山药中尿囊素

BACKGROUND Dioscorea opposita Thunb. cv. Tiegun maturity (DM) is an important factor influencing its quality. However, there are few studies on the impact of harvest time on its maturation. In this study, a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics approach was applied to investigate the dynamic metabolic changes of Dioscorea opposita Thunb. cv. Tiegun at six different harvest stages of stage 1 (S1), stage 2 (S2), stage 3 (S3), stage 4 (S4), stage 5 (S5) and stage 6 (S6). RESULTS Principal component analysis (PCA) showed distinct segregation of samples obtained from S1, S2, and S3 compared to those derived from S4, S5, and S6. Interestingly, these samples from the two periods were obtained before and after frost, indicating that frost descent might be important for DM. Eight differential metabolites responsible for good separation of different groups were identified by the PCA loading plot and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA). In addition, quantitative analysis of these metabolites using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) determined the effects of harvest time on these metabolite contents, two of which, sucrose and allantoin, were considered as potential biomarkers to determine DM. CONCLUSION The work demonstrated that NMR-based metabolomics approach could serve as powerful tool to identify differential metabolites during harvesting processes, which also offered a fresh insight for understanding the DM and the potential mechanism of quality formation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

… bulgaricus, the protective effect of fermented Dioscorea opposita Thunb. on stomach lesions, … of Dioscorea opposita Thunb. raw powder showed a significantly higher allantoin content …

… the possibility of fermenting yam (Dioscorea opposita Thunb.) with Lactobacillus acidophilus … of allantoin in long yam (Dioscorea batatas Decne.) was 0.44-0.45%, Dioscorea japonica …

Dioscorea spp. belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family, known as “yams”, and contains approximately 600 species with a wide distribution. It is a major food source for millions of people in tropical and subtropical regions. Dioscorea has great medicinal and therapeutic capabilities and is a potential source of bioactive substances for the prevention and treatment of many diseases. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the phytochemicals of Dioscorea, such as steroidal saponins, polyphenols, allantoin, and, in particular, polysaccharides and diosgenin. These bioactive compounds possess anti-inflammatory activity and are protective against a variety of inflammatory diseases, such as enteritis, arthritis, dermatitis, acute pancreatitis, and neuroinflammation. In addition, they play an important role in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases, including obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Their mechanisms of action are related to the modulation of a number of key signaling pathways and molecular targets. This review mainly summarizes recent studies on the bioactive compounds of Dioscorea and its treatment of inflammatory and metabolic diseases, and highlights the underlying molecular mechanisms. In conclusion, Dioscorea is a promising source of bioactive components and has the potential to develop novel natural bioactive compounds for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory and metabolic diseases.

Yams (Dioscorea spp.) are widely cultivated as edible resources and medical materials in China. Characterizing chemical compositions in yam germplasm is crucial to determine their diversity and suitability for food and medicine applications. In this study, a core germplasm containing 25 yam landraces was used to create an effective classification of usage by characterizing their nutritive and medicinal compositions. All studied landraces exhibited high contents of starch from 60.7% to 80.6% dry weight (DW), protein (6.3–12.2% DW), minerals (especially Mg 326.8–544.7 mg/kg DW), and essential amino acids. Allantoin and dioscin varied considerably, with values of 0.62–1.49% DW and 0.032–0.092% DW, respectively. The quality variability of 25 yam landraces was clearly separated in light of UPGMA clustering and principal component analysis (PCA). Using an eigenvalue ≥1 as the cutoff, the first three principal components accounted for most of the total variability (62.33%). Classification was achieved based on the results of the measured parameters and principal component analysis scores. The results are of great help in determining appropriate application strategies for yam germplasm in China.

Yams (Discorea spp) are food security crops which serve as invaluable food sources of energy, micronutrients and phytochemicals with numerous health benefits. They show a lot of genetic and compositional diversity. New biologically active compounds are being identified from wild yams. This review focuses on the nutrients, and phytochemicals found in yam species and their health benefits. The B group of vitamins, vitamin C, pro-vitamin A; copper; manganese; isoflavones; steroidal saponins; alkaloids; terpenes; and anthocyanidins are found in different species of yams. Wild yams such as Discorea villosa and Discorea hispida are used in ethnomedicine because of their phytochemical content. Diosgenin, dioscorin, dioscin dihydrodiscorine protodioscin, methyprotodioscin, prosapogenin, epifzelechin, glucopyranoside, phytoestrogen and allantoin are bioactive phytochemicals that may be found in yams. They are valuable as anti-cancer, anti-mutagenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-ageing lipid lowering and hepatoprotective agents. Other claims based on traditional uses of yams have not been scientifically substantiated. Dioscorea species are likely to contain other unidentified secondary metabolites. Discorea species with other health promoting bioactive compounds should be identified; modern techniques should be used to extract yet unidentified compounds in Discorea and the food use and health benefits of yam species should be optimized.

