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Wang Y, Yu D, Zhu S, Du X, Wang X. The genus Dioscorea L. (Dioscoreaceae), a review of traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 329:118069. [PMID: 38552992 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The genus Dioscorea, a member of the Dioscoreaceae family, comprises approximately 600 species and is widely distributed across temperate and tropical regions such as Asia, South Africa, and North America. The traditional medicinal uses of Dioscorea have been documented in Asian and African pharmacological systems. In Asia, this genus is traditionally used to treat respiratory illnesses, rheumatism, diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery, and other conditions. In Africa, this genus has been used to treat human immunodeficiency virus and ring worms. However, the traditional medicinal practices in North America rarely mention the use of this genus. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this review is to comprehensively review the genus Dioscorea, focusing on its traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and potential toxicities. The research also aims to highlight the valuable bioactive compounds within Dioscorea and emphasize the need for further investigations into acute and chronic toxicity, activity mechanisms, molecular markers, and other relevant factors to contribute to the discovery of novel pharmaceuticals. MATERIALS AND METHODS A search for available information on Dioscorea was conducted using scientific databases, including PubMed, ISI-WOS, Scopus, and Google Scholar, as well as recent academic publications from reputable publishers and other literature sources. The search was not limited by language and spanned the literature published between 1950 and 2022. RESULTS This article provides a comprehensive review of the Dioscorea genus, focusing on its traditional uses, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological activities, and potential toxicities. Extensive research has been conducted on this genus, resulting in the isolation and examination of over 1000 compounds, including steroids, terpenoids, and flavonoids, to determine their biological activities. These activities include anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic effects. However, some studies have indicated the potential toxicity of high doses of Dioscorea, highlighting the need for further investigations to assess the safety of this genus. Additionally, this review explores potential avenues for future research and discusses the challenges associated with a comprehensive understanding of the Dioscorea genus. CONCLUSIONS Based on the existing literature, it can be concluded that Dioscorea is a valuable source of bioactive compounds that have the potential to treat various disorders. Future research should prioritize the investigation of acute and chronic toxicity, activity mechanisms, molecular markers, and other relevant factors. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the Dioscorea genus, emphasizing its potential to enable a deeper exploration of the biological activity mechanisms of these plants and contribute to the discovery of novel pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, China
| | - Dan Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, China
| | - Shaojie Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, China
| | - Xiaowei Du
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, China.
| | - Xijun Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150040, China.
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Konoike Y, Tsukayama I, Oji M, Kawakami T, Ishii K, Suzuki-Yamamoto T. A Thickening Agent Using Dioscorea japonica Powder Exhibits Suitable Properties for People with Dysphagia. Foods 2023; 12:3943. [PMID: 37959062 PMCID: PMC10649915 DOI: 10.3390/foods12213943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In an aging society, the novel concept of added food functionality in a dysphagia diet is necessary for preventing diseases and maintain nutrition intake. The present study evaluated the utilization of Dioscorea japonica as a thickened liquid for people with dysphagia due to its unique physical properties and beneficial effects on chronic inflammation. The viscosity of the prepared thickened liquid using freeze-dried Dioscorea japonica powder was compared with those of xanthan gum and commercially available thickened liquids in selected conditions resembling to cooking. Dioscorea japonica powder showed high versatility, because the viscosity of its thickened liquid could be easily adjusted by modifying its blending amount and temperature. The thickened liquid of Dioscorea japonica had the most stable viscosity among the thickened liquids when NaCl was added and exhibited excellent resistance to α-amylase, similar to that of the other thickened liquids. The viscosity of the thickened liquid of Dioscorea japonica was relatively stable on changing the pH, but it was slightly unstable when the temperature changed. Overall, the thickened liquid of Dioscorea japonica powder has excellent viscosity stability, comparable to or better than commercially available thickened liquids, and is expected to be used as a new thickened liquid with added food functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Konoike
- Department of Nutritional Science, Okayama Prefectural University, 111 Kuboki, Soja, Okayama 719-1197, Japan; (Y.K.); (I.T.); (M.O.); (T.K.)
- Department of Nutrition and Life Science, Fukuyama University, 985-1 Sanzo, Higashimura-cho, Fukuyama 729-0292, Japan;
| | - Izumi Tsukayama
- Department of Nutritional Science, Okayama Prefectural University, 111 Kuboki, Soja, Okayama 719-1197, Japan; (Y.K.); (I.T.); (M.O.); (T.K.)
| | - Mei Oji
- Department of Nutritional Science, Okayama Prefectural University, 111 Kuboki, Soja, Okayama 719-1197, Japan; (Y.K.); (I.T.); (M.O.); (T.K.)
