How does Dioscorea nipponica work to reduce joint inflammation?

Dioscorea nipponica contains active compounds called dioscin and diosgenin, which are steroidal saponins that demonstrate anti-inflammatory activity. These compounds appear to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulate inflammatory pathways, potentially reducing joint swelling and pain. Research suggests diosgenin may also support cartilage protection. The evidence for these mechanisms comes primarily from laboratory and animal studies (Evidence Level C), with limited human clinical trials confirming these effects in practice.

Does Dioscorea nipponica interact with blood thinners or other medications?

Dioscorea nipponica may interact with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications due to its potential effects on blood circulation and bleeding risk. The saponins in this herb could theoretically enhance the effects of warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, and other blood-thinning medications, increasing bleeding risk. Individuals with bleeding disorders should avoid this herb entirely. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before combining Dioscorea nipponica with any prescription medications, particularly cardiovascular drugs.

What is the correct dosage of Dioscorea nipponica for joint pain?

The traditional adult dosage for Dioscorea nipponica dried root is 9-15 grams daily, prepared as a decoction. This involves simmering the dried root material in water for 15-20 minutes to extract the active saponins and sterols. Dosage may vary based on individual factors and the specific condition being treated. Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners may adjust the amount based on constitution and symptom presentation. Consult a qualified herbalist for personalized dosing recommendations.

Is Dioscorea nipponica safe to take during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Dioscorea nipponica is contraindicated during pregnancy and should be strictly avoided. The herb contains steroidal saponins, including diosgenin, which may stimulate uterine contractions and potentially cause miscarriage or premature labor. There is insufficient safety data regarding use during breastfeeding, so avoidance is recommended. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing should consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal preparations containing this herb.

What conditions does Dioscorea nipponica treat in traditional Chinese medicine?

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Dioscorea nipponica is primarily used for joint pain and rheumatic conditions, cardiovascular support, and as an expectorant for coughs with phlegm. The herb is valued for promoting blood circulation and reducing inflammation in the joints and muscles. It has been traditionally employed for conditions involving stagnation and inflammation. Modern research has investigated these traditional applications, though clinical evidence in humans remains limited (Evidence Level C).

Dioscorea nipponica (Dioscorea nipponica)

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Dioscorea nipponica Makino is a perennial twining herb used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-tumor properties [PMID:29748731, PMID:40633860].

Contexte

Dioscorea nipponica Makino is a perennial twining herb of the Dioscoreaceae family, primarily distributed across the northern, northeastern, eastern, and central regions of China [PMID:29748731, PMID:29493133].

Usages traditionnels

The rhizome has been used by the Miao and Meng ethnic groups of China to treat rheumatoid arthritis, leg and lumbar pain, Kashin Beck disease, bruises, sprains, chronic bronchitis, cough, and asthma [PMID:29748731]. It is also used for relieving rheumatic aches, improving blood circulation, and treating diabetes [PMID:29493133, PMID:24973689].

Composés actifs

Major active compounds include steroidal saponins (such as dioscin, diosgenin, protodioscin, protogracillin, methyl protodioscin, pseudoprotodioscin, pseudoprogracillin, and gracillin) [PMID:29493133, PMID:36371964, PMID:38472393]. Other identified constituents include diarylheptanoid glycosides [PMID:38897248], phenolic derivatives [PMID:24973689], a water-soluble polysaccharide [PMID:24528728], and phenanthrene and isocoumarin derivatives [PMID:28606759].

Mécanisme d'action

Mechanisms include inhibition of NF-κB phosphorylation and nuclear translocation to reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines [PMID:36077321], regulation of the arachidonic acid signaling pathway (including COX-2 and 5-LOX) [PMID:36607587, PMID:35829955], and suppression of neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis [PMID:37614416]. In cancer cells, it may inhibit DNA synthesis and cell cycle re-entry (G0-to-G1 transition) by upregulating p27 and downregulating SKP2 and cMYC [PMID:40391177].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DGouty Arthritis

Total saponin fraction (TSDN) improved symptoms in rats by modulating M1/M2 macrophage polarization and suppressing NET formation [PMID:36607587, PMID:37614416]

Preuve DRheumatoid Arthritis

Dioscin (DDN) ameliorated bone destruction, synovial inflammation, and cartilage tissue destruction in collagen-induced arthritis mouse models [PMID:39798473]

Preuve DLung Cancer

Inhibited DNA synthesis and cell cycle re-entry in vitro and decreased tumor volume and weight (26-50%) in xenograft mouse models [PMID:40391177]

Preuve DHepatocellular Carcinoma

Extract inhibited migration and invasion of Huh7 cell lines by inhibiting u-PA and MMP-9 [PMID:26916922]

Preuve DGraves' Disease

Diosgenin demonstrated ameliorated effects via phosphorylation deactivation [PMID:35140607]

Preuve DNeuroinflammation

Rhizome extract and dioscin protected against LPS-activated inflammatory responses in BV-2 microglial cells [PMID:36077321]

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), with some systematic reviews (Level A/C) discussing its potential for autoimmune diseases and chronic kidney disease.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 38897248 (2024) — Diarylheptanoid glycosides from Dioscorea nipponica rhizomes. · Fitoterapia
2.PMID: 40633860 (2025) — Dioscorea nipponica Makino: Unraveling multi-target mechanisms and clinical potential in autoimmune disease therapy. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
3.PMID: 29748731 (2018) — Dioscorea nipponica Makino: a systematic review on its ethnobotany, phytochemical and pharmacological profiles. · Chemistry Central journal
4.PMID: 37716118 (2023) — Dioscorea nipponica Makino: A comprehensive review of its chemical composition and pharmacology on chronic kidney disease. · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie
5.PMID: 40391177 (2025)

Dioscorea nipponica

Sources et citations

Sea Holly

Scoparia Dulcis

Amaranth

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Dioscorea nipponica

Sources et citations

Plantes associées

Sea Holly

Scoparia Dulcis

Amaranth

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales