Fan-leaf mountain yam
Dioscorea nipponica
Dioscorea nipponica is a plant traditionally not used for medicinal purposes. However, scientific research indicates potential benefits. Studies have shown that mild drought conditions can significantly increase diosgenin content in its rhizomes by 103.19 ± 2.63%. Additionally, both PGP and DN (presumably referring to specific compounds or extracts) demonstrated inhibition of DNA synthesis and cell cycle re-entry in vitro, with reductions in tumor volume ranging from 26-50% in vivo. The plant's genome has been sequenced, revealing key genes involved in dioscin biosynthesis and identifying four principal clades with varying ploidy levels. These findings suggest potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects, as Dioscorea nipponica reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibits enzymes involved in neuroinflammation. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded to date.
- Best evidence
- A
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Mild drought significantly increased diosgenin content in rhizomes of Dioscorea nipponica by 103.19 ± 2.63% compared to control conditions.
- Both PGP and DN significantly inhibited DNA synthesis and cell cycle re-entry (G0-to-G1 transition) in vitro, and reduced tumor volume by 26-50% in vivo.
- The study presents a haplotype-resolved genome of Dioscorea nipponica, identifying key genes in dioscin biosynthesis and revealing four principal clades with varying ploidy levels.
- The study found that Dioscorea nipponica reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibits enzymes involved in neuroinflammation.
- Dioscorea nipponica shows multi-target effects by modulating inflammatory and apoptotic pathways in autoimmune diseases, but large-scale trials are needed to confirm its therapeutic potential.
- Significant differences were observed in the secondary metabolites between cultivated and wild populations of Dioscorea nipponica, despite genetic stability and higher diversity.
- The UGT73 subfamily in D. nipponica shows diverse catalytic functions in steroidal saponin glycosylation, with some functions independently evolved by different families.
Frequently asked questions
What is Fan-leaf mountain yam?
Fan-leaf mountain yam (Dioscorea nipponica) 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 Fan-leaf mountain yam?
7 sourced findings are recorded for Fan-leaf mountain yam; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: Mild drought significantly increased diosgenin content in rhizomes of Dioscorea nipponica by 103.19 ± 2.63% compared to control conditions.
How strong is the evidence for Fan-leaf mountain yam?
The strongest finding for Fan-leaf mountain yam carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Fan-leaf mountain yam safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Fan-leaf mountain yam in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Fan-leaf mountain yam interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Fan-leaf mountain yam in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Fan-leaf mountain yam?
Fan-leaf mountain yam is also known as: Диоскорея ниппонская.
Is Fan-leaf mountain yam 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 Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Neuroinflammation Intervention with Medicinal Plants: A Critical and Narrative Review of the Current Literature. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Haplotype-resolved genome and population genomics provide insights into dioscin biosynthesis and evolutionary history of the medicinal species Dioscorea nipponica. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Inhibition of Dormant Lung Cancer Cell Reactivation by Punica Granatum Peel and Dioscorea Nipponica: Involving MYC, SKP2 and p27. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Dioscorea nipponica Makino: Unraveling multi-target mechanisms and clinical potential in autoimmune disease therapy. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Mild Drought Promotes Biomass Accumulation and Increases Diosgenin Content in Rhizomes of Dioscorea nipponica. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Habitat changes due to cultivation alter the genetic diversity and secondary metabolic changes of medicinal plants. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Chromosome-scale genome of Dioscorea nipponica and functional diversification of the DnUGT73 subfamily in steroidal saponin glycosylation. literature abstract metadata