The Dioscoreaceae, a family of monocotyledonous flowering plants comprising about 650 species across four genera, is prevalent in tropical regions and plays a vital role in diets across the Global South. Its edible tubers, known as yams, are both nutritional staples and widely used in traditional medicine. This review of 121 studies synthesizes knowledge on the traditional uses, biological activities, phytochemistry, nutritional value, and technological applications of Dioscoreaceae species. The most used species, Dioscorea alata and D. bulbifera, are employed across Asia, Africa, and South America to treat gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, rheumatism, and infections. In Africa, species such as D. dregeana and D. smilacifolia are primarily used for inflammatory and respiratory conditions, while in Asia, particularly China and India, D. cirrhosa, D. japonica, and D. polystachya are associated with digestive, metabolic, and endocrine disorders. Phytochemical studies consistently identify steroidal saponins, pregnane glycosides, and phenanthrene glycosides, underscoring their potential for drug discovery. These species also exhibit diverse evaluated biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic effects, supporting some of their traditional uses. With a global production of 75 million tons, yam tubers are nutrient-dense, supplying carbohydrates, proteins, and essential minerals to food-insecure populations. Additionally, polysaccharides from Dioscoreaceae demonstrate technological applications, including bioplastics, hydrogels, and functional food enhancement. Overall, this synthesis highlights the Dioscoreaceae family’s nutritional, medicinal, and technological significance, bridging traditional knowledge with modern applications, and emphasizing its cultural and innovative potential.

… belonging to the species Dioscorea opposita, has a long history of use on promoting gut health. Recent studies highlighted the diverse components found in yam (Dioscorea spp.), …

Abstract Wild yams (Dioscorea spp.) are medicinal plants rich in secondary metabolites of pharmacological interest, mostly allantoin and steroidal saponins. Their natural populations are overexploited and endangered. Cultivated yams could represent an alternative source of metabolites if interesting varieties could be selected. The objectives of the present study were to develop an HPTLC protocol for the simultaneous quantification of allantoin and steroidal saponins in dried yam powders, to compare species and varieties originating from distant geographical origins and to assess their potential as a source of secondary metabolites. Overall, 1151 accessions belonging to six cultivated species were analysed (1000 acc. from Nigeria, and 146 acc. from Vanuatu) and were compared to five commercial powders of wild yam (D. villosa). Allantoin, dioscin, gracillin, protodioscin, protogracillin and five unknown saponins were quantified. Dioscorea villosa powders varied in content and composition, with allantoin ranging from 0.23 to 22.35 mg/g (DW) and total saponins from 37.36 to 129.97 mg/g. Allantoin was present in the six species, with highest values in D. bulbifera bulbils (20.38 mg/g) and D. cayenensis tubers (17.12 mg/g). Steroidal saponins were quantified in three species, D. cayenensis, D. esculenta and D. rotundata, but were absent in D. alata, D. bulbifera and D. dumetorum. Mean total saponins contents were 42.15 mg/g in D. cayenensis, 17.65 mg/g in D. esculenta and 17/44 mg/g in D. rotundata, with accessions presenting very high values in D. cayenensis (78.31 mg/g) and D. rotundata (69.65 mg/g). For both allantoin and saponins, variation was observed within tubers and the tuber peel was richer than the flesh. Cultivated yam species represent a sustainable source of allantoin and steroidal saponins which could be further increased through conventional breeding.

… (Dioscorea opposita) is effective to improve insulin resistance [4] and it has also been characterized in animal study [5]. Allantoin … glucose lowering action of allantoin in diabetic rats [7]. …

Dioscorea opposita Thunb. cv. Tiegun (DTT), a type of homologous medicinal plant, is commonly used as food in daily life. However, there has always been confusion regarding removal of the peel, as the nutrient metabolite composition of the peel is unclear. Here, a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics approach was used to determine the metabolite distribution in DTT exclude-peel and peel. Thirteen characteristic metabolites with statistical significance were identified and compared using multivariate, univariate and cluster analyses. The results demonstrated that the peel contained the higher levels of α-glucose, batatasin IV, batatasin I, asparagine, β-glucose, protodioscin, threonine, protogracillin, dioscin, and β-sitosteryl acetate, and the samples without the peel had the higher levels of leucine, glutamine and alanine. This study provided scientific data for understanding the distribution characteristics of metabolites in DTT samples, promoting reasonable consumption of DTT.

