Evidence supporting the use of: Dioscorea nipponica
For the health condition: Kidney Stones

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Dioscorea nipponica, a species of yam used in East Asian herbal medicine, has a long-standing traditional use in Chinese medicine, including for disorders associated with the kidney and urinary tract. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) texts frequently mention Dioscorea nipponica (known as "Chuān shān yào" in Chinese) for its purported effects in promoting urination, reducing inflammation, and alleviating pain, which has led to its inclusion in herbal formulas aimed at managing kidney stones or related symptoms. The tubers contain steroidal saponins, such as dioscin, which are believed to have anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties according to in vitro and some animal studies. However, direct scientific evidence specifically validating Dioscorea nipponica for the treatment or prevention of kidney stones in humans is limited. Most available research has focused on its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antispasmodic properties, which could theoretically ease pain and discomfort associated with kidney stones but do not address dissolution or passage of the stones themselves. There are a few animal studies and traditional reports suggesting possible benefits, but there is a lack of robust clinical trials or mechanistic studies directly linking Dioscorea nipponica to improved outcomes for kidney stone patients. Therefore, its use for this condition is primarily rooted in tradition, with limited supportive evidence from modern biomedical research.

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