Dioscorea Yam (Dioscorea oppositifolia): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Dioscorea yam work in the body?

Dioscorea yam contains active compounds including diosgenin, dioscin, and allantoin, which contribute to its therapeutic effects. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it tonifies spleen and stomach qi, moistens lung yin, and stabilizes kidney essence. Diosgenin has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in laboratory studies. The herb's starch content provides gentle nutritive support for digestive function. Evidence level: C (preliminary clinical evidence and traditional use).

Does Dioscorea yam interact with any medications?

Dioscorea yam has no well-documented drug interactions in clinical literature. However, diosgenin can be converted to progesterone in laboratory settings, so individuals taking hormone therapies should consult a healthcare provider before use. The herb may theoretically affect blood sugar levels, warranting caution with antidiabetic medications. Always inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you are taking. Evidence level: C.

What is the recommended daily dosage for Dioscorea yam?

The typical adult dosage of Dioscorea yam is 15-30 grams of dried rhizome daily, or 5-10 grams of powdered rhizome. It is commonly prepared as a decoction or added to soups in traditional practice. Dosage may vary based on individual constitution and the condition being treated. Consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations. Evidence level: Traditional.

Is Dioscorea yam safe to take during pregnancy?

Dioscorea yam is traditionally considered safe during pregnancy and is used in TCM to support digestive health and strengthen kidney essence. It has a long history of use as both a food and gentle tonic. However, pregnant women should always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any herbal supplements, as individual circumstances may vary. Evidence level: Traditional.

What are the side effects of taking Dioscorea yam?

Dioscorea yam is generally well-tolerated when taken at recommended doses. The most common side effect is bloating, particularly when consumed in excess. In TCM theory, it is contraindicated for individuals with damp accumulation or 'full' patterns, as it may exacerbate these conditions. Those with known allergies to yam species should avoid use. Evidence level: Traditional.

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 oppositifolia, known as Chinese yam or Cinnamon vine, is a traditional medicinal plant and functional food with documented antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties [PMID:38790726, PMID:40330206].

Contexte

Dioscorea oppositifolia (also referred to as D. opposita) is a species of yam characterized by edible subterranean rhizomes or tubers [PMID:38790726]. It is widely utilized in East Asia as both a nutritional food source and a principal ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine [PMID:38790726, PMID:32959173].

Usages traditionnels

Historically used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes, diarrhea, asthma, hyperthyroidism, and liver damage [PMID:31730974, PMID:42066824].

Composés actifs

Key bioactive constituents include diosgenin (a steroidal sapogenin), dioscorine (a storage protein), and various non-starch polysaccharides (mucilage polysaccharides) [PMID:32959173, PMID:40330206, PMID:34581038].

Mécanisme d'action

Mechanisms include the activation of the Keap-1/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to reduce oxidative stress [PMID:42076737], upregulation of interleukin-10 to exert anti-inflammatory effects [PMID:40498533], and modulation of the gut microbiota to enhance immune responses [PMID:40267869, PMID:40360104]. Diosgenin specifically may act via PI3K/Akt/mTOR mediated fatty acid metabolic reprogramming and NF-κB activation to alleviate hepatic fibrosis [PMID:42066824].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve AType 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Formulae containing Shanyao (Dioscoreae rhizome) in addition to conventional treatments can benefit patients by lowering blood glucose levels [PMID:33244311].

Preuve AGlycaemia Control

Yam and its extracts are beneficial in controlling glycaemia in rodent models of diabetes [PMID:34521490].

Preuve DColorectal Cancer

Chinese yam polysaccharide (CYP) synergistically inhibited tumour growth when combined with αPD-1 monoclonal antibody in xenograft models [PMID:40267869].

Preuve DUlcerative Colitis

Yam polysaccharides reduced colon shortening and mitigated crypt architectural distortion in mice [PMID:40498533, PMID:40360104].

Preuve DHepatic Fibrosis

Diosgenin improved CCl4-induced liver damage and reduced collagen deposition in mouse models [PMID:42066824].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Yam microgels have been demonstrated to be noncytotoxic in vitro [PMID:39671263].

Synthèse des preuves

Evidence is strongest for glycemic control (systematic reviews of RCTs and animal models). Much of the current pharmacological data regarding anti-cancer, anti-fibrotic, and anti-inflammatory effects are derived from in vitro studies and rodent/animal models.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 40267869 (2025) — Chinese yam polysaccharide enhances anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in colorectal cancer through alterations in the gut microbiota and metabolites. · International journal of biological macromolecules
2.PMID: 38790726 (2024) — A Frontier Review of Nutraceutical Chinese Yam. · Foods (Basel, Switzerland)
3.PMID: 40330206 (2025) — An Update on the Nutritional and Therapeutic Potential of Dioscorea oppositifolia. · Food science & nutrition
4.PMID: 34521490 (2022) — Could consumption of yam (Dioscorea) or its extract be beneficial in controlling glycaemia: a systematic review. · The British journal of nutrition
5.PMID: 40498533 (2025) — Therapeutic impact of polysaccharide from Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita Thunb) on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice.

Dioscorea Yam

Sources et citations

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