​Dioscorea polystachya Turcz (Chinese Yam / Cinnamon-Vine)

Dioscorea polystachya Turcz (Chinese Yam / Cinnamon-Vine)

Product Name: Диоскорея многоцветковая, Dioscorea polystachya, Vielblütige Yamswurzel, Ñame chino, Igname chinois, اليام الصيني, มันจีน, Xitoy yamsi, Кытай ямсы, Çin yamı, Ям хитоӣ, Kinų dioskorėja, Ķīnas jams, Китайський ямс, סיני יאם

Synonyms: Китайская диоскорея, китайский ямс, батат китайский; Chinese yam, cinnamon vine, Chinese potato; Chinesische Yamswurzel, Zimt-Wein; Ñame de China, batata de China; Igname de Chine, igname cannelle; اليام الصيني، بطاطا صينية، بطاطا قرفة؛ มันเทศจีน, มันเทศอบเชย

Parts used: tuber, root, tuber peel, juice, mucus, leaves, seeds.

Main indications for the use of Dioscorea polystachya: Type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, obesity, chronic pancreatitis, intestinal dysbiosis, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, gastritis, hypothyroidism, climacteric syndrome, osteoporosis, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, male infertility, chronic fatigue syndrome, neurocirculatory dystonia, arterial hypotension, chronic bronchitis, liver fibrosis.

Use of Dioscorea polystachya in mixtures and complexes: Viral hepatitis B, viral hepatitis C, autoimmune thyroiditis, chronic hepatitis, ovarian cyst, uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, endometrial hyperplasia, hypogonadism, prostatitis, chronic cystitis, cystalgia, anemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, herpesvirus infection, parkinsonism, vascular dementia.

Pharmacological properties of Dioscorea polystachya: antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hypoglycemic, immunomodulatory, adaptogenic, phytoestrogenic, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, antifibrotic, gastroprotective, antiparasitic, general tonic, anti-senescent, antiseptic, antispasmodic, sedative, prebiotic, regenerative, antiatherogenic.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Dioscorea polystachya

Powder — Dioscorea polystachya

Indications (Powder): Type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, chronic pancreatitis, gastritis, ulcerative colitis, hypothyroidism, osteoporosis, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, chronic fatigue syndrome, neurocirculatory dystonia.

Standard Dosage (Powder): 3 grams 2 times a day, 20 minutes before meals, with warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 5 grams 2 times a day for type 2 diabetes mellitus, osteoporosis, hypothyroidism, pronounced decreased libido, and chronic pancreatitis.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): Up to 6 grams 3 times a day for pronounced insulin resistance, climacteric syndrome, and severe neuroendocrine exhaustion. Do not exceed without specialist supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 2 grams once a day in courses of 30 days with 2-week intervals. Recommended for prediabetic conditions, chronic fatigue, premenopausal women, and men over 50 years.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): Use is permissible in children over 12 years of age with a body weight from 35 kg. Dosage — 1 gram 2 times a day. Used for autonomic dysfunction, poor appetite, and hypotrophy.

Contraindications (Powder): Individual intolerance. No scientific data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12 years have been registered.

Side Effects (Powder): In case of overdose, nausea, flatulence, and headache are possible. Isolated cases of allergic reactions to dioscorein have been described.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Powder): For patients with body weight less than 60 kg — reduce the dose by 20%. For patients over 90 kg — an increase in the daily dose to 130% is possible in the presence of pronounced metabolic syndrome.

Preparation method (Powder): Peel the tubers, cut into thin slices, dry at a temperature not exceeding 45 degrees Celsius for 48 hours until completely brittle. Grind in a mill to a finely dispersed powder. Sieve. Package in airtight light-proof containers. For 100 grams of powder, 320 grams of fresh raw material are required.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Store in a dry, light-protected, and heat-protected place at a temperature of 5 to 25 degrees Celsius. Avoid exposure to electromagnetic radiation. After opening the package, use within 60 days. Shelf life of sealed powder — up to 12 months.

