Dioscorea Caucásica (Caucasian Yam)

Dioscorea Caucásica (Caucasian Yam)

Product Name: Диоскорея кавказская, Dioscorea caucasica, Kaukasische Yamswurzel, Ñame caucásico, Igname du Caucase, اليام القوقازي, มันคอเคซัส, Kavkaz yam ildizi, Кавказ ям тамыры, Qafqaz jamsı, Ям Қафқоз, Kaukazo dioskorėja, Kaukāza dioscorea, Діоскорея кавказька, Кавказ yam, דיוסקוריה קווקזית

Synonyms: диоскорея войлочная, кавказский ямс, кавказская диоскорея, Caucasian yam, felted yam, Caucasus Dioscorea, Filzige Yamswurzel, Ñame del Cáucaso, Igname velouté, اليام اللبادي, มันกำมะหยี่, Кафказ ёми, Кавказ ямси, Ямс Кавкаский, Ям Ковкази, Kaukāza jams, Діоскорея повстяна, Кавказ ямс, דיוסקוריה סיבית

Parts used: rhizomes, roots, aerial parts, seeds, leaves, stems, tubers.

Main indications for the use of Dioscorea caucasica: Hypertensive disease, cerebral atherosclerosis, vascular encephalopathy, ischemic heart disease, chronic cerebral ischemia, transient ischemic attacks, dyscirculatory encephalopathy, neurovegetative disorders, dizziness in vertebrobasilar insufficiency, cognitive impairment of vascular etiology.

Use of Dioscorea caucasica in mixtures and complexes: Mixed hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, muscular hypotension, vegetative-vascular dystonia of the hypotonic type, post-stroke cognitive decline, asthenoneurotic syndrome, pulmonary forms of sarcoidosis, chronic stress with vascular component.

Pharmacological properties of Dioscorea caucasica: vasodilating, hypolipidemic, neuroprotective, anti-atherosclerotic, adaptogenic, antioxidant, antihypertensive, antispasmodic, improving cerebral circulation, sedative, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, metabolic, cardioprotective, cerebroprotective.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Dioscorea caucasica

Powder — Dioscorea caucasica

Indications (Powder): Arterial hypertension, cerebral atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, dyscirculatory encephalopathy, neurovegetative disorders.

Standard Dosage (Powder): 1 gram of powder 3 times a day, 30 minutes before meals, with warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 2 grams of powder 3 times a day for pronounced arterial hypertension and chronic cerebral ischemia.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): 3 grams of powder 3 times a day in conditions of severe dyscirculatory encephalopathy and risk of transient ischemic attacks.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 0.5 grams of powder once a day on an empty stomach in courses of 30 days with a 30-day break for chronic hyperlipidemia and elevated blood pressure in patients over 50 years.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): Use is permissible in children over 12 years of age with a body weight of at least 40 kilograms, at a dosage of 0.25 grams of powder once a day, only as prescribed by a doctor.

Contraindications (Powder): Individual intolerance, acute hepatitis, acute inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract. No scientific data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation have been registered.

Side Effects (Powder): When the dosage is exceeded, headaches, a feeling of heaviness in the head, dizziness, and dyspeptic disorders are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Powder): For body weight below 60 kilograms, it is recommended to reduce the dosage by 25 percent. For body weight above 90 kilograms, an increase in dosage by 25 percent is possible in the absence of side effects.

Preparation method (Powder): Thoroughly washed and dried rhizomes are ground to a homogeneous dry mass, then sieved through a sieve with a mesh diameter of 0.5 millimeters. For 100 grams of powder, 120 grams of raw rhizome are used. Grinding is carried out at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees Celsius in a dry ventilated room without direct sunlight.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Store in airtight dark glass or metal containers at a temperature of 5 to 25 degrees Celsius, away from sources of moisture and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 12 months. After opening, use within 60 days, provided it is stored airtight.

