These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement or herbal regimen.

Dioscorea elephantipes

Digestive

PregnancyNursing

Last updated Mar 30, 2026

Description

Massive-stemmed Caudex plant of South Africa with vining shoots, traditional Khoikhoi food and medicine plant.

Active Compounds

diosgeninsteroidal saponinstanninspolysaccharides

Traditional Uses

Traditional Khoikhoi food and medicine during famine
Used in South African folk medicine for digestive conditions

Modern Uses

Digestive support
Traditional famine food
Anti-inflammatory
Traditional medicine

Dosage Information

Recommended dosing guidelines

Forms: other, tincture
Adult Dose: Tuber as food after cooking; tincture: 1-2ml 2x/day
Child Dose: Not established for children
Preparation Notes: Bizarre large caudex; protected in South Africa

Safety Information

Generally safe during pregnancy

Generally safe while nursing

Contraindications

No specific contraindications established

Possible Side Effects

Mild gastrointestinal effects

Calculate Dose Check Interactions

Command Palette

Command Palette

Dioscorea elephantipes

Description

Active Compounds

Traditional Uses

Modern Uses

Contraindications

Possible Side Effects