Elephant foot yam
Amorphophallus paeoniifolius
Amorphophallus paeoniifolius, commonly known as elephant foot yam or dasheen, is a plant native to Southeast Asia and parts of the Pacific Islands. Traditionally, it has not been extensively used in medicine, though its culinary applications are well-documented. Scientific evidence suggests that extracts from both Amorphophallus paeoniifolius and Colocasia esculenta (another name for elephant foot yam) may enhance wound healing in rats, indicating potential therapeutic benefits. Additionally, studies have shown that ultrasonication of the starch from this plant can alter its properties without changing its chemical composition, leading to promising applications such as intelligent packaging for food monitoring. However, there is no substantial evidence to support specific medicinal uses beyond these preliminary findings. No major safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded, but further research is necessary to fully understand its potential benefits and applications.
- 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
- Both Amorphophallus paeoniifolius and Colocasia esculenta extracts showed enhanced wound healing in rats, supporting their potential as alternative therapies.
- This study developed a pH-sensitive packaging film from Amorphophallus paeoniifolius starch and Clitoria ternatea extract, showing promise for chicken freshness monitoring.
- The study found that natural infection by Dasheen mosaic virus significantly reduced yield performance across various elephant foot yam varieties, with notable decreases in corm diameter and plant height.
- Ultrasonication significantly altered elephant foot yam starch properties, including increased amylose content and modified thermal and textural characteristics.
Frequently asked questions
What is Elephant foot yam?
Elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) 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 Elephant foot yam?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Elephant foot yam; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Both Amorphophallus paeoniifolius and Colocasia esculenta extracts showed enhanced wound healing in rats, supporting their potential as alternative therapies.
How strong is the evidence for Elephant foot yam?
The strongest finding for Elephant foot yam carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Elephant foot yam safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Elephant foot yam in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Elephant foot yam interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Elephant foot yam in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Elephant foot yam?
Elephant foot yam is also known as: Аморфофаллус пионолистный, Serpent.
Is Elephant foot 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 Assessment of yield performance of elephant foot yam varieties against natural infection of Dasheen mosaic virus under field conditions. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Fabrication and Characterization of a pH-Responsive Intelligent Packaging Film From Amorphophallus paeoniifolius Starch and Clitoria ternatea Extract for Real-Time Chicken Freshness Monitoring. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Influence of ultrasonication power and treatment duration on the functional and structural properties of elephant foot yam starch. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Revolutionising Wound Healing: Exploring A Novel Herbal Hydrogel Formulation of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius and Colocasia esculenta. literature abstract metadata