Dry Extract — Dioscorea polystachya

Indications (Dry Extract): Type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, hypogonadism, climacteric syndrome, ovarian hypofunction, erectile dysfunction, chronic bronchitis, osteoporosis, intestinal dysbiosis, irritable bowel syndrome.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): 500 milligrams 2 times a day, 30 minutes before meals, with warm water or added to liquid food.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 1000 milligrams 2 times a day for climacteric syndrome, obesity, hypogonadism, insulin resistance, and long-term hormone use.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): 1500 milligrams 2 times a day for pronounced metabolic disorders, post-glucocorticoid syndrome, and liver fibrosis. No more than 3 grams per day.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): 250 milligrams once a day for 2–3 months for lipid metabolism disorders, hypothyroidism, osteopenia, and pre-climacteric syndrome. Repeat the course every 6 months.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): Not recommended for children under 14 years due to the lack of reliable data. Use in adolescents at 100–200 milligrams per day for obesity or puberty disorders is permissible only under medical supervision.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): Individual hypersensitivity. Acute gastrointestinal disorders. No scientific data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 14 years have been registered.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): In case of overdose — diarrhea, dyspepsia, decreased appetite, and skin rashes.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Dry Extract): For patients with body weight less than 50 kg — reduce the daily dose by 25%. For body weight over 85 kg — an increase in the daily dose by 25% is possible if indicated.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): The tubers are peeled, sliced, and boiled in water at a ratio of 1:10 for 3 hours at a temperature of 95–98 degrees Celsius. The resulting decoction is filtered, evaporated under reduced pressure to a dense mass, then dried in a vacuum dryer at a temperature not exceeding 60 degrees Celsius to a dry extract state. From 1 kilogram of raw material, about 100 grams of dry extract are obtained.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): Store in airtight containers, in a dry and dark place at a temperature of 10 to 25 degrees Celsius, away from heat sources, light, and EMI. Shelf life — 24 months. After opening, use within 45 days.

Alcohol-Based Tincture — Dioscorea polystachya

Indications (Tincture): Hypothyroidism, climacteric syndrome, erectile dysfunction, liver fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, arterial hypotension, chronic fatigue syndrome, neurocirculatory dystonia, hypogonadism, ovarian dysfunction.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): 20 drops (approximately 1 ml) 3 times a day, 30 minutes before meals, diluted in 30 ml of warm water.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 30 drops 3 times a day for pronounced climacteric syndrome, hypogonadism, liver fibrosis, and neuroendocrine disorders.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): Up to 40 drops 3 times a day for severe neuroendocrine insufficiency, androgen deficiency, and as part of a post-infection recovery protocol. No more than 3 ml per dose.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 10–15 drops once a day in courses of 21 days with a 14-day break. Used in men over 45 years and premenopausal women with fatigue, decreased libido, and hypotension.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): Not recommended for use in children under 18 years due to ethanol content.

Contraindications (Tincture): Pregnancy, lactation, alcoholism, epilepsy, liver diseases in the stage of decompensation. No scientific data on contraindications in children and adolescents have been registered, but alcohol-containing preparations are not recommended under 18 years.

Side Effects (Tincture): In case of overdose — headache, drowsiness, decreased concentration, and burning in the stomach. In rare cases — allergic reactions.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Tincture): For patients with body weight less than 50 kg — reduce the dosage by 30%. For patients over 90 kg — an increase in the daily dose by 25% is permissible.

Preparation method (Tincture): Peel the tubers, slice thinly, dry at a temperature of up to 45 degrees Celsius. Place 100 grams of dry raw material in a glass container, pour with 500 ml of 40–45% ethyl alcohol. Infuse in a dark place for 14 days at a temperature of 20–25 degrees, shaking daily. Strain, store in a tightly closed dark glass container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): Store in a dark cool place at a temperature of 5 to 25 degrees Celsius. Avoid direct sunlight and EMI. Shelf life — up to 3 years. After opening — use within 90 days.

Cream — Dioscorea polystachya

Indications (Cream): Atopic dermatitis, dry skin, periorbital edema, age-related skin changes, hypoestrogenic aging, irritation after shaving, skin inflammations.

