Dioscorea caucasica
Dioscorea caucasica
Dioscorea caucasica is a plant species within the Dioscoreaceae family. In certain traditional practices, it has been applied for the purpose of reducing heart rate. Scientific investigations have identified various compounds in the leaves and tubers, noting that leaf extracts may show inhibition of enzymes such as alpha-amylase, alpha-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase, and angiotensin-converting enzyme. Research also indicates that enzymatic treatments can increase diosgenin yields from the rhizomes. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- reduced heart rate
- Traditions
- Western phytotherapy
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
What the science says
- The study found that oligofurostanosides are localized in idioblasts of Dioscorea caucasica leaves, while their specific beta-glucosidase activity is mainly in membrane fractions.
- The study found that Dioscorea caucasica contains a methionine-rich legumin subfamily, suggesting such proteins may be present in lower angiosperm clades.
- Enzymatic treatment increased diosgenine yield by 30-48% from Dioscorea caucasica rhizomes before acid hydrolysis.
- The study identified 41 compounds in Dioscorea caucasica leaves and tubers, with leaf extracts showing stronger inhibition of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, acetylcholinesterase, and angiotensin-converting enzyme.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dioscorea caucasica?
Dioscorea caucasica (Dioscorea caucasica) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Dioscorea caucasica traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Dioscorea caucasica for: reduced heart rate. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Dioscorea caucasica?
Dioscorea caucasica appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy.
What does the scientific evidence say about Dioscorea caucasica?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Dioscorea caucasica; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that oligofurostanosides are localized in idioblasts of Dioscorea caucasica leaves, while their specific beta-glucosidase activity is mainly in membrane fractions.
How strong is the evidence for Dioscorea caucasica?
The strongest finding for Dioscorea caucasica carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Dioscorea caucasica safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Dioscorea caucasica in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Dioscorea caucasica interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Dioscorea caucasica in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Dioscorea caucasica?
Dioscorea caucasica is also known as: Диоскорея кавказская.
Is Dioscorea caucasica 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 [Use of enzymic preparations during diosgenine isolation from Dioscorea caucasica Lipsky]. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Tissue and subcellular localization of oligofurostanosides and their specific degrading beta-glucosidase in Dioscorea caucasica Lipsky. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Health Beneficial Phytochemicals in Dioscorea caucasica Lipsky Leaves and Tubers and Their Inhibitory Effects on Physiologically Important Enzymes. literature abstract metadata
- T2 The evolution of angiosperm seed proteins: a methionine-rich legumin subfamily present in lower angiosperm clades. literature abstract metadata
- T3 Dioscorea caucasica CC BY-SA 4.0