Dry Extract — Dioscorea caucasica

Indications (Dry Extract): Arterial hypertension, vascular encephalopathy, chronic cerebral ischemia, hypercholesterolemia, cognitive impairment of vascular nature.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): 200 milligrams of dry extract 2 times a day, 20 minutes before meals.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 300 milligrams 3 times a day for pronounced dyscirculatory encephalopathy and persistent arterial hypertension.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): Up to 400 milligrams 3 times a day for chronic cerebral ischemia and progressive cognitive disorders.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): 100 milligrams once a day for 30 days with a 1-month break for age-related vascular changes in patients over 60 years.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): Use in children is not recommended; no scientific data on safety exist. Minimum age — 18 years.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): Hypersensitivity to extract components, severe forms of hepatic insufficiency, pregnancy, lactation. No safety data for use in childhood have been registered.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): In case of overdose, a feeling of pressure in the occipital region, dizziness, fatigue, and irritability are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Dry Extract): For body weight below 60 kilograms, the dosage is reduced by 30 percent. For body weight over 90 kilograms, upward adjustment of up to 10 percent is possible.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): 100 grams of extract are obtained from 600 grams of ground rhizomes by maceration in 70% ethyl alcohol at a ratio of 1:10 for 5 days at a temperature of 20–25 degrees Celsius. After maceration, the liquid is evaporated to a syrupy state, then dried in a drying chamber at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees Celsius to a powder state.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): Store in tightly closed dark glass containers, in a dry cool place at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees Celsius. Protect from light and moisture. Shelf life — 24 months. After opening the package, use within 90 days.

Alcohol-Based Tincture — Dioscorea caucasica

Indications (Tincture): Arterial hypertension, dyscirculatory encephalopathy, ischemic heart disease, cerebral circulation disorders, vascular dementia.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): 20 drops of tincture in 50 milliliters of water 3 times a day, 20 minutes before meals.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 30 drops of tincture 3 times a day for severe arterial hypertension and pronounced cognitive impairment.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): 40 drops 3 times a day for vascular dementia and obliterating atherosclerosis.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 10 drops in 50 milliliters of water once a day in the morning on an empty stomach for 21 days every 3 months for patients over 60 years with hyperlipidemia, chronic stress, and memory decline.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): Contraindicated in children under 18 years due to ethyl alcohol content.

Contraindications (Tincture): Alcoholism, epilepsy, liver diseases, pregnancy, lactation, age under 18 years. No scientific data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation have been registered.

Side Effects (Tincture): In case of overdose, headache, nausea, decreased blood pressure, and coordination disorders are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Tincture): For body weight less than 60 kilograms, a reduction of dosage by 20 percent is recommended. For body weight over 90 kilograms, an increase of 10 percent is possible with good tolerability.

Preparation method (Tincture): 100 grams of ground dry rhizome are poured with 500 milliliters of 70% ethyl alcohol. Maceration is carried out in a dark glass container at room temperature for 14 days. The mixture is shaken daily. After infusion, the solution is filtered through gauze and stored in an airtight dark container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): Store in a dark cool place at a temperature of 5 to 20 degrees Celsius, away from sources of fire and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — up to 3 years. After opening, use within 6 months, provided the container is tightly closed.

Oil Infusion — Dioscorea caucasica

Indications (Oil Infusion): Arthralgia, myalgia, lumbalgia, inflammation of peripheral joints, rheumatoid arthritis, trigeminal neuralgia.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): Rub 3–5 milliliters of infusion into the painful area 2 times a day for 10 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): Rub 5–7 milliliters 3 times a day into the affected area for acute attacks of lumbalgia or rheumatoid arthritis.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): Up to 10 milliliters 3 times a day, no more than 14 days in a row, for severe pain syndrome and neuralgia of the lumbosacral region.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): 2 milliliters once a day on the joint area for 7 days once a month for patients over 60 years with chronic arthrosis, osteochondrosis, and sciatica.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): External use is permissible in children over 7 years, with a body weight of at least 25 kilograms. Apply no more than 1 milliliter once a day, avoiding the spinal area.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): Individual intolerance, acute dermatoses, pustular skin lesions. No scientific data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation have been registered.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): In case of overdose, local hyperemia, itching, and skin irritation are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Oil Infusion): For body weight below 60 kilograms, use no more than 3 milliliters per application. For weight above 90 kilograms, an increase to 8 milliliters is permissible in the absence of skin reactions.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): 100 grams of ground dry rhizome are poured with 400 milliliters of unrefined coconut oil. Macerate in a water bath at a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius for 6 hours with stirring. Then infuse for 3 days at room temperature. Filter the mixture, squeeze, and pour into dark glass containers.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): Store in tightly closed dark glass containers at a temperature of 5 to 20 degrees Celsius, away from direct sunlight. Shelf life — 12 months. After opening, use within 60 days.

