Dioscorea spp.

Abstract

The following items from Dioscorea species are listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia:Shanyao, Rhizoma Dioscoreae, is the dry rhizome of Dioscorea opposita Thunb. (Dioscoreaceae) collected in winter and used mainly for treatment of diarrhea, asthma, polyuria, and diabetes.Fenbixie, Rhizoma Dioscoreae hypoglaucae, is the dry rhizome of D. hypoglauca Palibin collected in the fall and winter and used against rheumatic diseases.Mianbixie, Rhizoma Dioscoreae septemlobae, is the dry rhizome of D. septemloba Thunb. or D. futschauensis Uline collected in the fall and winter and has the same medicinal use as D. hypoglauca.