dioscorea bulbifera

*Dioscorea bulbifera*, commonly known as airpotato yam or Huang Yaozi in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a perennial vine in the yam family (Dioscoreaceae). It is traditionally utilized in China for the treatment of thyroid-related conditions, including goiter and hyperthyroidism, as well as for its anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties. The plant contains various bioactive compounds, most notably norditerpene lactones known as diosbulbins (such as diosbulbin B) and steroid sapogenins like diosgenin. While it exhibits anti-thyroid activity, its clinical use is carefully monitored due to potential dose-dependent hepatotoxicity associated with certain constituents. Research, including studies by Guang'anmen Hospital, focuses on evaluating the efficacy and safety of TCM prescriptions containing this botanical extract in managing hyperthyroidism symptoms and regulating thyroid hormone levels.

Other names

airpotato yamHuang Yaoziair potatobitter yampotato yamDioscorea bulbifera L.