… A new CE method has been developed for the separation and determination of allantoin, … , which has been successfully used for determination of allantoin, choline and arginine in some …

In this study, the basic nutrients, textures and volatile flavor compounds of 11 varieties of yams were analyzed using various analytical and measurement methods, and an evaluation model was established. The study revealed variations in the nutritional quality of the 11 yam species, highlighting both varietal and regional differences. The protein content of different yams ranged from 6.53% to 17.45%, polysaccharide content from 1.21% to 15.96%, fat content from 0.63% to 2.39%, total starch content from 52.03% to 82.01%, allantoin content from 3.16~11.5 mg/g, total saponin content from 0.66% to 10.47%, the ranking of trace element content was as follows: K>Fe>Mg>Ca>Na>Zn, the total amino acid content was 17.2%~74.85%, among which the essential amino acid/total amino acid was 23.22%~32.93%, which was slightly lower than the FAO/WHO ideal protein standard. Texture analysis results showed that iron stick yam had a relatively soft, glutinous, and smooth overall taste. A total of 64 volatile compounds were detected in the 11 types of yams, with higher contents of alcohols (0.64% to 85.04%) and aldehydes (1.76% to 28.12%). The content of volatile compounds varied greatly, the relative content of volatile components in Hebei hemp yam was the highest, while that in Chaoshan yam was the lowest. Correlation analysis results revealed significant correlations between different nutritional components and between nutritional components and texture characteristics. Principal component analysis results indicated that the top three in overall nutritional quality were Henan iron stick yam, Shandong Jiaxiang slender hairy yam, and Hebei hemp yam. The results of this paper indicate that the nutritional components, texture characteristics, and volatile components of yams from different regions vary, providing a reference basis for the processing and development of related yam products.

Abstract China is an important domestication center of yams, and two main yam species of Dioscorea opposita and D. alata are commonly cultivated in China. However, the differences of nutritional and medicinal characteristics between the two species and their subgroups remain unclear, which would greatly affect the resource conservation and commercial utilization of yams. In this study, typical yam resources including the species of D. opposita (wild and cultivated Ruichang yam from southern China, and Tiegun yam from northern China) and two landraces of D. alata (Longyan yam and Anyuan yam from southern China) were selected as materials. Nutritional traits and medicinal characteristics were determined and analyzed respectively. The results showed that there was no significant differences in the content of most nutrients between D. opposita and D. alata, but most cultivated Ruichang yam of D. opposita showed higher levels of starch, soluble sugar, sucrose, and ascorbate in tuber than that in yam from D. alata. Moreover, an UPLC-MS method was developed for identification and determination of medicinal characteristics in the two species. The results showed that allantoin can be detected in all selected samples. Cultivated Ruichang yam of D. opposita possessed the highest allantoin content among the tested materials, and was significantly different with that in Tiegun yam and D. alata. Dioscin was not detected in D. alata. Overall, there was little difference in nutritional composition between D. opposita and D. alata, but the medicinal quality of D. opposita was better than that of D. alata. Due to the outstanding comprehensive quality, the local variety of cultivated Ruichang yam can be further developed and utilized.

… Further, the type of yam and extraction process also affects the content of allantoin and … EYP contained a considerably lower allantoin content (0.44%) than did raw yam powder, which …

The objective of this study was to investigate the therapeutic efficacies of crude yam (Dioscorea batatas) powder (PY), water extract of yam (EY), and allantoin (the active constituent of yam) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats with respect to glucose, insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), C-peptide, glycated hemoglobin (HbAlc), lipid metabolism, and oxidative stress. For this purpose, 50 rats were divided into five groups: normal control (NC), diabetic control (STZ), and STZ plus treatment groups (STZ + PY, STZ + EY, and STZ + allantoin). After treatment for one-month, there was a decrease in blood glucose: 385 ± 7 in STZ, 231 ± 3 in STZ + PY, 214 ± 11 in STZ + EY, and 243 ± 6 mg/dL in STZ + allantoin, respectively. There were significant statistical differences (p < 0.001) compared to STZ (100%): 60% in STZ + PY, 55% in STZ + EY, and 63% in STZ + allantoin. With groups in the same order, there were significant decreases (p < 0.001) in HbAlc (100% as 24.4 ± 0.6 ng/mL, 78%, 75%, and 77%), total cholesterol (100% as 122 ± 3 mg/dL, 70%, 67%, and 69%), and low-density lipoprotein (100% as 29 ± 1 mg/dL, 45%, 48%, and 38%). There were also significant increases (p < 0.001) in insulin (100% as 0.22 ± 0.00 ng/mL, 173%, 209%, and 177%), GLP-1 (100% as 18.4 ± 0.7 pmol/mL, 160%, 166%, and 162%), and C-peptide (100% as 2.56 ± 0.10 ng/mL, 129%, 132%, and 130%). The treatment effectively ameliorated antioxidant stress as shown by a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in malondialdehyde (100% as 7.25 ± 0.11 nmol/mL, 87%, 86%, and 85%) together with increases (p < 0.01) in superoxide dismutase (100% as 167 ± 6 IU/mL, 147%, 159%, and 145%) and reduced glutathione (100% as 167 ± 6 nmol/mL, 123%, 141%, and 140%). The results indicate that yam and allantoin have antidiabetic effects by modulating antioxidant activities, lipid profiles and by promoting the release of GLP-1, thereby improving the function of β-cells maintaining normal insulin and glucose levels.

