Dioscorea zingiberensis

C. H. Wright

Dioscoreaceae Edible: Caution: Potential hazards — see below 13 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Dioscorea zingiberensis, is a species of yam, a tuberous root vegetable. It has been cultivated in China for the production of diosgenin, an important pharmaceutical intermediate for the synthesis of steroid hormones. The rhizomes also produces steroidal saponins (TSS) as part of a treatment for cardiovascular disease.

Description

A yam. It is a climbing vine. The stems twine to the left. The leaves are alternate and simple. The leaves are an oval or triangle shape and usually have enlarged lobes at the base. The leaves are 5-10 cm long by 4-9 cm wide. The male flower spikes can occur singly or as 2 or 3 together. These are 5-10 cm long. The female spikes are 8 cm long. The fruit are capsules on long stalks.

Traditional Uses

Caution: It contains the drug diosgenin.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The tuber is used as a cooling medicine. An important traditional medicine. The tuber is collected near the end of the growing season. when the plant begins to wither. It is well washed and then dried in the sun or in ovens The rhizome contains around 2 - 2.5% of diosgenin. It is an extremely important, commercial source of this medicinal compound, which is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for the synthesis of steroidal drugs such as sex hormones. anti-inflammatory corticosteroids. contraceptive drugs and anabolic steroids.

Known Hazards

The tubers contain diosgenin, a drug compound used in the production of steroid hormones. Caution is advised when consuming.

Distribution

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It grows between 100-1,800 m above sea level. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Where It Grows

Asia, China,

Cultivation

The plant is usually dioecious, though monoecious forms are known. Both male and female forms of dioecious plants will need to be grown if seed is required.