Evidence supporting the use of: Dioscorea oppositifolia
For the health condition: Insomnia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Dioscorea oppositifolia, commonly known as Chinese yam or nagaimo, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is typically used to tonify the spleen and stomach, nourish the yin, and support lung and kidney function. In the context of insomnia, there is some traditional rationale: TCM practitioners may use Dioscorea oppositifolia as part of multi-herb formulations intended to address underlying imbalances (such as yin deficiency) that are sometimes associated with sleep disturbances, including insomnia. However, Dioscorea oppositifolia is not considered a primary or direct remedy for insomnia in TCM; rather, it may serve as a supportive ingredient within complex herbal prescriptions.
There is currently little to no scientific evidence directly linking Dioscorea oppositifolia to improvements in insomnia or sleep quality. Modern pharmacological research has focused more on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic effects, rather than its impact on sleep or neurochemistry. No clinical trials or robust preclinical studies have specifically evaluated its efficacy for insomnia in humans. Thus, while its use for insomnia is rooted in traditional practice, scientific validation is lacking, and overall evidence is weak.
Other ingredients used for Insomnia
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
black cumin
Indian frankincense
rice
calcium
California poppy
cassia bark
chamomile
cherry
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
Coptis chinensis
fennel
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gooseberry
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
heartwood
hops
jujube
kava
kudzu
L-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
maca
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
ophiopogon root
orange
passionflower
perilla
phytocannabinoids
pollen
polygala root
quail egg
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
scrophularia root
skullcap
valerian root
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
tangerine
anise
blackboard tree
lingzhi
Szechuan lovage
morus
silk tree
chrysanthemum
amber
ganoderma
lotus seed
anemarrhena asphodeloides
purslane
aster root
peach
wood betony
goji berry
soursop
Aralia
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Angelica
Apigenin
Anamu
Albizia
Agarwood
Anemone
Alpha lactalbumin
Agrimonia pilosa
Arani
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Blackthorn
Balsam
Bayleaf
Big Quaking Grass
Banyan
Brahmi
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Bupleurum
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Clary sage
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cactus
Cyathula
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Cannabinol
Cymbopogon Martini
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Corktree
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Cherimoya
Corydalis
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
David's Milkberry
Doxylamine succinate
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Elk antler
Elephant's Head
Embelia
Flueggea suffruticosa
Ficus religiosa
Ficus simplicissima
Fringed Pink
Frankincense
Gelsemium
Geraniol
Giant Blazingstar
Glycine
Gardenia jasminoides
Homalomena
Honeybush
jasmine
Jatoba
Jujubosides
Jatamansi
Kavalactones
Kukicha
Kiwi
Lycium
Loquat
lemon balm
Lactucarium
Lady of the Night
Lesser speargrass
Lilium polyphyllum
Linden
Longan
Lindera
Lotus
Labrador Tea
Large-Leaved Linden
Lily
Little ironweed
Lupulinum
Loranthus
Linalool
Mesua
Myrcene
Marjoram
Mallow
Mace
Milk Protein
Matapalo Tree
Mimosa
Microtea debilis
Morning Glory
Magnolol
Mulungu
Macaranga indica
Nardostachys
Night jessamine
Nymphaea caerulea
Nymphaea nouchali
Ophiopogon
Oroxylum indicum
Onosma bracteatum
Orchid
Osmanthus
Osthole
Premna
Polysaccharides
Pulsatilla
Patchouli oil
Phlorotannins
portulaca
Passionfruit
Polygonatum
Pimpinella
Persimmon
Paeoniflorin
Poppy
Polygonum
Polygala
Rue
Rauvolfia
Rubiaceae
Rose
Rooibos
Speedwell
Scoparia dulcis
Sumbul
Self-Heal
Sweet Annie
Spikenard
Salvia
Sensitive Plant
Southernwood
Sarivan
Shankhpushpi
Sweet Woodruff
Schisandrins
Sandalwood
Semecarpus anacardium
Stachytarpheta cayennensis
Sumac
Sweet Bay
Sword Bean
Saffranal
Sedanenolide
Sweet Orange alcohol
Terminalia
Tagara
Tetrahydropalmatine
Vetiver
Valerenic acid
Vervain
Verbena
Withanolides
Wax Gourd
walnut
Winter Begonia
Winter Savory
Yuzu
Yellow-Fruit Nightshade
Ylang ylang
Other health conditions supported by Dioscorea oppositifolia
AmenorrheaAppetite (deficient)
Asthma
Backache
Bronchitis
Chills
Colds (general)
Constipation (adults)
Cough (general)
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Fatigue
Fever
Gastritis
Gout
Headache (general)
Hemorrhoids
Indigestion
Inflammation
Insomnia
Menopause
Menorrhagia
Menstrual Irregularity
Nausea and Vomiting
Nephritis
Nervousness
Pain (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
Pneumonia
Rashes and Hives
Skin Care (general)