EFECT OF CHANGE IN pH ON OIL ABSORPTION CAPACITY OF WILD YAM (Dioscorae villosa) STARCH

ABSTRACT
Starch sample was prepared from wild yam (Dioscorea villosa). The effect of change in pH on its oil absorption capacity was examined. The variation of pH from 2 to 12 gave oil absorption capacity ranging from 1.90±0.02 to 3.50±0.01. The oil absorption capacity at different pH were significantly different (p<0.05). It showed that the higher the acidity and alkalinity of a compound the greater the oil absorption rate. As the pH increased, the oil absorption capacity increased before a little decline. The starch could be used as disintegrate in drugs INTRODUCTION WILD YAM (Dioscorea villosa) The Latin name for wild yam is Dioscorea villosa. The common names includes, ‘Aluka. Barbasco.’ Colic Root China Root, Mexican Wild yam, Rheumatism root, Vuma and so on. (Plantlist 2010). Wild yam is derived from the root of a plant that grows in vines in wooded areas of the Eastern United States. It is also used as an herbal remedy. Fromm the Chinese herbalists point of view, Wild yam is said to enhance the flow of “Ehi” or life force” in the body, making it useful in treating disorders of the gastrointestinal and digestive tracts as well. It is also said that Wild yam relieves gas, hiccups, gall bladder pain, hypertension etc. Wild yam is available in creams, tablets, capsule, tea-stinctures (Gleason & Cronquist, 1991). It is a very good antispasmodic so it is good for menstrual cramps, relaxing muscles, soothing nerves, relieving pains, poor circulation and neuralgia for abdominal and intestinal cramping. It has long been used for its benefits in woman’s pre menstrual syndrome and menopausal problems. Their powder can be added to creams or vaginal ointments. (Howell, 2006). Wild yam’s traditional use is for easing menstrual cramps. Its antispasmodic property is beneficial for any kind of muscular spasm and colic, flatulence ovarian and uterine pain, for poor circulation and neuralgin, Wild yam can be very beneficial for nervousness, restlessness and other nervous condition. (Cech, 2000). As a stimulant for increased bill flow, it can help to relieve hepatic congestion, bilios colic and gallstones. Also known to have a therapeutic action on overall liver health, it is believed that Wild yam root’s ability to lower blood cholesterol of levels and lower blood pressure indirectly helps the liver by increasing its efficiency and reducing stress. Merman, Its steroidal saponins are also anti-inflammatory, making it a useful verb when treating rheumatud arthuts and inflammatory conditions of the bowel. It ‘s diuretic effect, combined with the antispasmodic action, soothes painful condition of the urinary tract. Wild yam contains alkaloids, steroidal, saponins, tannins phytosterols and starch. (Crellin & Philpott, 1990). Women with hormone-dependent conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids and cancers of the breast ovaries or uterus should not take or use Wild yam due to it possible estrogenic effect men with prostrate canner should also avoid taking Wild yam. Pregnant women should not take Wild yam because it may stimulate the uterus to contract, possibly causing miscarriage. It is also not recommended while breast feeding or during early child hood. (Moerman, 1988).