.
- Preparation: Decoction from 2-3 tablespoonfuls of root powder in one
liter of water, seasoned with honey, lemon or any variety of fruit juices
to taste.
Folkloric
- In the West Indies, roots used for poulticing poisoned and other wounds.
- Mashed roots as plaster applied to areas of insect stings and spider
bites.
- Applied to the skin to soothe painful, irritated and inflamed mucous
membranes.
- Roots also poulticed for poisoned arrow wounds.
- Starch used as soothing application for various skin problems: erysipelas, sunburn, wasp stings, dermatitis, and gangrene. In the Caribbean, pounded leaves used as teething aid. In Trinidad, used as anti-inflammatory skin poultice. (Duke 1985; Honychurch 1991)
(16)
- The fresh juice is used as antidote for vegetable poisons.
- Used to soothe the stomach and as a remedy for diarrhea, probably from
its high starch content.
- Jah Hut peoples in Malaysia drink a root decoction for burning stomach complaints after delivery. (26)
- Rhizome considered aphrodisiac.
(27)
Others
- In remote Philippine barrios, starch also used for starching clothes.
-
Ancient Mayans and other Central American tribes used it as antidote for poison-tipped arrows.
- An ingredient in many natural deodorants. Starch used as base for face powders and preparation of special glues. Used as suspending agent in the preparation of barium meals. The starch preferred in tablet making because of its fast disintegration. (25)
New uses
- Study suggests beneficial effect in the treatment of diarrhea associated with irritable bowel disease (IBS).
Studies
• Enterokinase Inhibition:
A study of 22 tubers and 9 pulses screened for inhibitors of enterokinase
activity showed Maranta arundinacea as one of 12 tubers with inhibitory
activity. M arundinacea also exhibited endogenous esterase activity
towards benzoyl arginine ethyl ester. Any factor in food capable of
suppressing enterokinase activity would lead to digestive disturbance
comparable to enterokinase deficiency. (3)
• Anti-Diarrheal: Study on the effect of boiled and cooled supernatant of arrowroot and water on children during acute diarrhea showed a decrease in cholera toxin-induced net water secretion or reversal to net absorption.(7)
• Antimicrobial on Foodborne Pathogens: Study showed the water extract of Arrowroot tea at 10% greatly inhibited the microbial growth of gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens tested.(8)
• Antioxidant: Study evaluated an ethanolic extract for antioxidant activity. Results showed high antiradical activity against DPPH, ABTS, hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide radicals. The antioxidant activity was comparable to BTH. (9) Study of methanolic extract from M. arundinacea rhizomes showed considerable in vitro antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities in a dose dependent manner when compared to standard antioxidant (ascorbic acid/trolox). (23)
• Immunostimulatory: Study evaluated the immunostimulatory effects of arrowroot extracts in vitro using animal culture techniques and in vivo using BALB/c mice. Results showed the arrowroot tuber extracts stimulated IgM and immunoglobulin production in vitro, and in vivo increased serum IgG, IgA, and IgM levels in mice. (10)
• Potential Source of Ethanol: Study evaluated Uraro (Arrowroot) for its potential as source of ethyl alcohol or ethanol. Three different treatments of rhizomes and water were used. The percentage purity of the alcohol in all treatments based on 56% purity. (11)
• Effect on Survival of Probiotic Bacteria in Yoghurt: Study evaluated the effect of arrowroot carbohydrates on survival of lactobacilli in bio-yoghurts. Results suggest arrowroot carbohydrates can be used to enhance the Lactobacilli population in bio-yoghurt during refrigerated storage. (13)
• Antimicrobial / Arrowroot:Study evaluated the antimicrobial effect of a water extract of M. arundinacea tea on foodborne pathogens in liquid medium. Cocktail of four pathogenic bacteria (E. coli, S. enteritidis, L. monocytogenes and S. aureus) was inoculated o into arrowroot tea solutions. Results showed 0.63% of Arrowroot tea was effective in inhibiting all pathogens to minimum detection limit. (14)
• Biomass as Feed, Fuel and Fiber Source: A 1984 study evaluated arrowroot biomass and processing residues as feed, fuel and fiber resource. Biomass and residues yielded 10.8-21.1% crude protein; 11.1-30.2 crude fiver; 3.8-17.0% ash; with an invitro dry matter digestibility of 38.5-60.3%. Study identified the fuel alcohol production potential from yeast-supplemented aerial biomass. Coarse residue showed qualities suited to tear-resistant specialty grade papers. Besides utilization of by-products as food,fuel, and fiber resource, it can also help reduce environmental pollution resulting from direct discharge of unused by-products. (15)