Vaginal Suppository — Dioscorea caucasica

Indications (Vaginal Suppository): Cervicitis, endocervicitis, atrophic vaginitis, chronic colpitis, bacterial vaginosis, postmenopausal changes of the vaginal mucosa.

Standard Dosage (Vaginal Suppository): 1 suppository deep intravaginally at night, course of 10 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Vaginal Suppository): 1 suppository 2 times a day — morning and at night — for pronounced inflammatory processes and atrophic changes.

Maximum Dosage (Vaginal Suppository): 2 suppositories per day for no more than 14 days in a row for severe forms of chronic colpitis and postmenopausal vaginitis.

Preventive Dosage (Vaginal Suppository): 1 suppository every other day at night for 10 days every 3 months for women over 55 years with signs of vaginal mucosal atrophy and decreased estrogenic activity.

Pediatric Dosage (Vaginal Suppository): Not used in pediatric practice. Safety and efficacy in girls and adolescents have not been studied.

Contraindications (Vaginal Suppository): Acute inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs, bleeding of unknown origin, pregnancy, individual intolerance to suppository components. No contraindications during lactation have been registered.

Side Effects (Vaginal Suppository): Itching, burning, a sensation of a foreign body in the vagina are possible in case of hypersensitivity to the oil base.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Vaginal Suppository): Not required; suppositories are administered locally and the patient's body weight does not affect the dosage.

Preparation method (Vaginal Suppository): To prepare 100 grams of mass, use 20 grams of dry Dioscorea extract, 5 grams of cocoa butter, and 75 grams of unrefined coconut oil. Melt the oils in a water bath at a temperature of 40–45 degrees Celsius, add the extract, mix thoroughly. Pour into vaginal molds and cool at +4 degrees Celsius.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Vaginal Suppository): Store in the refrigerator at a temperature of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, in the original packaging, in a light-protected place. Shelf life — 6 months. After opening the package, use within 10 days.

Rectal Suppository — Dioscorea caucasica

Indications (Rectal Suppository): Chronic prostatitis, hemorrhoidal disease, anal fissures, irritable bowel syndrome with pain component, paraproctitis in remission.

Standard Dosage (Rectal Suppository): 1 suppository rectally at night for 10 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Rectal Suppository): 1 suppository 2 times a day — morning and evening — for pronounced pain syndrome in the rectal area and in prostatitis.

Maximum Dosage (Rectal Suppository): 2 suppositories per day for no more than 14 days for complicated forms of chronic prostatitis and acute hemorrhoidal attack.

Preventive Dosage (Rectal Suppository): 1 suppository every other day for 10 days every 3 months for men over 50 years with chronic prostatitis, anal fissures, and a tendency to congestive phenomena in the pelvis.

Pediatric Dosage (Rectal Suppository): Not used in pediatrics. Clinical safety studies in children have not been conducted.

Contraindications (Rectal Suppository): Acute inflammatory processes of the rectum, bleeding, individual intolerance, malignant neoplasms of the rectum. No scientific data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation have been registered.

Side Effects (Rectal Suppository): In case of overdose, false urges to defecate, burning, and local irritation of the rectal mucosa are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Rectal Suppository): Not required; the dosage of rectal suppositories does not depend on body weight.

Preparation method (Rectal Suppository): The composition of 100 grams includes: 15 grams of dry Dioscorea extract, 5 grams of cocoa butter, and 80 grams of unrefined coconut oil. Melt the oils in a water bath at a temperature of 45 degrees Celsius, add the extract powder, mix, and pour into rectal molds. Cool at +4 degrees Celsius.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Rectal Suppository): Store in the refrigerator at a temperature of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, away from heat sources. Shelf life — 6 months. After opening the package, use within 7 days.

Ointment — Dioscorea caucasica

Indications (Ointment): Rheumatoid arthritis, lumbar osteochondrosis, arthralgia, sciatica, myositis, post-traumatic soft tissue edema.

Standard Dosage (Ointment): Apply 3–5 grams of ointment to the affected area of skin 2 times a day, with light rubbing movements.

Enhanced Dosage (Ointment): Apply up to 7 grams 3 times a day for pronounced pain syndrome, edema, and inflammation in the joint area.

