Chinese Yam - Dioscorea polystachya

Chinese Yam, Dioscorea polystachya, is a flowering, perennial, climbing vine in the yam family.

It is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, and antioxidant. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetes. It also helps regulate the gut microbiota and has an estrogenic effect. The bioactive secondary metabolites are polyphenols, allantoin, polysaccharides, amino acids, and saponins.1

Studies have shown it can improve insulin resistance and reduce cholesterol levels. The polysaccharides encourage a healthy gut biome. The lectin has been studied and shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.  It is being investigated as a treatment for menopausal symptoms.

 Allantoin is used in many topical applications to encourage skin cell exfoliation and thereby soften and smooth the skin. 

Suggested Tincture Dosing is 6-18 ml 3 times per day. Start with a small dose as allergies and intolerances are always possible. 

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose or treat any illness.


1 Zeng, Xiaoxuan, Dahui Liu, and Luqi Huang. 2021. "Metabolome Profiling of Eight Chinese Yam (Dioscorea polystachya Turcz.) Varieties Reveals Metabolite Diversity and Variety Specific Uses" Life 11, no. 7: 687. https://doi.org/10.3390/life11070687
2 Epping, J., Laibach, N. An underutilized orphan tuber crop—Chinese yam : a review. Planta 252, 58 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00425-020-03458-3