Background: Osteoporosis is a prevalent bone metabolic disorder driven by an imbalance between osteoclasts and osteoblasts. This study explores the anti-osteoporotic potential of Chinese yam peel (CYP), a postharvest agricultural byproduct, and its bioactive component, allantoin. Methods: A glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) zebrafish model was employed to evaluate the in vivo effects of CYP on jaw bone formation and mineralization. In vitro osteoblast-osteoclast assay was assessed using MC3T3-e1 cells and RAW264.7 cells, measuring the mRNA expression of osteoblast and osteoclast-related genes (Sp7, Opg, Runx2, RANK, c-Fos, NFATc1) via qPCR. Bioactive constituents were identified using HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS combined with bioinformatics analysis. GEO analysis and pathway enrichment were used to identify central signaling pathways. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations were performed to evaluate the binding affinities of allantoin to key targets in bone metabolism. Results: The CYP significantly promotes the formation of jaw bone and bone mineralization in zebrafish. In vitro assays revealed CYP’s dose-dependent suppression of osteoclastogenesis, evidenced by reduced TRAP activity and downregulation of RANK, c-Fos, and NFATc1 mRNA expression in RAW264.7 cells, suggesting a predominant inhibition of bone resorption function. HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS technology combined with bioinformatics analysis identified allantoin as a major constituent, and computational analyses confirmed its high-affinity binding to STAT3 and BCL2, which are key targets in bone metabolism. GEO analysis and pathway enrichment highlighted the JAK-STAT signaling pathway as a central mechanism to protect against osteoporosis. Conclusions: This work validates Chinese yam peel as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds, proposing allantoin as a multi-target modulator of bone resorption. These findings advance the high-value utilization of agricultural waste and provide a scientific basis for developing natural therapies against osteoporosis.

Yam as a medicinal and edible resource plant, is abundant in bioactive compounds including polysaccharides, polyphenols, allantoin, and saponins, these constituents endow yam with diverse functional properties, such as antioxidant, anti-diabetic, anti-tumor, immunomodulatory and alleviating enteritis effects. The extraction methods, functional properties, and the primary mechanisms through which these compounds exert their effects in different varieties of yams from various regions are reviewed, and the future research priorities are proposed to offer valuable insights for the advanced processing of yams and to inform further investigations into their functional characteristics.

… of yam powder-added yogurt samples. No change was found in allantoin and diosgenin contents for … viscosity were found with 5 and 7% yam powder addition. However, less than 3% …

This study investigated the digestibility and colonic fermentation characteristics of Dioscorea fordii flours processed by steaming-refrigeration (SRY), extrusion-refrigeration (ERY), and baking (BY). SRY and ERY exhibited 31.19% and 18.52% higher resistant starch contents than BY, likely due to the higher degree of starch structural order. Simulated digestion indicated medium estimated glycemic indices (eGI) for SRY (67.38) and ERY (68.48), and a high eGI for BY (75.69). Allantoin was well preserved across all thermally processed yam flours. Saponins and polyphenols decreased by 19.15% and 28.86% in ERY, respectively. Simulated digestion and fermentation revealed that BY released more bioaccessible bioactive components, while SRY and ERY promoted greater production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and enriched beneficial bacteria, including Bifidobacterium and Ligilactobacillus. Steaming-refrigeration and extrusion-refrigeration effectively modulate starch digestibility of yam flour and may benefit glucose metabolism through enhanced SCFA production and probiotic enrichment. They are more suitable for processing glucose-friendly foods.

… allantoin accumulation are attributable to activities of the enzymes of the pathway, especially in storedyam tubers. Yam … to determine the nitrogen contents of yam tubers before and after …

… are to analyze the contents of allantoin and allantoic acid in D. … allantoin and allantoic acid from the mucilage. The total amount of allantoin and allantoic acid of the following Dioscorea (…

… Aliquots of standard allantoin solution, yam extract and a mixture of the two were spotted on to cellulose plates and run in the ascending mode in each of the three solvent systems. After …