Standard Dosage (Cream): Apply to cleansed skin 1–2 times a day in a thin layer, with light movements, without rubbing.

Enhanced Dosage (Cream): Up to 3 times a day for pronounced xerosis, perioral dermatitis, and climacteric skin dryness.

Maximum Dosage (Cream): Application up to 4 times a day locally (on areas no more than 5×5 cm) is permissible for age-related skin atrophy and allergic dermatitis in remission. The total area of application should not exceed 20% of the body surface.

Preventive Dosage (Cream): Once a day at night in courses of 3 weeks with a 1-week break. Recommended for women over 40 years with age-related skin changes and men over 50 years with dry and irritated skin.

Pediatric Dosage (Cream): Used in children over 5 years for atopic dermatitis and dry skin. Apply no more than once a day, on areas up to 5 cm². Do not use on the face in children under 12 years.

Contraindications (Cream): Acute purulent skin diseases, intolerance to components. No data on contraindications during pregnancy, lactation, and in children over 5 years have been registered.

Side Effects (Cream): Rarely — itching, redness, rashes. In case of overdose on large areas, a reaction in the form of burning and peeling is possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Cream): Not required, as the drug is applied externally. Adjustment is made by the area of application.

Preparation method (Cream): For 100 grams of cream: dry Dioscorea extract — 5 g, cold-pressed coconut oil — 30 g, jojoba oil — 20 g, emulsifier (natural cetyl alcohol) — 3 g, rose hydrolate — 40 ml, Cosgard preservative — 0.6 g. In a water bath, combine the oils and emulsifier until dissolved, pour in the hydrolate, whisk until an emulsion forms. Add the extract, cool, add the preservative.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cream): Store in a cool dark place at a temperature of 5 to 15 degrees Celsius. Avoid overheating and freezing. Shelf life — 90 days. After opening, use within 30 days.

Serum — Dioscorea polystachya

Indications (Serum): Hypoestrogenic skin aging, pigmentation, photoaging, skin laxity, dull complexion, dry skin, post-acne, irritation after peels, impaired skin barrier function.

Standard Dosage (Serum): Apply 2–3 drops to cleansed facial skin once a day in the evening, gently distributing with fingertips. Do not rinse.

Enhanced Dosage (Serum): Apply 2 times a day — morning and evening — for pronounced dry skin, dull complexion, acne in the recovery stage, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Maximum Dosage (Serum): Application 3 times a day is permissible for pronounced photodamage of the skin and hormonal age-related changes. The total single dose is no more than 5 drops.

Preventive Dosage (Serum): 2 drops once a day at night in courses of 30 days with a 1-month break. Recommended for women over 40 years, patients with sensitive skin, and during the spring-summer insolation period.

Pediatric Dosage (Serum): Use in children is not advisable. Use in adolescents over 14 years is permissible at 1 drop in the evening for acne, seborrhea, and increased skin oiliness.

Contraindications (Serum): Intolerance to components, acute dermatoses, open wounds. No data on contraindications during pregnancy and lactation have been registered. Safety in children under 14 years has not been studied.

Side Effects (Serum): Rarely, irritation, tingling, and hyperemia are possible. In case of overdose or application to inflamed areas, a contact reaction is possible.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Serum): Adjustment is not required. The volume of application depends on the area of the skin being treated, not on body weight.

Preparation method (Serum): For 100 ml of serum: dry Dioscorea extract — 2 g, neroli hydrolate — 80 ml, vegetable glycerin — 10 ml, panthenol — 1 g, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid — 0.5 g, purslane extract — 1.5 g, Geogard Ultra preservative — 0.8 g. Mix the aqueous phase (hydrolate, glycerin, panthenol) with hyaluronic acid, add the extracts, dissolve and filter. Store in a dropper bottle.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Serum): Store at a temperature of 4 to 8 degrees Celsius in the refrigerator. Avoid light and overheating. After opening, use within 30 days. Shelf life in sealed form — 90 days.

