Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus L.): A Systematic Review of Metabolic Regulation, Functional Bioactivities, and Sustainable Food Applications

Abstract

Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) is rapidly emerging as a model crop for sustainable food systems for its exceptional nutritional profile as well as the underexplored potential for whole-plant valorization. Previous reviews have cataloged the general composition and application of tiger nut, this review would like to provide a novel and systematic synthesis focusing on three groundbreaking fronts: firstly, the unique molecular regulatory network governing high oleic acid accumulation in tubers. Secondly, the advanced green extraction technologies surpass conventional methods in efficiency and sustainability for obtaining high-quality oil, starch, and protein, while mitigating nutrient degradation. Thirdly, a “zero-waste” utilization framework, detailing how by-products (press cake) could be transformed into high-value products was scarcely integrated into existing literature. This review integrates cutting-edge insights on starch nano-modification, protein functionalization, and the synergistic health effects of bioactive compounds. It not only summarizes existing knowledge, but also charts a strategic roadmap for future research on tiger nuts, emphasizing molecular breeding, circular bioeconomy, and evidence-based health claim validation to unlock the full industrial potential of tiger nuts.