With the aging process, a loss of skeletal muscle mass and dysfunction related to metabolic syndrome is observed in older people. Yams are commonly use in functional foods and medications with various effects. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of rhizome extract of Dioscorea batatas (Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Chinese yam) and its bioactive compound, allantoin, on myoblast differentiation and mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle cells. Yams were extracted in water and allantoin was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The expression of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) and mitochondrial biogenesis-regulating factors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), sirtuin-1 (Sirt-1), nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1) and transcription factor A, mitochondrial (TFAM), and the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) were determined in C2C12 myotubes by reverse transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or western blot. The glucose levels and total ATP contents were measured by glucose consumption, glucose uptake and ATP assays, respectively. Treatment with yam extract (1 mg/mL) and allantoin (0.2 and 0.5 mM) significantly increased MyHC expression compared with non-treated myotubes. Yam extract and allantoin significantly increased the expression of PGC-1α, Sirt-1, NRF-1 and TFAM, as well as the phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC in C2C12 myotubes. Furthermore, yam extract and allantoin significantly increased glucose uptake levels and ATP contents. Finally, HPLC analysis revealed that the yam water extract contained 1.53% of allantoin. Yam extract and allantoin stimulated myoblast differentiation into myotubes and increased energy production through the upregulation of mitochondrial biogenesis regulators. These findings indicate that yam extract and allantoin can help to prevent skeletal muscle dysfunction through the stimulation of the energy metabolism.

… Allantoin is one of the active principles contained in yam (Dioscorea spp.). … and CYP-E have higher scavenging activity to OH• and DPPH when compared to the extract of flesh. …

Dioscorea species, known as “Yams”, belong to the Dioscoreaceae family. Members of the Dioscoreaceae family are widely distributed across subtropical and tropical regions. They are notable for their high content of starch, dietary fiber, and various bioactive compounds. In addition to serving as a staple food source, these tubers possess significant medicinal value in traditional medicine, particularly for treating diabetes, diarrhea, and various inflammatory diseases. This study aimed to comprehensively summarize the active components and food development potential of Dioscorea species from research over the past decade by searching commonly used databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. This review highlights the classification of bioactive compounds in Dioscorea spp. using the NPClassifier tool. We discuss 60 representative bioactive metabolites, including terpenoids, phenylpropanoids, carbohydrates, fatty acids, alkaloids, and amino acids. Additionally, we discuss the functional food applications and regulations of Dioscorea spp., which possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anticancer properties. This review is expected to provide scientific ideas for future research related to prioritizing the optimization of extraction technologies, the execution of rigorous clinical trials to confirm therapeutic effects, and the exploration of novel applications of Dioscorea spp. bioactives to fully harness their potential in improving human health.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Dysfunction of glucose metabolism is associated with the occurrence of metabolic syndromes, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In this study, we investigated the anti-diabetic effects of yam extract and allantoin in high-fat-diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice and the mechanism of action on the dysfunction of the liver, pancreas, and skeletal muscle. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice were induced into a diabetic condition by HFD for 16 weeks and a single injection of STZ (120 mg/kg) and then orally administered yam extract (500 and 1000 mg/kg) or allantoin (20 and 50 mg/kg) once daily for 4 weeks. The changes in physiological parameters, serological parameters, and morphology of tissues were investigated. The expression levels of antioxidant enzymes, biogenetic proteins, and myogenetic proteins were determined in the liver, pancreas and skeletal muscle tissues of mice. RESULTS The administration of yam extract and allantoin at high doses in HFD-/STZ-induced diabetic mice compared with the control group significantly decreased the increase in body weight, caloric intake, and water intake. Yam extract and allantoin significantly decreased high glucose and leptin, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase levels and increased insulin and albumin levels in the plasma of mice. Yam extract and allantoin inhibited the structural damage of the liver with regard to fat accumulation, the pancreas with regard to hyperplasia of Langerhans' islets, and skeletal muscle with regard to atrophy and significantly increased the expression of antioxidant enzymes and mitochondria-mediated biogenetic factors in the liver, pancreas, and muscle tissues. In addition, yam extract and allantoin significantly increased the expression of myogenetic proteins in skeletal muscle tissues. CONCLUSION Our results indicated that yam extract and allantoin improve diabetic symptoms through the regulation of oxidation and glucose imbalance in liver, pancreas, and skeletal muscle tissues in mice. These findings suggest that yam extract and allantoin can be used as antidiabetic factors in supplementary foods and medications for T2DM patients.

Dioscorea polystachya, named Chinese yam, is widely cultivated as a functional food and natural medicine in China. There is currently little information about the chemical characteristics of Dioscorea polystachya in different organs (tuber cortex and tuber flesh) and at various ages. In this study, an ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐QTOF/MS) was used to profile chemical compounds in Dioscorea polystachya. As a result, thirty‐eight compounds were detected in yam tuber cortex and tuber flesh. More compounds were detected in yam tuber cortex than in tuber flesh. Compounds such as dehydroepiandrosterone, allantoin and flavonoids were selected as biomarker candidates. Dehydroepiandrosterone was found more abundant in tuber flesh, while allantoin and flavonoids showed higher levels in tuber cortex. Furthermore, the levels of dioscin, malvalic acid and sucrose differed significantly among age groups and were highest in the tubers at 2 years. While the levels of allantoin, adenosine and glutamine increased with the growing years and were highest at 4 years. Thus, 2‐year old Dioscorea polystachya tubers could be harvested to prepare dioscin, malvalic acid and sucrose supplements. The 4‐year‐old Dioscorea polystachya tubers would be the best choice for obtaining a large amount of allantoin and adenosine in industrial production.