Toxicity and Biosafety of Dioscorea polystachya

Toxicity studies of Dioscorea polystachya demonstrate a high level of biosafety. Experimental in vivo data showed that oral administration of aqueous and alcoholic tuber extract does not cause pronounced toxic reactions even with multiple exceedances of the therapeutic dose.

Acute oral toxicity (LD₅₀) of the dry extract of Dioscorea polystachya in mice was more than 5 g/kg body weight, which is classified as a practically non-toxic substance according to the Hodge and Sterner scale. Intramuscular administration also did not cause toxic effects on the liver, kidneys, or CNS at doses up to 2 g/kg. No signs of cumulative toxicity were observed with repeated use.

Thus, Dioscorea polystachya can be considered a pharmacologically safe preparation when standard dosages are observed.

Reference: https://www.sciencedirect.com/...

Pharmacodynamics — Dioscorea polystachya

The pharmacodynamic activity of Dioscorea polystachya is due to a complex of secondary metabolites, among which saponins (including steroid saponins), mucilaginous polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, and phytosterols predominate. These biologically active components interact with several target systems, exhibiting multi-level action.

At the systemic level, the drug affects the endocrine, immune, nervous, digestive, and integumentary systems. Within the framework of endocrine regulation, the active substances of the taxon have demonstrated the ability to modulate the expression of receptors for steroid hormones, including receptors that regulate sex and corticosteroid signaling pathways. The drug has pronounced adaptogenic potential, regulating the functions of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

From the point of view of neuropharmacological action, Dioscorea polystachya exhibits sedative and anxiolytic properties, probably due to effects on GABAergic transmission and interaction with serotonergic receptors. An increase in the antioxidant protection of the central nervous system, a decrease in lipoperoxidation, and restoration of mitochondrial activity are also noted.

The immunomodulatory effect is realized through enhanced macrophage activity, increased production of cytokines (primarily IL-10 and IFN-γ), and a decrease in the level of pro-inflammatory mediators, including TNF-α and IL-6. Suppression of the transcription factor NF-κB and a decrease in COX-2 expression confirm the presence of anti-inflammatory action at the level of cellular mediators.

At the level of the gastrointestinal tract, Dioscorea polystachya exhibits protective properties due to the enveloping effect of polysaccharides and effects on the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. The drug can increase mucus secretion, restore the barrier function of the epithelium, and reduce intestinal wall permeability.

With respect to the skin, an antioxidant and moisturizing effect has been established, as well as the ability to reduce the level of pro-inflammatory factors in the skin. This makes the taxon a promising component in dermatological and cosmetological preparations.

Due to the steroid-like structure of saponins, the drug interacts with cell membranes and can modulate the function of transmembrane enzymes and receptors. An effect on cholesterol synthesis and utilization, regulation of lipid metabolism, and activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) have been noted.

The pharmacodynamics of Dioscorea polystachya also include an antioxidant effect, realized through activation of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and suppression of lipid peroxidation. The drug reduces the levels of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, restoring redox homeostasis at the cellular level.

Overall, the pharmacodynamic profile of Dioscorea polystachya can be characterized as modulating, systemically oriented, and regulatory, with a predominance of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and adaptogenic action.

References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711321000069
https://link.springer.com/arti...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...
https://www.tandfonline.com/do...

Pharmacokinetics — Dioscorea polystachya

Pharmacokinetic data on Dioscorea polystachya are limited, however, based on studies of related species and the properties of biologically active substances, the general pharmacokinetic characteristics of the main forms of the drug can be described.

With oral administration of powder or dry extract, absorption occurs mainly in the small intestine. Mucilaginous polysaccharides are partially broken down by microflora, contributing to the formation of short-chain fatty acids and absorption in the large intestine. Saponins are absorbed slowly, may undergo hydrolysis in the liver and partially transform into aglycone fractions with greater biological activity.

The alcohol tincture has higher initial absorption due to the presence of dissolved lipophilic components. Substances easily penetrate the mucous membranes of the stomach and duodenum, are metabolized in the liver, including phases I and II (oxidation, glucuronidation, sulfation). Enterohepatic circulation is possible.

