Air Potato
Dioscorea bulbifera
Dioscorea bulbifera is a plant traditionally found in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Australia. While its use in traditional medicine has not been extensively documented, studies have shown potential medicinal properties. For instance, an endophyte from the plant, Pseudomonas aeruginosa D3, was found to produce diosgenin, a compound with various biological activities. Additionally, saponin-rich fractions from Dioscorea bulbifera bulbils demonstrated significant attenuation of doxorubicin-induced cardiac injury in rats, suggesting possible cardioprotective effects. The plant contains 849 identified constituents, including 10 furanoditerpenoids and their metabolites, which may contribute to potential hepatotoxicity. Notably, a biscuit formulation using tiger nut, dana, avocado, and margarine from Dioscorea bulbifera had a low glycemic index and favorable nutritional characteristics. Safety concerns are minimal based on current data; however, the presence of furanoditerpenoids suggests caution regarding potential hepatotoxicity. No significant drug interactions have been recorded to date.
- 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
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa D3, an endophyte of Dioscorea bulbifera, was found to produce diosgenin through HPLC and LC-HRMS analysis.
- The saponin-rich fraction from Dioscorea bulbifera bulbils showed significant attenuation of doxorubicin-induced cardiac injury in rats.
- The study identified 849 constituents in Dioscorea bulbifera, including 10 furanoditerpenoids and their metabolites, contributing to potential hepatotoxicity.
- The study found that a biscuit formulation using tiger nut, dana, avocado, and margarine had a low glycemic index and favorable nutritional characteristics.
Frequently asked questions
What is Air Potato?
Air Potato (Dioscorea bulbifera) 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 Air Potato?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Air Potato; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Pseudomonas aeruginosa D3, an endophyte of Dioscorea bulbifera, was found to produce diosgenin through HPLC and LC-HRMS analysis.
How strong is the evidence for Air Potato?
The strongest finding for Air Potato carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Air Potato safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Air Potato in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Air Potato interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Air Potato in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Air Potato?
Air Potato is also known as: Диоскорея клубненосная, Hoffe.
Is Air Potato 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 Structural and morphological modulation of the myocardium by Dioscorea bulbifera saponins in experimentally induced cardiotoxicity. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Synthesis of Diosgenin by Pseudomonas aeruginosa D3, an Endophyte of Dioscorea bulbifera. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Formulation of Gluten-Free Biscuits Based on Tiger Nut, Dana, and Mixture of Avocado and Margarine: Nutritional Composition and Glycemic Index of Optimal Sample. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Integrated UHPLC-MS/MS and HRMS Strategy for Screening Potentially Hepatotoxic Furan-Containing Compounds in Dioscorea bulbifera L. literature abstract metadata