Synopsis

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

Root tubers, such as those from plants like turmeric (Curcuma longa), yam (Dioscorea species), and other ethnobotanical sources, have been traditionally used in various cultures to support general skin care. In Ayurvedic, Chinese, and folk medicine, pastes, decoctions, or extracts from these tubers are commonly applied to the skin or consumed for their purported benefits including soothing irritation, promoting wound healing, and improving complexion. The rationale for their use often stems from observations of anti-inflammatory or antioxidant activities attributed to certain phytochemicals (like curcumin in turmeric). However, while turmeric’s topical and oral applications have received some scientific scrutiny for specific skin issues (such as acne or psoriasis), the broader category of "root tubers" for general skin care is mostly supported by traditional practice rather than robust clinical evidence. Limited in vitro and animal studies suggest that some root tubers may have beneficial compounds, but high-quality human trials are lacking for most of these ingredients. Thus, the evidence is primarily traditional, with a modest rating, acknowledging that while some traditional uses have persisted over centuries, comprehensive scientific validation for general skin care is still insufficient.

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