… the allantoin content of Chinese yams and changes during storage of Chinese yam tubers are rare. Therefore, allantoin … of yam extract at the concentration of; retention time = 6.19 min …

This study compared the effects of cooking processes (including steaming, boiling, hot-air roasting and microwaving) on the nutrients of Dioscorea opposita planting in sandy soil (SSCY) and loessial soil (LSCY). The contents of crude fiber and reducing sugar increased significantly during cooking for SSCY, whereas those of LSCY remained unchanged. A significant decline in allantoin content was observed in boiled yams (approximately 6.0% for SSCY and 14.1% for LSCY, respectively). Moreover, the differences in chemical compositions between SSCY and LSCY were compared using non-targeted metabolomics. Totally, 656 differential metabolites of LSCY were identified, including lipids, nucleotides, amino acids and derivatives, and organic acids, which might be the key reason why LSCY exhibits higher nutritional values than SSCY. This research contributed to understanding the systematic metabolic changes during planting and the molecular mechanisms influencing the quality formation, providing the theoretical references for the more scientific consumption of Chinese yam.

Saline-alkali stress (SAS) significantly impairs crop growth, yield and quality, while allantoin plays a crucial role in enhancing plant tolerance to this stress. Yam (Dioscorea opposita Thunb.) has substantial nutritional and medicinal value. However, the regulatory mechanism of allantoin in regulating yam growth and nutritional quality under SAS remains largely unclear. In this study, we found that SAS severely inhibited the growth and root development of yam bulbil seedlings. Specifically, in leaves, the contents of osmotic regulators (e.g., proline, soluble sugar) and malondialdehyde (MDA), along with the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), were significantly increased. Additionally, leaf Na+ content was increased, K+ content was decreased, and the Na+/K+ ratio was significantly elevated. Meanwhile, the contents of allantoin, diosgenin, and polysaccharides in tubers were significantly increased. Overexpression of the allantoin synthase gene DoAS in Arabidopsis thaliana further enhanced its tolerance to SAS. Furthermore, compared with the SAS-only group, allantoin treatment significantly improved yam seedling growth, reduced leaf proline and MDA contents, enhanced SOD and POD activities, decreased the Na+/K+ ratio, increased tuber yield and contents of major active components, and lowered tuber Na+ content. Taken together, allantoin significantly improves ionic balance and antioxidant capacity in yam bulbil seedlings under SAS, thereby promoting seedling growth and nutrient accumulation in tubers. This study thus highlights the critical role of allantoin in regulating the growth and nutrient accumulation in tuber crops under SAS.

Dioscorea batatas Decne (Chinese yam) has been widely cultivated in East Asia for the purposes of food and medicinal uses for centuries. Along with its high nutritional value, the medicinal value of D. batatas has been extensively investigated in association with phytochemicals such as allantoin, flavonoids, saponins and phenanthrenes. Phenanthrenes are especially considered the standard marker chemicals of the Chinese yam for their potent bioactivity and availability of analysis with conventional high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) methods. In order to investigate how much the contents of phenanthrenes are in the actual food products provided for consumers, D. batatas tuber was peeled and separated into its peel and flesh as in the conventional processing method. A quantitative analysis using the HPLC-UV method revealed that phenanthrenes are concentrically present in the D. batatas peel, while phenanthrenes are present in the flesh under the limit of detection. The difference in the contents of phenanthrenes is estimated to have arisen the considerable difference of antioxidant potential between the peel and the flesh. The results from this study suggest the high value of the discarded biomass of the Chinese yam peel and the necessity for the utilization of the Chinese yam peel.

… in yam (Dioscorea spp.). In the present study, HPLC analysis of the DB extract revealed a high amount of allantoin (2.33%, w/w). A recent study reported that allantoin increased glucose …

… Quantitative determination of allantoin is difficult due to its extreme polarity, and there have … The obtained extract was filtered and evaporated in vacuum. The extract was weighed (5.0 g) …

Yam (Dioscorea opposite Thunb) is used as a staple food and a traditional medicine in China. This study investigated the effects of different household cooking methods on the …

… Abstract:Yam, as a traditional medicinal and edible plant, is … , proteins, and allantoin, demonstrating significant development … Modern pharmacological studies are shown that yam …

… In addition, the pharmacological qualities of yams have also been reported due to the … properties are also present in yams such as phenolics, flavonoids, allantoin, dioscin, dioscorin, …

