Bitter Yam
OTHER NAME(S): African Bitter Yam, Cluster Yam, Esuri Yam, Esuru, Igname Amère, Igname Sauvage, Igname Trifoliolée, Ikamba, Inhame-bravo, Name Amargo, Name de Tres Hojas, Ono, Three-leaved Yam, Trifoliate Yam, Dioscorea dumetorum, Helmia dumetorum, Ñame Amargo, Igname amère
Overview
Bitter yam (Dioscorea dumetorum) is a plant that grows in Africa. Wild forms of the yam can be toxic. Forms grown by farmers generally do not contain toxins.
Bitter yam contains chemicals that might lower blood sugar levels. Wild forms of bitter yam must be soaked and boiled before use to remove the toxins.
People use bitter yam for diabetes and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse bitter yam with wild yam (Dioscorea villosa). These are not the same.
Uses
We currently have no information for Bitter Yam overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Wild, uncooked bitter yam is possibly unsafe. It contains chemicals that can be poisonous and cause seizures. There isn't enough reliable information to know if other forms of bitter yam that are raised by farmers are safe to use as medicine.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Wild, uncooked bitter yam is possibly unsafe. It contains chemicals that can be poisonous and cause seizures. There isn't enough reliable information to know if other forms of bitter yam that are raised by farmers are safe to use as medicine.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if bitter yam is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with Bitter YamBitter yam may contain chemicals similar to the prescription drug digoxin. Taking bitter yam along with digoxin might increase the risk of side effects.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of bitter yam might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
References
- Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal, 4th ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1999.
- Emiola LO. Multiple components of alpha-amylase in germinating tubers of a yam, Dioscorea dumetorum. J Biochem 1980;87:289-95.
- Bevan CW, Broadbent JL, Hirst J. A convulsant alkaloid of Dioscorea dumetorum. Nature 1956;177(4516):935.
- Nimenibo-Uadia R. Control of hyperlipidaemia, hypercholesterolaemia and hyperketonaemia by aqueous extract of Dioscorea dumetorum tuber. Trop J Pharm Res 2003;2:183-9. Available at: https://www.bioline.org.br/request?pr03009.
- Ugwuanyi CA, Asogwa IS, Ani JC. The effect of boiling and soaking time on the chemical and functional properties of wild bitter yam. International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition 2020;5(4):63-8.