Asiatic yam
Dioscorea esculenta
Dioscorea esculenta is a plant traditionally not well-documented in any specific medicinal practices. Scientific evidence primarily focuses on its processing methods and cultivar, which influence macromolecular architecture and chemical composition of polysaccharides. Studies indicate that optimized chitosan/starch films enriched with aloe vera extract from Dioscorea esculenta exhibit enhanced antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, potentially extending the shelf-life of chicken meat and shrimp. Additionally, combining chronic intake of Dioscorea esculenta with resistance training has been shown to more effectively improve muscle quantity and quality in healthy middle-aged and older adults compared to placebo or resistance training alone. Notably, it also reduces prostaglandin E2 and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2 levels, as well as menstrual pain in young women over a four-week period. No significant safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.
- Best evidence
- B
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study found that combining chronic Dioscorea esculenta intake with resistance training more effectively improved muscle quantity and quality in healthy middle-aged and older adults compared to placebo or resistance training alone.
- Processing methods primarily governed macromolecular architecture and colloidal properties, while cultivar determined chemical composition in Dioscorea esculenta polysaccharides.
- The study found that chitosan/starch films enriched with Dioscorea esculenta starch and aloe vera extract showed improved antimicrobial, antioxidant properties, and shelf-life extension for chicken meat and shrimp.
- Dioscorea esculenta intake for four weeks significantly reduced prostaglandin E2, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2 levels, and menstrual pain in young women.
- Mechanochemical modification significantly influenced the nano-structural and functional properties of Dioscorea esculenta starch.
Frequently asked questions
What is Asiatic yam?
Asiatic yam (Dioscorea esculenta) 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 Asiatic yam?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Asiatic yam; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: The study found that combining chronic Dioscorea esculenta intake with resistance training more effectively improved muscle quantity and quality in healthy middle-aged and older adults compared to placebo or resistance training alone.
How strong is the evidence for Asiatic yam?
The strongest finding for Asiatic yam carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Asiatic yam safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Asiatic yam in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Asiatic yam interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Asiatic yam in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Asiatic yam?
Asiatic yam is also known as: Dioscorée comestible, Igname.
Is Asiatic 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 The effect of Dioscorea esculenta powder on prostaglandin E2 and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 2 levels, menstrual pain, and premenstrual syndrome in young women: A randomized double-blind controlled trial. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Dioscorea esculenta Intake with Resistance Training Improves Muscle Quantity and Quality in Healthy Middle-Aged and Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Processing Shapes Architecture, Cultivar Dictates Chemistry: A Structural and Functional Paradigm for Yam Polysaccharides. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Mechanochemical modification of Dioscorea spp. starch: exploring its nano-structural and functional properties for sustainable edible packaging. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Functional chitosan/starch composite films enriched with Aloe vera extract for antimicrobial and antioxidant packaging: Shelf-life study on chicken meat and shrimp. literature abstract metadata