• Antidiarrheal / Cytotoxicity / Leaves: Study investigated the antidiarrheal and cytotoxic activities of a methanolic extract of M. arundinacea leaves in rats and brine shrimp, respectively. Results showed an antidiarrheal effect with significant reduction of castor oil-induced intestinal volume and intestinal transit comparable to standard drug loperamide. The extract also showed potent effect against brine shrimp with an LD50 of 420 µg/mL. (18)
• Phenolic, Flavonoid and Flavanol Content / Rhizomes: Study determined the total phenol, flavonoid, and flavonol content of an ethanolic extract of rhizomes of M. arundinacea. An ethanolic extract showed a TPC of 390 ± 11 mg GAE/100g, TFC of 290 ± 7 mg QE/100g and a total flavonol content of 150 ± 9 mg QE/100 g. (19)
• Potential of Gluten-Free Enriched Flour as Functional Food: Study evaluated the potential of Maranta arundinacea flour modifications for increasing levels of resistant starch to increase the functional properties of gluten-free flour. Study suggests the gluten-free enriched resistant, starch type 3 flour from M. arundinacea can help keep glucose and lipids under normal conditions, suggesting a potential use as functional food, especially for those with difficulty in managing glucose and lipid profiles. (20)
• Benefit on Bacterial Content and Chemical Properties of Digesta: Study evaluated the effect of arrowroot containing diet on the bacterial population and chemical properties of rat digesta. In vivo study showed the diet containing arrowroot powder significantly increased (p<0.05) population of lactobacilli. The digesta had lower pH, higher water content, and higher butyrate. Results suggest supplementation of arrowroot power in the diet improved bacterial and chemical properties of digesta. (21)
• Acute Toxicity Study / Antiulcerogenic / Adaptogenic / Rhizomes: Study evaluated the acute toxicity and antiulcerogenic potential of rhizome starch of M. arundinacea and C. angustifolia. Both plants did not produce any toxic symptoms or mortality up to a maximum dose of 4400 mg/kg. Both significantly reversed the stress-induced ulceration. The rhizome starch of M. arundinacea significantly reversed the hypothermia induced by forced-swimming. (24)
• Potential of Arrowroot Fiber for Nanowhiskers Cellulose: Agribusiness generates countless sources of underutilized biomass. Study evaluated the arrowroot fiber as a source of raw material for cellulose nanowhiskers production by acidic hydrolysis. Results showed the nanowhiskers of cellulose extracted from arrowroot fiber has great potential as reinforcing agents in the nanocomposites production as compared to others cellulose nanowhiskers sources in measures of performance, good thermal stability, crystalline index and good aspect ratio. (28)
• Rhizome Residues / Industrial Potential: Study evaluated the potential of M. arundinacea residues for their nutrient composition as organic fertilizer and for the presence of total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents as phytochemical resources. Leaves yielded 1.28% total nitrogen and 1.7% total potassium that can be used as organic components in fertilizer. Stems yielded 3.25% moisture and a C/M ration of 81.45 with potential for a good mulch. Results showed that rhizome residues were an abundant source of total tannin with potential to be used in the food and medicinal industries. Leaves and stem residues might be useful in organic farming. (30)
• Recent Developments for Sustainable Industrial Application / Review: Environmental awareness has forced researchers to explore the potential and implantation of environmentally friendly materials as alternatives for conventional materials. Arrowroot starch has a high content of amylose, which makes it suitable for better film production. Starch from arrowroot rhizomes can be blended, plasticized with other [polymers, or reinforced with fibers to improve their properties. Review reports on recent developments in sustainable arrowroot starch polymers, fibers, biopolymer composites and their potential industrial applications. (31)
• ZnO Nanoparticles / Anti-Inflammatory : Study reports on the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles. The Maranta arundinacea mediated zinc oxide NPs showed significant anti-inflammatory activity. (32)
• ZnO Nanoparticles / Antibacterial and Antifungal Against Oral Pathogens: Study reports on the green synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using Maranta arundinacea. The NPs were tested for antibacterial and antifungal activity against oral pathogens i.e., S. mutans, Lactobacillus, C. albicans. Results showed the ZnO NPS had great antifungal activity against Candida albicans. The NPs also showed better antibacterial activity than the standard drug used. (33)
