A Novel Non‑Cyanide Dried Cassava Mash (DCM) as a Potential Functional Food Ingredient: Immunomodulatory Activity and Subacute Toxicity Assessment
Cassava is a major food crop for over 800 million people worldwide, but it contains natural toxins (cyanogenic glycosides) and is often viewed as only a source of calories. In this study, we produced a specially processed, cyanide‑free dried cassava mash (DCM) and tested whether it could safely improve immune function. We found that DCM contained no detectable cyanide, no harmful bacteria or heavy metals, and met all food safety standards. When given to mice for 8 days, DCM increased the number of immune cells in the spleen (a key immune organ) by 15% and enhanced the production of two important immune messengers – IL‑2 and IFN‑γ – which help the body fight viruses and other intracellular pathogens. Importantly, it did not cause unwanted allergic or immunosuppressive responses. A separate 28‑day safety study in rats showed no adverse effects on body weight, blood cells, liver, or kidneys, even at high doses. These results suggest that properly processed cassava can be more than just ...