Dioscorea septemloba

Dioscorea septemloba, commonly known as the seven-lobed yam, is a medicinal climbing plant native to various tropical regions. Renowned for its unique botanical structure, this species is valued in traditional medicine for its bioactive compounds, which are often explored for their potential therapeutic properties in treating diverse ailments.

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

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically classified within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further organized under the order Dioscoreales and the family Dioscoreaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by its 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, known scientifically as Dioscorea septemloba, is recognized in Chinese by the common name 绵萆薢 (mián bì xiè).
Language Common Name Source
zh 绵萆薢 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range concentrated within the East Asian region. In China, it is primarily distributed throughout the southeastern parts of the country. Its presence extends further north into the neighboring territories of Korea. Additionally, the species can be found growing in the islands of Japan. Together, these locations define the natural habitat for Dioscorea septemloba.

Region Area Source
China China Southeast WCVP
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP
Eastern Asia Korea WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Dioscorea septemloba, is characterized by its specific underground structures used for storage and survival. In botanical studies of this species, the most significant medicinal components are found within the rhizomes, which serve as the primary energy reserves for the climbing vine. Whether referred to in the plural as rhizomes or in the singular as a rhizoma, these fleshy, tuberous stems are the parts most frequently utilized for their bioactive properties in traditional applications.
Total parts
2
Scientific sources
2
Plant Part Sources Confidence
rhizomes 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rhizoma 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Dioscorea septemloba has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include diosgenin.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
diosgenin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Dioscorea septemloba has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include rheumatism, bone turnover, diuresis.

Total uses
3
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
rheumatism 2 ★☆☆☆☆
bone turnover 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diuresis 1 ★☆☆☆☆