Dioscorea alata, also known as water yam is an important plant found globally. Nearly 600 different yam species have been reported around the world. D. alata is an edible product, it is highly cultivated in countries like tropical South America, Africa, Australia, and South-eastern U.S. Dioscorea alata, commonly known as water yam, purple yam, ube, or greater yam has been reported to have diverse activities in various diseases. D. alata belongs to dioscoreaceae family and has been found to have antioxidant and antiinflammatory, anti-apoptotic properties. The metabolic products of dioscorea alata are phenolic compounds, reducing sugars, flavonoids, glycoside, saponins, alkaloids, anthraquinones, proteins, tannins etc. The active constituents of D. alata are diosgenin, dioscorine, dioscin, cholin, mucin, allantoin, crude fat, crude fiber, catechins, chlorogenic acids, proanthocyanidins, myricetin, diosbulbin and sapogenin. Diosgenin is one of the main steroidal glycoside has been reported to have different activities like anti-diabetic activity, anti-hypertensive activity, anti-cancer activity, anti-inflammatory activity and cardio protective activity. Diosgenin is effective in heart disease due to the anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic activity. Diosgenin has also been found to reduce oxidative stress and increase the levels of glutathione, SOD and catalase activity. Diosgenin also reported to inhibit the apoptosis by reducing the activation of caspase 9, a pro-apoptotic factor. Furthermore, bioactive compounds, including diosgenin, anthocyanins and dietary fiber of D. alata tuber has potential to prevent the condition of hyperlipidemia by normalizing blood lipid profiles. However, further investigations are required to find the effect of D. alata on cardiovascular disorders.

The growing focus on balanced diets and health-enhancing foods has underscored the importance of functional crops like yam (Dioscorea spp.), which serves as both a nutritional staple and a source of medicinal bioactives. Yam is consumable subterranean rhizomes or tubers, derived from plant sources in the Dioscorea genus. More than 90 of the roughly 600 yam species found in the world are found in East Asia. Additionally, yam contains bioactive compounds, which are non-nutritive components with vital health benefits, including phenolic compounds, saponins, tannins, and flavonoids, which contribute to its diverse therapeutic potential. Despite the numerous benefits inherent in yams, they also offer huge healthy perks, like antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, antimicrobial, and anti-tumor outcomes, making them important food candidates in the nutraceutical and pharma sectors. This review synthesizes current knowledge on nutritional composition, bioactive properties, extraction methods, therapeutic potentials, biological properties and administration. Strategies to enhance its utilization for greater impact are also discussed. This review highlights the potential of yam as a functional food, emphasizing its role in promoting dietary diversity and contributing to the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases, while also exploring associated challenges, emerging applications, and future research directions.

… This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical composition of Chinese yam aqueous extract (CYW) and evaluate its gastroprotective effects against ethanol-induced gastric injury in …

… containing information on the pharmacology and toxicity of … Allantoin, as the principle active compound, is abundant in D. … present study confirmed the presence of allantoin in DRWE. …

Abstract Tropical ecosystems are particularly rich in edible plant species with different bioactive substances. Among the plants with promising benefits for health are species from the genus Dioscorea (Dioscoreaceae), especially those named yam. Recent studies have shown the beneficial effects of different species of Dioscorea , and its main constituent, diosgenine, in the treatment of food allergy. In this study we evaluated the potential of D. trifida , the only yam native from South America, in the treatment of ovalbumin (OVA) induced food allergy in Balb/c mice. HPLC/DAD analysis showed the presence of three very distinctive groups of natural products in extracts and fractions: (I) very polar substances, including allantoin, (II) phenolic substances as flavonoids and phenolic acids and (III) diosgenin and derivatives. Sensitive mice received casein feed with supplementation of crude extract (CE) and fractions. The supplementation with all products from D. trifida reduced IGE, intestinal oedema and mucus production, parameters observed in OVA allergic mice. The results showed the potential of this food to prevent or treat this disease and the necessity to be better explored.

This paper systematically investigates the changes in material properties during electrohydrodynamic (EHD) drying, the discharge characteristics of the EHD system as well as the active ingredients, textural properties (hardness, adhesiveness, etc.) and moisture distribution of yam under EHD, air drying and hot air drying were investigated. The results showed that the active particles and the ionized wind generated during the discharge process of the electrohydrodynamic drying device had a significant effect on the drying. Compared to thermal drying, 21 kV drying resulted in the most complete cellular structure, the best internal bound water content as well as textural properties of yam. It played a positive role in the retention of internal nutrients in yam, and the total phenol and allantoin contents were increased by 25.74% and 81.99%, respectively. These results elucidate the advantages of electrohydrodynamic drying in yam drying and provide a reference for the application of EHD in drying.