- The Faculty of Food Culture, Kurashiki Sakuyo University, 3515 Tamashima Nagao, Kurashiki, Okayama 710-0292, Japan
| | - Takayo Kawakami
- Department of Nutritional Science, Okayama Prefectural University, 111 Kuboki, Soja, Okayama 719-1197, Japan; (Y.K.); (I.T.); (M.O.); (T.K.)
| | - Kayoko Ishii
- Department of Nutrition and Life Science, Fukuyama University, 985-1 Sanzo, Higashimura-cho, Fukuyama 729-0292, Japan;
| | - Toshiko Suzuki-Yamamoto
- Department of Nutritional Science, Okayama Prefectural University, 111 Kuboki, Soja, Okayama 719-1197, Japan; (Y.K.); (I.T.); (M.O.); (T.K.)
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Ko CY, Chao J, Chen PY, Su SY, Maeda T, Lin CY, Chiang HC, Huang SS. Ethnobotanical Survey on Skin Whitening Prescriptions of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Taiwan. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:736370. [PMID: 34916932 PMCID: PMC8670535 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.736370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing interest and demand for skin whitening products globally, particularly in Asia, have necessitated rapid advances in research on skin whitening products used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Herein, we investigated 74 skin whitening prescriptions sold in TCM pharmacies in Taiwan. Commonly used medicinal materials were defined as those with a relative frequency of citation (RFC) > 0.2 and their characteristics were evaluated. Correlation analysis of commonly used medicinal materials was carried out to identify the core component of the medicinal materials. Of the purchased 74 skin whitening prescriptions, 36 were oral prescriptions, 37 were external prescriptions, and one prescription could be used as an oral or external prescription. After analysis, 90 traditional Chinese medicinal materials were obtained. The Apiaceae (10%; 13%) and Leguminosae (9%; 11%) were the main sources of oral and external medicinal materials, respectively. Oral skin whitening prescriptions were found to be mostly warm (46%) and sweet (53%), while external skin whitening prescriptions included cold (43%) and bitter (29%) medicinal materials. Additionally, mainly tonifying and replenishing effects of the materials were noted. Pharmacological analysis indicated that these medicinal materials may promote wound healing, treat inflammatory skin diseases, or anti-hyperpigmentation. According to the Spearman correlation analysis on interactions among medicinal materials with an RFC > 0.2 in the oral skin whitening prescriptions, Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (white) and Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. showed the highest correlation (confidence score = 0.93), followed by Ziziphus jujuba Mill. (red) and Astragalus propinquus Schischkin (confidence score = 0.91). Seven medicinal materials in external skin whitening prescriptions with an RFC > 0.2, were classified as Taiwan qī bái sàn (an herbal preparation), including Angelica dahurica (Hoffm.) Benth. & Hook. f. ex Franch. & Sav., Wolfiporia extensa (Peck) Ginns, Bletilla striata (Thunb.) Rchb. f., Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz., Ampelopsis japonica (Thunb.) Makino, Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (white), and Bombyx mori Linnaeus. Skin whitening prescriptions included multiple traditional Chinese medicinal materials. Despite the long history of use, there is a lack of studies concerning skin whitening products, possibly due to the complex composition of traditional Chinese medicine. Further studies are required to assess the efficacy and safety of these traditional Chinese medicinal materials for inclusion in effective, safe, and functional pharmacological products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Yu Ko
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jung Chao
- Chinese Medicine Research Center, Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, Master Program for Food and Drug Safety, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Yu Chen
- Department of Cosmeceutics, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shan-Yu Su
- Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,School of Post-Baccalaureate Chinese Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Tomoji Maeda
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nihon Pharmaceutical University, Saitama, Japan.,Tsuzuki Institute for Traditional Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Yu Lin
- Tsuzuki Institute for Traditional Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Institute of New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Che Chiang
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Tsuzuki Institute for Traditional Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shyh-Shyun Huang
- School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Tsuzuki Institute for Traditional Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Food Nutrition and Health Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Tsukayama I, Mega T, Hojo N, Toda K, Kawakami Y, Takahashi Y, Suzuki-Yamamoto T. Diosgenin suppresses COX-2 and mPGES-1 via GR and improves LPS-induced liver injury in mouse. Prostaglandins Other Lipid Mediat 2021; 156:106580. [PMID: 34252545 DOI: 10.1016/j.prostaglandins.2021.106580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Using a wild yam (Dioscorea japonica), we previously found novel anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects via the downregulation of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase (mPGES)-1. One of the substances in wild yam is a steroidal saponin, diosgenin. We demonstrated that diosgenin suppressed COX-2 in human non-small-cell lung carcinoma A549 cells via nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) translocation and the effects were reversed by a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, RU486. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse liver injury, COX-2 and mPGES-1 were induced and localized in sinusoidal macrophages and endothelial cells; however, diosgenin administration significantly suppressed Ptgs2 and Ptges expression and decreased COX-2 and mPGES-1 immunopositive cells in the sinusoids. Multiple immunohistochemical analyses showed that diosgenin had an effect on COX-2 and mPGES-1, particularly in the macrophages. Thus, we showed that diosgenin downregulated COX-2 and mPGES-1 via the glucocorticoid receptor and suppressed COX-2 and mPGES-1 in the macrophages of LPS-induced acute mouse liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izumi Tsukayama
- Department of Nutritional Science, Faculty of Health and Welfare Science, Okayama Prefectural University, 111 Kuboki, Soja, Okayama, 719-1197, Japan
| | - Takuto Mega
- Department of Nutritional Science, Faculty of Health and Welfare Science, Okayama Prefectural University, 111 Kuboki, Soja, Okayama, 719-1197, Japan
| | - Nana Hojo
- Department of Nutritional Science, Faculty of Health and Welfare Science, Okayama Prefectural University, 111 Kuboki, Soja, Okayama, 719-1197, Japan
| | - Keisuke Toda
- Department of Nutritional Science, Faculty of Health and Welfare Science, Okayama Prefectural University, 111 Kuboki, Soja, Okayama, 719-1197, Japan
| | - Yuki Kawakami
- Department of Nutritional Science, Faculty of Health and Welfare Science, Okayama Prefectural University, 111 Kuboki, Soja, Okayama, 719-1197, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Takahashi
- Department of Nutritional Science, Faculty of Health and Welfare Science, Okayama Prefectural University, 111 Kuboki, Soja, Okayama, 719-1197, Japan
| | - Toshiko Suzuki-Yamamoto
- Department of Nutritional Science, Faculty of Health and Welfare Science, Okayama Prefectural University, 111 Kuboki, Soja, Okayama, 719-1197, Japan.