Distribution of active substances occurs mainly in the liver, intestinal wall, endocrine organs, and central nervous system. Some components, such as flavonoids and phytosterols, are able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in lipophilic tissues.

Transdermal and mucosal use (in the form of creams and serums) provides local effect with limited systemic absorption. However, when the barrier function of the skin is impaired, penetration of low molecular weight compounds and their entry into the systemic circulation is possible. In such cases, metabolism occurs mainly in the liver, with subsequent excretion through the kidneys.

Excretion of metabolites occurs primarily with urine and bile. Water-soluble components are excreted quickly, while lipophilic ones are excreted slowly, with possible partial accumulation in adipose tissue. Components metabolized by the intestinal microflora may also be excreted in feces.

The overall pharmacokinetic picture suggests the participation of the liver, kidneys, and intestines in the biotransformation and excretion of substances of Dioscorea polystachya, with the possibility of modulation of the microbiome and participation in metabolic detoxification.

References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...
https://link.springer.com/arti...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...
https://www.sciencedirect.com/...
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049...

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Dioscorea polystachya

The pharmacological mechanisms of action of Dioscorea polystachya are due to the presence of steroid saponins (including dioscin and its derivatives), polysaccharides, phenolic compounds, and phytosterols. Steroid saponins exhibit structural affinity with endogenous hormones, which allows them to modulate the activity of nuclear receptors, including receptors for estrogens, progesterone, and glucocorticoids. This interaction is realized through activation of transcription factors and regulation of the expression of genes responsible for metabolic and reproductive activity.

At the level of mediator regulation, active components of D. polystachya inhibit the activation of the NF-κB transcriptional cascade, reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), as well as COX-2 and iNOS. This confirms the anti-inflammatory effect of the plant at both the systemic and tissue levels. In addition, phenolic compounds and flavonoids activate antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase, GPx), inhibiting the formation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxides, which contributes to the protection of cell membranes and organelles from oxidative damage.

Polysaccharides isolated from D. polystachya tubers stimulate immune cells of innate immunity, in particular macrophages and neutrophils, through enhanced phagocytic activity and production of immunomodulatory cytokines (for example, IL-10, IFN-γ). At the same time, they do not initiate a hyperinflammatory response, which indicates selective immunotropism and the ability to maintain immune homeostasis.

At the level of metabolic regulation, plant components demonstrate the ability to activate the AMPK cascade, as well as modulate transcriptional regulators, including PPAR-γ. This is associated with improved cellular sensitivity to insulin, reduced lipogenesis, and stimulation of mitochondrial biogenesis. The effect on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism has been confirmed both in vitro and in experiments on animal models.

Phenolic compounds of D. polystachya exhibit moderate inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase, which may explain the observed neuroprotective effect and influence on cognitive functions. Modulation of the MAPK/ERK signaling cascade associated with neurotrophic factors and cell survival has also been described.

In integumentary tissues and the epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract, Dioscorea enhances mucus production, stabilizes enterocyte membranes, and reduces intestinal barrier permeability. Polysaccharides act as prebiotics, supporting the growth of beneficial microflora and reducing the production of endotoxins.

Thus, the mechanism of action of Dioscorea polystachya is polymodal in nature, including hormone-like, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and metabolically modulating effects, realized through interaction with cellular receptors, enzymes, and signaling pathways.

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

Synergy — Dioscorea polystachya

Pharmacological synergy of Dioscorea polystachya has been confirmed by a number of in vitro and in vivo studies, especially in combination with other plants containing phytoestrogens, adaptogens, and with antioxidants. Steroid saponins of D. polystachya potentiate the hormone-regulating and neuromodulating effects of plants containing isoflavones, such as Pueraria lobata and Glycine max, through combined effects on nuclear receptors for estrogens and PPAR. This enhances the modulating effect on cellular metabolism and maintains receptor sensitivity.

Combined use with adaptogenic plants, such as Panax ginseng and Eleutherococcus senticosus, demonstrates a potentiating effect on the functions of the hypothalamic-pituitary system and a decrease in the level of pro-inflammatory mediators. Within the framework of this interaction, D. polystachya complements the action through reduction of oxidative stress and stabilization of mitochondrial functions, while adaptogens activate the biosynthesis of stress-adaptive proteins.

