Greater Yams
Dioscorea alata
Dioscorea alata, commonly known as greater yam, originates from traditional medicine practices in Southeast Asia and Africa. It has been traditionally used for its nutritional value but lacks specific documented uses within these traditions. Scientific evidence indicates that photoperiod modulation can effectively induce flowering in different genotypes of D. alata, while hormonal treatments enhance tuber quality without promoting flowering. The starch from greater yam shows high amylose content (34.69%) and excellent techno-functional properties, making it suitable for food applications such as thickeners and gelling agents. Recent studies suggest that the plant exhibits diverse biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects. Pretreatments can improve the physicochemical, functional, thermal, and rheological properties of D. alata and D. rotundata flours, though differences exist between the two varieties. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Photoperiod modulation effectively induced flowering in greater yam genotypes with varying abilities, while hormonal treatments influenced tuber quality without inducing flowering.
- Dioscorea alata starch had high amylose content (34.69%) and good techno-functional properties, making it suitable for food applications like thickeners and gelling agents.
- Recent studies suggest that Dioscorea alata exhibits diverse biological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects.
- Pretreatments improved physicochemical, functional, thermal, and rheological properties of Dioscorea alata and D. rotundata flours.
Frequently asked questions
What is Greater Yams?
Greater Yams (Dioscorea alata) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Greater Yams?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Greater Yams; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Photoperiod modulation effectively induced flowering in greater yam genotypes with varying abilities, while hormonal treatments influenced tuber quality without inducing flowering.
How strong is the evidence for Greater Yams?
The strongest finding for Greater Yams carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Greater Yams safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Greater Yams in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Greater Yams interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Greater Yams in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Greater Yams?
Greater Yams is also known as: Dioscorée ailée.
Is Greater Yams a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Comparative Study of the Physicochemical, Functional, Thermal, and Rheological Properties of Pretreated Flours From Dioscorea alata and Dioscorea rotundata. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Photoperiod modulation and hormonal application influence flowering, agronomic, morphological and tuber quality traits in greater yam (Dioscorea alata L.). literature abstract metadata
- T2 Physicochemical, Pasting and Thermal Properties of the Starch of Three Varieties of Yam (Dioscorea spp.) as Potential Food Ingredients. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Unveiling the Nutraceutical Potential of Yam Dioscorea alata L.: A Comprehensive Review. literature abstract metadata