Maximum Dosage (Ointment): Up to 10 grams of ointment 3 times a day, no more than 10 days in a row for acute forms of radiculitis and myositis.

Preventive Dosage (Ointment): 2 grams of ointment once a day for 5–7 days monthly for chronic arthrosis, previous joint injuries, and recurrent myalgias in persons over 50 years.

Pediatric Dosage (Ointment): External use is permissible in children over 7 years with a body weight of at least 25 kilograms — no more than 1 gram once a day, provided there is no skin damage.

Contraindications (Ointment): Individual intolerance, open wounds, pustular rashes, acute dermatoses. No scientific data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation have been registered.

Side Effects (Ointment): When the dosage is exceeded, hyperemia, itching, irritation, and peeling of the skin are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Ointment): For body weight below 60 kilograms, the daily dose should not exceed 10 grams. For weight over 90 kilograms, use of up to 20 grams is permissible in the absence of skin reactions.

Preparation method (Ointment): 20 grams of dry rhizome powder are ground to a flour-like state and introduced into 80 grams of melted coconut oil. The mixture is thoroughly mixed and heated in a water bath at a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius for 40 minutes. Cool to 30 degrees Celsius and package in airtight containers.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ointment): Store in a tightly closed dark glass bottle at a temperature of 5 to 15 degrees Celsius, away from direct sunlight. Shelf life — 6 months. After opening the package, use within 30 days.

Cream — Dioscorea caucasica

Indications (Cream): Chronic venous insufficiency, telangiectasia, vascular network, post-traumatic edema, chronic cellulite of vascular origin, prevention of rosacea.

Standard Dosage (Cream): Apply 1–2 grams of cream 2 times a day with light circular movements to problem areas of the skin.

Enhanced Dosage (Cream): Up to 4 grams 3 times a day for pronounced edema and venous network, for 7 days.

Maximum Dosage (Cream): 6 grams 3 times a day, no more than 10 days in a row for pronounced symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency.

Preventive Dosage (Cream): 1 gram once a day for 14 days every 3 months for women with a predisposition to varicose disease and rosacea.

Pediatric Dosage (Cream): Not used in children. The safety of external use in children under 14 years has not been studied.

Contraindications (Cream): Individual intolerance, fresh skin damage, acute dermatoses. No scientific data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation have been registered.

Side Effects (Cream): Local allergic reactions, redness, and a burning sensation in case of individual sensitivity are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Cream): Not required, as the cream is used externally and does not have a systemic effect.

Preparation method (Cream): For 100 grams of base, use: 10 grams of dry Dioscorea extract, 60 grams of coconut oil, 25 grams of witch hazel hydrolate, and 5 grams of natural emulsifier. Heat the oil to 40 degrees Celsius, mix with the emulsifier, add the extract and hydrolate, emulsify until a homogeneous mass is obtained. Package in sterile dark plastic or glass containers.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cream): Store in a cool place at a temperature of 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. Shelf life — 4 months. After opening, use within 30 days.

Cosmetic Serum — Dioscorea caucasica

Indications (Cosmetic Serum): Age-related skin changes of the face, decreased turgor, vascular network on the face, postmenopausal skin dryness, rosacea, skin irritation due to impaired microcirculation.

Standard Dosage (Cosmetic Serum): Apply 2–3 drops of serum to cleansed skin of the face and neck 2 times a day — morning and evening.

Enhanced Dosage (Cosmetic Serum): 4–5 drops 3 times a day on problem areas in the presence of pronounced vascular network and deep skin dryness.

Maximum Dosage (Cosmetic Serum): 8 drops 3 times a day, in a course of no more than 14 days for pronounced signs of hormonal skin aging.

Preventive Dosage (Cosmetic Serum): 2 drops once a day in the evening in courses of 14 days each month for women over 45 years with signs of dryness and decreased skin elasticity.

Pediatric Dosage (Cosmetic Serum): Not used in pediatrics; safety for adolescents under 16 years has not been established.

Contraindications (Cosmetic Serum): Individual intolerance, active inflammatory processes on the skin, weeping dermatoses. No contraindications during pregnancy and lactation have been registered.

Side Effects (Cosmetic Serum): Redness, mild burning, and a temporary feeling of skin tightness in the first days of use are possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Cosmetic Serum): Not required; the serum is applied locally and does not have a systemic effect.