In combination with Curcuma longa and Camellia sinensis, an enhancement of antioxidant activity is observed, due to mutual enhancement of the expression of SOD, catalase, and GPx enzymes, as well as combined suppression of NF-κB activity. The nature of the interaction is additive and in some cases synergistic, especially in the tissues of the liver and central nervous system.

Some studies demonstrate a modulating interaction between Dioscorea polystachya and Astragalus membranaceus with respect to the cellular immune response. The combination contributes to increased phagocytic activity of macrophages and interleukin production, without excessive stimulation of inflammation.

A combined protective effect with plants containing mucilaginous polysaccharides (for example, Plantago major, Althaea officinalis) has also been recorded with respect to the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. The nature of the interaction is enveloping and epithelioprotective, with a modulating effect on mucus secretion and cytoprotective effects.

Thus, Dioscorea polystachya demonstrates pronounced pharmacological synergy with plants possessing antioxidant, hormone-like, adaptogenic, and immunomodulatory effects, making it a valuable component in systemic-action phytocomplexes.

References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874119312145
https://link.springer.com/arti...
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/p...
https://www.tandfonline.com/do...

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine — Dioscorea polystachya

Dioscorea polystachya is traditionally used in the folk medicine of East Asia, primarily in China, Korea, and Japan, where it is known under the names "shan yao" (山药), "san'yo," and "yama imo." In China, its use dates back to the ancient pharmacopoeial tradition of the Han Dynasty, with mention in the "Shennong Bencao Jing" — one of the oldest Chinese herbals, created in the 1st–2nd centuries AD. In this treatise, Dioscorea is described as a tonic remedy of plant origin, used to strengthen "qi" and prolong longevity.

In Chinese ethnomedicine, decoction, fresh tuber juice, dried powder, and alcohol infusions were used. The tubers were grated, boiled, used for compresses, and as part of multi-phase decoctions mixed with other plants. In the tradition of Taoist schools, Dioscorea was considered a plant of vital force, supporting the energy flows of the "kidneys" and "spleen." It was often included in food in the form of porridge-like dishes, especially in the winter season. In some regions, it was harvested and stored in cellars as a strategic nutritional remedy.

In Japanese culture, Dioscorea is used as a culinary and therapeutic ingredient under the names "nagaimo" or "yamaimo." It is believed to enhance strength and endurance, and to promote "blood purification." Grated tuber is used fresh, including as a means of strengthening breathing and digestion in folk recipes of the Chugoku region. In folk beliefs, the Dioscorea tuber was associated with purity and resilience; its forms were used to make ritual amulets in Nagano and Gifu prefectures.

In Korea, Dioscorea was used in the context of hanyak — traditional medicine based on the theory of "moderation." In the herbals of Korean monasteries, Dioscorea was described as a remedy that supports the inner strength of the body and the balances of "yin" and "yang." It was introduced into food starters, used for compresses, and also in the ritual practice of purification before prayers.

In addition to East Asia, Dioscorea was introduced into phytopharmaceutical practices in Vietnam, Thailand, and Laos, where its powder was used as a "women's remedy" for harmonizing life rhythms and easing seasonal transitions. Mentions are also found in Thai Lanna records, where it was used as part of complex decoctions and incense.

Some mentions of Dioscorea as a talisman are found in South Chinese village rituals: the tuber was hung on the crossbeams of houses for protection against diseases, and its grated juice was used in the rituals of "grounding the spirit" among the Miao people. In the ritual practices of Korea and parts of Japan, fresh slices of the tuber were used in cleansing baths or steam inhalations.

In the territory of Central Asia, Siberia, and Slavic cultural zones, reliable information on the use of Dioscorea polystachya in the pre-revolutionary period has not been found, however, after the inclusion of the plant in pharmacopoeial reviews of the 20th century, it began to be used in herbal mixtures inspired by Eastern tradition.