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.
Silva et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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