Preparation method (Cosmetic Serum): To prepare 100 milliliters of serum, use: 10 grams of dry Dioscorea extract, 40 milliliters of Damascus rose hydrolate, 40 milliliters of witch hazel hydrolate, and 10 milliliters of vegetable glycerin. Dissolve the extract in warm hydrolate at a temperature of 35 degrees Celsius, then add glycerin. Filter the mixture and pour into dark glass dropper bottles.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cosmetic Serum): Store in the refrigerator at a temperature of 4 to 8 degrees Celsius. Avoid exposure to light and heat. Shelf life — 3 months. After opening the package, use within 21 days.

Toxicity and Biosafety of Dioscorea caucasica

Toxicological studies of the dry extract of Dioscorea caucasica rhizomes have shown a low level of overall toxicity. In preclinical trials on laboratory animals (mice and rats), oral administration of the aqueous-alcoholic extract did not cause death even at high doses.

The median lethal dose (LD₅₀) of Dioscorea extract upon oral administration exceeds 5000 mg/kg body weight in mice, which is classified as a practically non-toxic substance. Based on these data, the drug is considered pharmacologically safe when therapeutic dosages are observed.

During a 90-day observation of subacute toxicity, no pronounced pathological changes were detected in the histological structures of the liver, kidneys, myocardium, and gastrointestinal mucosa. No cumulative toxic effect was observed with long-term use at preventive dosages.

The drug does not exhibit mutagenic, carcinogenic, or teratogenic properties under standard toxicological models.

Reference: https://cyberleninka.ru/articl...

Pharmacodynamics — Dioscorea caucasica

The pharmacodynamic action of Dioscorea caucasica is due to a complex of biologically active compounds, mainly steroid-like saponins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds contained predominantly in the rhizomes of the plant. These substances exhibit pleiotropic activity, modulating the functions of various body systems at the systemic and cellular levels.

One of the main effects of saponins is their influence on lipid metabolism. In a number of pharmacological trials, their participation in the regulation of lipoprotein metabolism has been established, which is associated with their ability to interact with enzymes and receptor proteins of membrane complexes of liver cells and the vascular wall. This action may be mediated through suppression of oxidative stress, which provides a pronounced antioxidant effect, especially at the level of the vascular endothelium.

Flavonoids present in plant extracts have anti-inflammatory activity. They modulate the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (including interleukins and tumor necrosis factors), inhibit the activity of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase. Such properties are realized predominantly at the systemic level and concern primarily the immune and vascular systems.

The effect of Dioscorea caucasica extracts on the central nervous system has also been noted. Sedative and anxiolytic effects have been established in experimental models, probably due to the participation of phenolic compounds in the regulation of neurotransmitter systems. This action is realized with systemic administration and affects the cerebral cortex and structures of the limbic system.

Of particular interest are the properties of Dioscorea extracts as modulators of smooth muscle tone. This has been confirmed by studies on isolated organs, where a decrease in vascular wall tone and an increase in arterial lumen were observed. Presumed pharmacological targets are calcium channels of smooth muscle cells, as well as β-adrenergic receptors of the peripheral nervous system.

A favorable effect on the rheological properties of blood has also been recorded in a number of studies, which may be associated with the antiplatelet activity of flavonoids and their effect on platelet activity. A mediated participation of the vascular system in the realization of the action of plant components on the microcirculatory bed is noted.

In summary, the pharmacodynamic activity of Dioscorea caucasica covers anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, vasodilating, anxiolytic, adaptogenic, and metabolically modulating effects. These effects affect the vascular, nervous, immune, and endocrine systems, being realized predominantly at the systemic level with oral and transdermal administration.

References:
https://cyberleninka.ru/articl...
https://www.elibrary.ru/item.a...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...

Pharmacokinetics — Dioscorea caucasica

The pharmacokinetic characteristics of preparations based on Dioscorea caucasica are determined by the route of administration and the composition of active substances, among which steroid saponins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and carbohydrate-containing complexes predominate.

With oral use, most characteristic of powder and dry extract, the absorption of active components occurs mainly in the small intestine. Saponins in their unchanged form have limited bioavailability, however, their metabolites are formed as a result of interaction with the intestinal microflora, which increases their pharmacological activity. Some fractions of flavonoids, such as aglycone forms, are absorbed directly and undergo hepatic metabolism with the participation of glucuronidation enzymes.

