Yam (vegetable)
Dioscorea hispida
Dioscorea hispida, a plant traditionally not extensively documented in medicinal or folk practices, has shown potential applications primarily in cosmetics and food packaging. Extracts from this plant have demonstrated stable enzyme inhibitory activities and minimal dermal irritation, suggesting possible use in skincare products. Scientific evidence also indicates that Dioscorine from D. hispida exhibits weaker virucidal activity against influenza A virus (H1N1), coronavirus 229E, SARS-CoV-2, and enterovirus 71 compared to other compounds like racemosol and terrein. Additionally, incorporating lemongrass essential oil into chitosan-Dioscorea hispida starch films enhanced their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. In terms of safety, no significant adverse effects or mutagenicity have been observed up to tested concentrations in acute toxicity and genotoxicity assessments. There are currently no recorded major issues regarding safety or drug interactions with this plant.
- 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
- The study found that extracts from Dioscorea hispida showed potential for use in cosmetics, exhibiting stable enzyme inhibitory activities and minimal dermal irritation.
- Racemosol from Bauhinia malabarica showed the most potent virucidal activity against H1N1, HCoV-229E, and SARS-CoV-2 among tested compounds.
- The study found that incorporating lemongrass essential oil into chitosan-Dioscorea hispida starch films enhanced their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.
- Dioscorea hispida tuber extract did not show adverse effects or mutagenicity up to tested concentrations in both acute toxicity and genotoxicity assessments.
Frequently asked questions
What is Yam (vegetable)?
Yam (vegetable) (Dioscorea hispida) 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 Yam (vegetable)?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Yam (vegetable); the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that extracts from Dioscorea hispida showed potential for use in cosmetics, exhibiting stable enzyme inhibitory activities and minimal dermal irritation.
How strong is the evidence for Yam (vegetable)?
The strongest finding for Yam (vegetable) carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Yam (vegetable) safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Yam (vegetable) in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Yam (vegetable) interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Yam (vegetable) in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
Is Yam (vegetable) 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 Valorisation of lemongrass essential oils onto chitosan-starch film for sustainable active packaging: Greatly enhanced antibacterial and antioxidant activity. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Virucidal activity of tiliacorinine, dioscorine, racemosol, and terrein against influenza A virus (H1N1), coronavirus 229E, SARS-CoV-2, and enterovirus 71. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Utility Assessment of Isolated Starch and Extract from Thai Yam (Dioscorea hispida Dennst.) for Cosmetic via In Vitro and In Vivo Studies. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Safety profile of Dioscorea hispida tuber extract: a combined acute toxicity and genotoxicity study. literature abstract metadata