• Suspending Agent for Suspensions: Study evaluated the applicability of yam (Dioscorea sp.) starch and arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea) starch as suspending agents in suspension. Paracetamol was used as standard drug because of its low solubility. Optimal concentration as suspending agent for arrowroot was 5-6% for arrowroot starch. All formulations were stable within the period of study with pH of 5.4-6.9. Results conclude both starches showed suspension activity 9in paracetamol suspension and has potential as commercial suspending agent. (34)
• Vibriocidal / Rhizome and Leaf: Gastroenteritis or diarrhea is a global concern due to infections caused by foodborne or waterborne pathogens. Study evaluated the vibriocidal potential of various solvent extracts of leaf and rhizome of M. arundinacea under in vitro condition against pre-isolated strains of Vibrio cholera (SPAB1,4, and5 by agar well diffusion and MIC method. All the solvent extracts of leaf and rhizome were found active against the tested strains of V. cholera, with the ethanolic extract showing maximum inhibitory effect against SPAB1 strain. Results suggest the rhizome and leaf extracts can be used as alternative natural treatment of diarrhea caused by Vibrio infection. (36)
• Antibacterial / Antioxidant / Rhizome: Various extracts were evaluated free radical scavenging and antibacterial activities. The water extract showed highest DPPH percentage inhibition of 80.11%. The methanol extract showed inhibition zones of 16 mm against Enterobacter aerogenes, 19 mm against Salmonella typhimurium, 18 mm against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and 24 mm against Escherichia coli. Phytochemical screening of rhizome extract yielded phenols, flavonoids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids, glycosides, and steroids, which may be the source of the antioxidant and antibacterial activities. (38)
• Benefits and Possible Food Applications / Gluten-Free Potential / Review: Review presents arrowroot's potential for producing gluten-free products and its nutritional and technological properties. While it has disappeared from the commercial market due to introduction of new flours, it has gotten renewed interest in recent years. Arrrowroot has high amounts of phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron, calcium, and zinc, and medium content of phenylalanine, and low amounts of fruit and oligosaccharides. Rheologically, the plant presents with negative syneresis, stability during cooking, higher solubility, and absorption index in milk. (39)
• Potential of Residues for Recycling: Study evaluated the nutrient composition of residues of M. arundinaceae and its potential as organic fertilizer. Leaves yielded 1.28% total nitrogen and 1.71% total potassium that might be used as organic component in fertilizer. Stem contains 3.25% moisture and C/N ration of 81.45, which may serve as good mulch. Total phenolic, flavonoid, and tannin contents differed in different parts of the plant. Results showed rhizome residues with its abundant source of total tannin has potential for use in food and medicinal industries, while leaves and stem residues might be useful in organic farming. (40)
• Anti-Inflammatory Using Protein Denaturation Assay: Study of Maranta arundinacea using protein denaturation assay showed good anti-inflammatory activity. Results suggest potential for use as alternative for anti-inflammatory drugs. (41)
• Gastroprotective / Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcers / Tuber Starch: Study evaluated the gastroprotective effects of arrowroot tuber starch on ethanol induced gastric ulcers in Wistar rats. Results showed arrowroot tuber starch in doses of 125, 250, and 500 mg/kbw produced ulcer indices of 2, 1.25 and 1.5, respectively. Results showed the tuber starch can improved rat stomach after ulcer induction. At 250 mg/kbw, histopathological imaging showed no pathological changes. The 250 dose showed most substantial effects on ulcer index and best % protection ratio. (42)
• Face Tonic Formulation: Study evaluated the quality of face tonic formulas from ethanol extract of Maranta arundinacea with different types of solubility enhancer, propylene glycol as cosolvent, and polysorbate 80 as surfactant, with all parameters testing according to the quality requirements of the face tonic standard. (43)
• Cosmetic Gel / Anti-Acne and Skin Rejuvenating: Study evaluated formulations of M. arundinaceae cosmetic gel
Availability
- Wild-crafted.
- Cultivated for arrowroot starch.
- Starch and flour products in the cybermarket.
|