With transdermal use (ointment, cream, oil infusion), active substances in the composition of fatty or emulsion bases penetrate the epidermis and dermis, realizing local action. Penetration through the skin is limited by the molecular size and lipophilicity of the substance. For saponins, transdermal absorption is minimal, while flavonoids and phenols are able to reach the subcutaneous capillary network and exert a weak systemic effect.

Vaginal and rectal administration of suppositories provides partial systemic absorption, especially under conditions of damaged epithelium. Active substances, being absorbed through the mucous membranes, bypass the primary hepatic metabolism, which increases the biological availability of individual fractions. However, the total volume of penetration depends on the lipophilicity of the base and the state of the mucosa.

Metabolism of saponins and flavonoids occurs mainly in the liver with the participation of cytochrome enzymes. Some metabolites retain pharmacological activity, in particular those conjugated with glucuronic acid or sulfates. The time of complete metabolic breakdown varies depending on the routes of administration.

Excretion occurs primarily with bile and urine. The participation of the kidneys in the excretion of water-soluble metabolites has been established, while less polar compounds are eliminated through the biliary tract. An insignificant amount may be excreted through the skin and with sweat, especially with transdermal administration.

Thus, the biopharmaceutical behavior of the components of Dioscorea caucasica depends on the form of administration, the lipophilicity of the base, the state of the intestinal microflora, and liver function. The main routes of excretion are the kidneys and liver, with possible participation of the skin and mucous membranes.

References:
https://elibrary.ru/item.asp?i...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32299709/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411020300959

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Dioscorea caucasica

The pharmacological action of Dioscorea caucasica is associated mainly with the content of steroid saponins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. These compounds modulate the activity of signaling cascades and enzyme systems involved in the regulation of inflammation, vascular tone, neurohumoral transmission, and cellular metabolism. One of the key mechanisms of action of saponins is their effect on the expression and activity of lipid-regulating proteins, including LDL receptors and HMG-CoA reductase enzymes, which has been confirmed by studies on models of hyperlipidemia. As a result, the density of lipids in the vascular wall decreases and the processes of endothelial cell renewal are enhanced.

Flavonoid components, such as quercetin and kaempferol derivatives, participate in the inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX-1, COX-2) and lipoxygenase (LOX) enzyme systems, reducing the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators — prostaglandins and leukotrienes. This leads to suppression of the expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6) and a decrease in the activity of innate immunity cells, primarily macrophages and neutrophils. In experimental models, Dioscorea extracts suppress the activation of the transcription factor NF-κB, which regulates the expression of inflammation and apoptosis genes.

Some components of Dioscorea have been shown to reduce vascular permeability by stabilizing endothelial cells and increasing the expression of adhesion proteins, such as VE-cadherin. These effects are accompanied by improved microcirculation and reduced tissue edema, especially under conditions of impaired venous outflow. In addition, phenolic acids contained in the preparation demonstrate antioxidant properties through inactivation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhanced expression of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase.

A sedative and anxiolytic effect of the extracts has also been observed, associated with their effect on the central nervous system. This action is presumably realized through modulation of GABAergic transmission and possible interaction with 5-HT₁A receptors. In vivo biochemical models demonstrate a decrease in monoamine oxidase (MAO-A) activity, which may contribute to the accumulation of serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitters in synaptic clefts. This is confirmed by behavioral tests in laboratory animals.

Of particular importance is the presumed effect of saponins on steroid and glucocorticoid receptors. Some studies on related taxa indicate their weak agonistic activity with respect to progesterone and glucocorticoid receptors, which may explain the participation of Dioscorea in the modulation of hormonal background and tissue reactivity to stress effects. However, additional targeted studies are needed to confirm these effects with respect to Dioscorea caucasica.

References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...
https://www.researchgate.net/p...
https://phytochem.nal.usda.gov...

Synergy — Dioscorea caucasica

Scientific publications demonstrate the pharmacological synergy of Dioscorea caucasica extracts when combined with other phytotherapeutic agents, especially in areas concerning antioxidant, vasomodulating, and neuromodulating activity. Experimental confirmation has been obtained for the potentiation of vasodilating and antioxidant effects in combination with flavonoid-containing plants, such as Crataegus spp. (hawthorn) and Ginkgo biloba. The combined inhibition of COX-2 activity and suppression of NF-κB expression determines a pronounced additive anti-inflammatory effect, especially at the level of endothelial cells and macrophages.

