Dioscorea pseudojaponica

Dioscorea pseudojaponica, commonly known as Japanese yam, is a versatile medicinal plant valued in traditional East Asian medicine. Renowned for its nutritional properties and bioactive compounds, it is frequently utilized to support digestive health, reduce inflammation, and promote overall vitality, offering a natural approach to holistic wellness and healing.

  • Scientific name: Dioscorea pseudojaponica
  • Family: Dioscoreaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Dioscoreales. Finally, it is a member of the family Dioscoreaceae and falls under the genus Dioscorea.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Dioscoreales WCVP
Family Dioscoreaceae WCVP
Genus Dioscorea WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Dioscorea pseudojaponica, is known by various names depending on the region and language. In Chinese, it is commonly referred to as 假薯蓣 (Jiǎ shǔ yù), while in Japanese, it is known as 偽ジャポニカヤムイモ (Gi-japonika yamuimo).
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range concentrated within the eastern regions of Asia. It is primarily found in the southeastern parts of China, where it thrives in local ecosystems. Additionally, its distribution extends to the Nansei-shotō islands, which are part of the broader Eastern Asian landscape. The species can also be located across the island of Taiwan. Collectively, these areas define the natural habitat where this medicinal plant grows.

Region Area Source
China China Southeast WCVP
Eastern Asia Nansei-shoto WCVP
Eastern Asia Taiwan WCVP

Activities

Dioscorea pseudojaponica has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Osteogenic.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Osteogenic 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Dioscorea pseudojaponica has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancers, cardiovascular diseases, menopause, osteoporosis.

Total uses
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
cancers 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cardiovascular diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆
menopause 1 ★☆☆☆☆
osteoporosis 1 ★☆☆☆☆