Indian Viper (Amorphophallus konjac)
Other names: Aaron's staff
Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)
Indian viper's foot (Amorphophallus konjac), also known as Aaron's staff, is a plant native to warm regions of Asia, specifically China, Japan and Indonesia. This bulbous plant belongs to the Araceae family, whose members are known for their distinctive flowers. Although it is currently cultivated in much of the world, its popularity is mainly based on the versatile use of its tuberous rhizome in the kitchen and industry.
The rhizome of the Indian viper's broom is rich in glucomannan, a soluble fibre that has the ability to expand in water to form a gel-like substance. This property is mainly used in the food industry, where the rhizome is processed into konjac noodles (also known as shirataki) and other konjac products. These are popular for their low calorie and carbohydrate content and are therefore often included in dietary diets. Glucomannan is also used in industry as a stabiliser, thickener or emulsifier in many food products. Outside of the food industry, the Indian viper's foot can also be found in cosmetics, where it is used as an ingredient for skin and hair care. The rhizome powder is also used in medicine for its prebiotic properties and ability to regulate blood cholesterol levels.
Indian Viper (Amorphophallus konjac) can be found in the following products