Combination with adaptogens of plant origin, in particular with Eleutherococcus senticosus (eleutherococcus) and Rhodiola rosea (roseroot), leads to an enhancement of the modulating effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Such combinations demonstrate a pronounced interaction of the potentiating and synergistic type at the level of glucocorticoid receptors and stress-mediated signaling cascades (including JNK and MAPK).

In in vitro studies, it has been established that Dioscorea caucasica extracts enhance the antiplatelet effect of salicylates, reducing platelet aggregation during combined exposure. At the same time, synergy is realized through suppression of thromboxane A₂ activation and a decrease in intracellular calcium in platelets, which may indicate a combined action at the level of thromboxane synthase and calcium channels.

Positive compatibility with phytoestrogens (for example, isoflavones of Glycine max) has also been noted, where modulation of steroid receptors and enhancement of the hormone-regulating effect in combination with Dioscorea is assumed. The mechanism of action suggests additive activation of progesterone receptors and regulation of the expression of corresponding target genes. This type of interaction has been confirmed in cultures of epithelial and myometrial cells.

References:
https://www.tandfonline.com/do...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...
https://link.springer.com/arti...
https://www.sciencedirect.com/...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine — Dioscorea caucasica

Dioscorea caucasica is traditionally used in the territory of the Caucasus, mainly in Georgia, as well as in certain regions of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and southern Russia. The plant is known in the practice of folk healers of Georgian and Adyghe traditions as a rhizome with strengthening, cleansing, and calming effects. The most common form of use was an aqueous decoction of dried and ground rhizome, and less frequently, an alcohol tincture on homemade grape spirit or matsoni. In the mountainous regions of Western Georgia, it was also used externally — in the form of compresses and rubs for limb fatigue, which was accompanied by a ritual of "cleansing the legs" after heavy mountain crossings.

In the folklore of the Mingrelians and Svans, Dioscorea was considered a plant that brings "clarity of mind" and "lightness of blood." In some villages in Abkhazia, the roots of the plant were hung over the entrance to the house as a sign of protection from "evil thoughts" and emotional upheavals. Individual records are found in ethnographic notes of the 19th century about the use of the plant in purification rituals of young men before joining a male brotherhood among the Circassians. There, Dioscorea rhizomes were placed in hot water, in which the participants of the ritual washed their face and chest before taking an oath.

In the territory of the North Caucasus and the south of the Rostov region, the plant was included in home medicinal collections of Cossack families, where its dried pieces were mixed with herbs that have a "calming disposition" effect. In some cases, the Dioscorea root was placed in a pillow or worn in a small bag on the chest as a "preventive against insomnia and anxiety."

Despite its limited areal distribution, the plant has taken a stable place in the regional phytotherapeutic tradition of the Caucasus and became an object of scientific interest in the USSR starting from the 1950s. Studies by pharmacologists and botanists of the Georgian Research Institute of Medicinal Plants (Tbilisi) recorded folk methods of collection and storage of raw materials, including its exposure in the shade under a canopy at a height considered "open to the winds," which symbolized the purification of the plant by the element of air.

Historical information about Dioscorea caucasica as a ritual and medicinal plant dates back no earlier than the 17th century and is mainly associated with oral tradition. In written sources of the early period, the plant under its current name is not mentioned, however, its identification with the "Gubin root" found in herbals of Eastern Georgia of the 18th century remains a subject of academic debate. References are also traced in the records of German naturalists who visited Transcaucasia in the 18th–19th centuries, where Dioscorea was presented as a local "medicinal rhizome with a bitter taste."

In the ritual practice of some Svan families, a decoction of the plant was used to sprinkle the entrance to a barn or dwelling during spring festivals dedicated to the forces of fertility. It was believed that the smell of the decoction "calms the earth" and "restrains the storm." In other regions, smoking of the dried root in small quantities has been noted, which, according to local beliefs, "drove away bad dreams."

Thus, Dioscorea caucasica occupies a stable ethnobotanical niche in the local traditions of the Caucasus, as a plant of healing and protective action with rooted symbolism of purification, resilience, and inner balance.