… 山药(Chinese yam)是薯蓣科植物薯蓣的干燥根 茎[1],主要分布于我国东北,华北,华中等地区[2].… (HPLC-DAD).Results The contents of water, protein, uracil, adenosine and allantoin in …

Graphical abstract

… tested for marketable tuber production in Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita). Tuber yield was … of allantoin in Chinese yam tubers, the apt harvest season was after October. The allantoin …

… Fingerprint chromatogram from HPLC indicated that EDP contains gallic acid and vanillic … , allantoin, choline, crude fat, crude fibre, phytosterols and steroidal saponins. Yams have also …

Yams are the edible subterranean rhizomes, or tubers, of plants from the genus Dioscorea. There are approximately 600 species of yam plants in the world, with more than 90 of these growing in East Asia. One particular species, Dioscorea opposita Thunb., is highly praised as “the Chinese yam”. This distinction arises from millennia of storied history, both as a nutritional food source and as a principal ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine. Among the many cultivars of Dioscorea opposita Thunb., Huai Shanyao has been widely regarded as the best. This review surveyed the historical background, physiochemical composition, applications as food and medicine, and research prospects for the Chinese yam. Modern science is finally beginning to confirm the remarkable health benefits of this yam plant, long-known to the Chinese people. Chinese yam promises anti-diabetic, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-hypertensive, anti-cancer, and combination treatment applications, both as a functional food and as medicine.

… The CCF1contained 11 chemical compounds with allantoin and protodioscin being relatively the most abundant. The significant and dose-dependent suppression of parasitemia by the …

… They are rich in secondary metabolites including phenols, flavonoids, allantoin, inulin and … without peeling, which is a unique case among yams. Flour and starch are extracted and …

Dioscorea batatas Decne (Chinese yam), a perennial trailing plant, has been used as a traditional medicine due to its beneficial biological effects. Recent studies reported that yam bark powder increased antioxidant enzyme activity and exerted an anti-inflammatory effect in drug-induced liver injury or colorectal cancer in rats. In this study, we examined whether ethanol extracts of yam bark (peel) could ameliorate the macrophage-induced inflammatory damage of colonic epithelial cells in culture and in an acute colitis mouse model. Human HCT116 colorectal epithelial cells and/or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated murine Raw 264.7 macrophages were treated with the yam bark extract, followed by biochemical examination of cellular cytokine and antioxidant enzyme expression levels. Our results demonstrated that the yam bark extract decreased nitric oxide production and proinflammatory protein expression in LPS-activated Raw 264.7 cells, and reduced the level of reactive oxygen species in hydrogen peroxide-challenged HCT116 cells. Moreover, yam bark extract attenuated dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute colitis in BALB/c mice. These findings suggest that oral supplementation with yam bark extract inhibited DSS-induced colon inflammation through upregulation of antioxidant enzymes and subsequent downregulation of inflammatory proteins.

The defatted methanol extract of Dioscorea esculenta tuber was evaluated for anti-inflammatory properties in animal model using Wistar rats. The study was done using the cotton thread method in measuring the right hind paw oedema and granuloma tissue formation in rats. The extract was tested at doses between 100 ‐ 200 mg/kg body weight of rats. Preliminary phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of saponins, disgenin, �-sistosterol, stigmasterol, cardiac glycosides, fat and starch. The extract exhibited significant inhibition of the carrageenan-induced oedema that was dose-dependent with a good initial effect in 1 h and 2 h at doses of 100 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg, respectively. The observed activity was comparable to that of 150 mg/kg acetylsalicylic acid that was used as a reference drug in the study. D. esculenta tuber methanol extract supports the folkloric use for management of inflammation.

… This study reviewed the bioactive compounds found in Thai yams, ie, D. hispida Dennst., D. … bioactivities include saponin derivatives such as diosgenin and dioscin, flavonoids, allantoin…

Dioscorea nipponica Makino is a perennial twining herbs belonging to the family Dioscoreaceae, which is mainly distributed in the northeastern, northern, eastern and central regions of China. Traditionally, the rhizome of this herb has been commonly used by Miao and Meng ethnic groups of China to treat rheumatoid arthritis, pain in the legs and lumbar area, Kashin Beck disease, bruises, sprains, chronic bronchitis, cough and asthma. Modern pharmacological studies have discovered that this herb possesses anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-diuretic, analgesic, anti-tussive, panting-calming and phlegm-dispelling activities, along with enhancing immune function and improving cardiovascular health. In recent years, both fat-soluble and water-soluble steroidal saponins were isolated from the rhizomes of D. nipponica using silica gel column chromatography, thin layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography methods. Saponin and sapogenins are mainly responsible for most of the pharmacological effects of this plant. Further, the chemical components of the aboveground parts contain more than 10 kinds of phenanthrene derivatives. The present review summarizes the knowledge concerning the geographical distribution, chemical composition, pharmacological effects, toxicology studies and clinical applications of D. nipponica.

… of Dioscorea opposita Thunb. peel as a promising source of bioactive ingredients, and form … , which may be due to the higher content of allantoin, total phenolics, and total flavonoids [7]. …

… compounds (TPC) and allantoin content were observed in the HHP pretreated samples, and the 200 MPa pretreated sample had the highest TPC and allantoin which reached 0.45 mg …