Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Shan Yao (Dioscorea opposita) contains diosgenin and mucilage polysaccharides that enhance digestive enzyme activity and stabilize blood glucose levels. This traditional Chinese herb strengthens spleen qi by improving nutrient absorption and supporting pancreatic beta-cell function.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Shan Yao, also known as Dioscorea opposita, is a type of yam native to China. It is cultivated for its tubers, which are used in traditional medicine and cooking.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Studies on Shan Yao suggest potential benefits for digestive health and blood sugar regulation. Some clinical trials support its use, but further research is needed.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Per 100g of fresh Shan Yao (Dioscorea opposita) tuber: Macronutrients: Calories ~93 kcal; Carbohydrates ~21.5g (primarily starch, including resistant starch ~3-5g); Dietary fiber ~1.6-2.5g (soluble mucilaginous polysaccharides and insoluble fiber); Protein ~1.5-2.0g (contains storage protein dioscorin, which exhibits antioxidant and ACE-inhibitory activity); Fat ~0.1-0.3g. Bioactive Compounds: Diosgenin (steroidal sapogenin, ~0.5-1.2% in dried tuber, a precursor for steroid hormone synthesis; bioavailability enhanced by gut microbiota hydrolysis of saponin glycosides); Allantoin (~0.01-0.03%, promotes tissue repair and has anti-inflammatory properties); Mucilaginous polysaccharides (mannose- and galactose-rich glycoproteins, ~3-5% dry weight, responsible for prebiotic and immunomodulatory effects); Dioscin (steroidal saponin, ~0.1-0.5% dry weight, exhibits hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective activity); Batatasins (phenanthrene derivatives with antioxidant activity). Vitamins: Vitamin C ~12-17mg/100g (~15-20% RDI; moderate bioavailability, partially degraded by cooking); Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) ~0.1mg; Vitamin B6 ~0.29mg (~15% RDI); Folate (B9) ~16-23µg. Minerals: Potassium ~670-816mg/100g (high bioavailability, significant for cardiovascular support); Phosphorus ~55-60mg; Magnesium ~17-21mg; Manganese ~0.33mg (~15% RDI); Zinc ~0.24mg; Iron ~0.54mg (non-heme, bioavailability ~5-12%, enhanced by concurrent vitamin C); Copper ~0.18mg. Additional Notes: Amylase and polyphenol oxidase enzymes are present in the raw tuber, supporting its traditional use for digestive enhancement; these enzymes are heat-labile and partially inactivated by cooking. The starch component has a moderate glycemic index (~53-65 depending on preparation), contributing to blood sugar stabilization. Diosgenin bioavailability is relatively low orally (~10-15%) but is improved when consumed as part of the whole food matrix due to synergistic effects with saponins and fiber. Dried/processed forms (used in TCM decoctions) concentrate bioactive compounds approximately 3-4 fold compared to fresh tuber.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Diosgenin in Shan Yao modulates glucose metabolism by enhancing insulin sensitivity and activating GLUT4 transporters in muscle tissue. The mucilage polysaccharides form protective barriers in the digestive tract while stimulating pancreatic enzyme secretion. These compounds also activate macrophages and increase cytokine production, strengthening immune response pathways.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Small human trials (n=40-80) show Shan Yao extract reduces postprandial glucose by 15-25% in type 2 diabetics over 8-12 weeks. Animal studies demonstrate 30-40% improvement in digestive enzyme activity and enhanced immune cell proliferation. However, large-scale randomized controlled trials are lacking, and most evidence comes from traditional use and preliminary research. Current clinical evidence is promising but requires validation through larger, longer-duration studies.
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