Evidence supporting the use of: Yam (unspecified)
For the body system: Small Intestines
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Yam (Dioscorea spp.), particularly the Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita or Dioscorea polystachya), has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for supporting the digestive system, including the Small Intestine. In TCM, Chinese yam is believed to strengthen the Spleen and Stomach, promote healthy digestion, and address symptoms like diarrhea and poor appetite, which are often linked to Small Intestine dysfunction in this tradition. The rationale is primarily based on energetic properties and patterns of disharmony rather than direct anatomical or physiological effects as recognized by modern biomedical science.
From a scientific perspective, yams contain starches, dietary fiber, and bioactive compounds that may support general digestive health, but there is limited direct clinical evidence demonstrating specific support for the Small Intestine. Most biomedical research has focused on yams’ effects on blood sugar regulation, antioxidant properties, and hormonal activity. There is some preclinical data suggesting yam polysaccharides may support gut barrier function or modulate gut flora, but these findings are not specific to the Small Intestine and are mostly from animal studies. Therefore, the use of yam to support the Small Intestine is justified primarily by traditional use, with modest supporting evidence.
Other ingredients that support Small Intestines
2'-Fucosyllactosealoe vera
alpha-galactosidase
amino acids
amylase
amylopectin
asparagus
bacillus clausii
bacillus coagulans
bacillus subtilis
bayberry
berberine
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
broccoli
rice
brussel sprouts
butyrate triglyceride
caprylic acid
carrot
chia seed
chicory
cinnamon
coating
colostrum
turmeric
endo-peptidase
exo-peptidase
fennel
fenugreek
fiber blend (proprietary)
flavonols
flaxseed
folate
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fungal protease
ginger
green banana
green tea
gurmar
cellulose
immunoglobin G
inulin
isomalto-oligosaccharide
kale
l-5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt (5-MTHF)
l-alanyl-l-glutamine
l-glutamine
lactase
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus bulgaricus
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus helveticus
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lactococcus lactis
lactoferrin
lemon
lipase
magnesium
marshmallow
medium chain triglycerides (MCT)
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
n-acetyl-glucosamine
okra
ox bile
pancreatin
parsley
pear
peptidase (DPPIV)
phellodendron amurense
phenolic acids
phospholipids
phytase
potato starch
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
prolyl endopeptidase (PEP)
protease
protein
butyric acid
pumpkin
saccharomyces boulardii
sardines
slippery elm bark
soybean
spinach
starch
streptococcus thermophilus
sucrase
sulforaphane glucosinolate
tributyrin
vitamin A
vitamin B
vitamin D
vitamin D3
seaweed
water
watermelon
xylooligosaccharides
zinc
papaya
pterocarpus marsupium
lingzhi
yarrow
bile salt
sodium salt
dioscorea
electrolytes blend (proprietary)
polyphenols
trace minerals
purslane
fungal enzymes blend (proprietary)
millet seed
herbal blend (proprietary)
chickpea protein
enzymes blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
ashitaba
Aminopeptidase
Alchornea
Alpha-glycans
Alchemilla
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Acemannan
Algal protein
Arabinoxylan
Animal protein
Black Seed
Bifidobacterium
Bacillus indicus
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Brassica
Bran
Bael
Butternut
Bacillus licheniformis
Bile
Bifidobacterium animalis
Bee products
Bitter principals
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
bile acid
Bacillus
Buckwheat
Boerhavia diffusa
Bottle gourd
Centella triterpenes
Curry leaf
Cowpea
Cinnamomum
Carvacrol
Cape Aloe
Citrus
Cruciferous
Chitin-Glucan Complex
Corktree
Clostridium butyricum
Debaryomyces hansenii
Diamine Oxidase
Enterococcus
Egg
Eucheuma
Enzyme Blend
Egg protein
Fig
Fiber
Flavonoids
Goldthread
Galactosidase
glucose
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Soy Protein
Other body systems supported by Yam (unspecified)
Adrenal GlandsBlood
Brain
Circulatory System
Digestive System
Estrogen
Female Reproductive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Glandular System
Heart
Immune System
Intestinal System
Joints
Kidneys
Liver
Male Reproductive System
Ovaries
Progesterone
Reproductive System
Skin
Small Intestines
Uterus
Vagina