Evidence supporting the use of: Dioscorea nipponica
For the body system: Reproductive System
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Dioscorea nipponica, commonly known as Japanese yam, has been traditionally used in East Asian herbal medicine, particularly in China and Japan, to support various aspects of reproductive health. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Dioscorea species are believed to nourish the "kidney" system, which is closely linked with reproductive vitality and hormonal balance in TCM theory. The rhizome is sometimes included in formulations intended to address menstrual irregularities, infertility, or symptoms of menopause. These uses are mainly based on centuries of empirical practice rather than rigorous clinical evidence.
From a scientific perspective, Dioscorea nipponica contains steroidal saponins (such as diosgenin), which are precursors to hormones in laboratory synthesis, but there is no direct evidence that consumption of the plant or its extracts modulates human reproductive hormones or function in a clinically meaningful way. Some animal studies suggest potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but these findings do not directly translate to reproductive system support, nor are they specific to Dioscorea nipponica. No well-controlled human clinical trials have demonstrated efficacy for reproductive health indications.
In summary, while the use of Dioscorea nipponica for reproductive system support is grounded in traditional herbal practices, robust scientific validation is lacking. Its reputation for supporting reproductive health comes from historical use rather than from modern evidence-based research.
More about Dioscorea nipponica
More about Reproductive System
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acetyl l-carnitineamino acids
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beta-sitosterol
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bovine liver
broccoli
calcium
chaste tree
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choline
coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
turmeric
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DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid)
evening primrose oil
fennel
fenugreek
fish protein
flaxseed
folate
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
ginger
ginseng
gokhru
hops
inositol
iodine
iron
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
l-arginine
l-carnitine
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus jensenii
licorice root
lignans
linoleic acid (LA)
maca
magnesium
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
muira puama
omega-3 fatty acids
omega-6 fatty acids
pomegranate
protein
pumpkin
quail egg
raspberry
rehmannia glutinosa
saffron
saw palmetto
selenium
selenium
soybean
spearmint leaf
tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin D
vitamin E
vitamin E
seaweed
water
wild yam
zinc
sarsaparilla
red clover
suma
squawvine
mugwort
nut grass
anise
punarnava
smilax
chaff flower
lingusticum wallichii
yarrow
cistanche
dioscorea
dodder
eucommia
ganoderma
lotus seed
morinda
royal jelly
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guelder rose
trace minerals
anemarrhena asphodeloides
purslane
barrenwort
shepherd's purse
wood betony
hypothalamus
herbal blend (proprietary)
yohimbe
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Antler
Arachidonic Acid
Achyranthes
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Alchemilla
Aletris
Anserina
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Agnuside
Ashoka
Ant
Abuta
Allium tuberosum
Animal protein
Blue Cohosh
Babchi
Baliospermum
Black galingale
Beef
Beef liver
Bugbane
Bulbine natalensis
Black Gram
Banyan
Ba Ji Tian
Barbasco
Bee products
Borassus aethiopum
banana
Boerhavia diffusa
Calochortus
Curculigo orchicides
Cohosh
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Chinese Mountain Ant
Cucurbita
Cod Liver Oil
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Cnidium
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Cynomorium
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Chlorophytum
Chuchuhuasi
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Campylandra fimbriata
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Costus
Carthamus
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DHEA
Daidzein
Deer Velvet
Dong Quai
Dibenzo-alpha pyrones
D-Pinitol
Diosgenin
Date
Egg
Euryale seed
Elk antler
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Embelia
Estrogen
Folic Acid
False Unicorn Root
Isoflavones
Lotus
Orchid
yohimbine
Other body systems supported by Dioscorea nipponica
Adrenal CortexBladder
Circulatory System
Female Reproductive System
Glandular System
Immune System
Joints
Kidneys
Liver
Lungs
Reproductive System
Respiratory System
Skeletal System (Bones)
Urinary System