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Tanaka M, Tsukayama I, Yamamoto T, Nakamura T. Applicability of Swallowing Sounds and Electromyography for Assessing the Ease of Swallowing of Foods. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.4327/jsnfs.73.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuki Tanaka
- Graduate School of Welfare and Health Science, Okayama Prefectural University
| | - Izumi Tsukayama
- Department of Nutritional Science, Faculty of Health and Welfare Science, Okayama Prefectural University
| | - Toshiko Yamamoto
- Department of Nutritional Science, Faculty of Health and Welfare Science, Okayama Prefectural University
| | - Takabun Nakamura
- Department of Health and Welfare Science, Faculty of Health and Welfare Science, Okayama Prefectural University
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Toda K, Ueyama M, Tanaka S, Tsukayama I, Mega T, Konoike Y, Tamenobu A, Bastian F, Akai I, Ito H, Kawakami Y, Takahashi Y, Suzuki-Yamamoto T. Ellagitannins from Punica granatum leaves suppress microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 expression and induce lung cancer cells to undergo apoptosis. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2019; 84:757-763. [PMID: 31868102 DOI: 10.1080/09168451.2019.1706442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which is a potent pro-inflammatory lipid mediator, is biosynthesized from arachidonic acid by cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and microsomal PGE synthase-1 (mPGES-1). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used clinically as COX inhibitors, but they have gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side-effects. Thus, the terminal enzyme mPGES-1 holds promise as the next therapeutic target. In this study, we found that the ellagitannins granatin A and granatin B isolated from pomegranate leaves, and geraniin, which is their structural analog, selectively suppressed mPGES-1 expression without affecting COX-2 in non-small cell lung carcinoma A549 cells. The ellagitannins also down-regulated tumor necrosis factor α, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and anti-apoptotic factor B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia/lymphoma 2, and induced A549 cells to undergo apoptosis. These findings indicate that the ellagitannins have anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects, due to their specific suppression of mPGES-1.Abbreviations: Bcl-2: B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia/lymphoma 2; COX: cyclooxygenase; CRE: cAMP response element; DHHDP: dehydrohexahydroxydiphenoyl; Et2O: diethyl ether; EtOAc: ethyl acetate; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase; iNOS: inducible nitric oxide synthase; mPGES-1: microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1; n-BuOH: water-saturated n-butanol; NSAIDs: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; NF-κB: nuclear factor-κB; PG: prostaglandin; TNF: tumor necrosis factor; TUNEL: terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Toda
- Department of Nutritional Science, Okayama Prefectural University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Mai Ueyama
- Department of Nutritional Science, Okayama Prefectural University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Shomu Tanaka
- Department of Nutritional Science, Okayama Prefectural University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Izumi Tsukayama
- Department of Nutritional Science, Okayama Prefectural University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takuto Mega
- Department of Nutritional Science, Okayama Prefectural University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yuka Konoike
- Department of Nutritional Science, Okayama Prefectural University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Asako Tamenobu
- Department of Nutritional Science, Okayama Prefectural University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Februadi Bastian
- Department of Nutritional Science, Okayama Prefectural University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Iria Akai
- Department of Nutritional Science, Okayama Prefectural University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Ito
- Department of Nutritional Science, Okayama Prefectural University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yuki Kawakami
- Department of Nutritional Science, Okayama Prefectural University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Takahashi
- Department of Nutritional Science, Okayama Prefectural University, Okayama, Japan
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Effects of Rhizome Extract of Dioscorea batatas and Its Active Compound, Allantoin, on the Regulation of Myoblast Differentiation and Mitochondrial Biogenesis in C2C12 Myotubes. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23082023. [PMID: 30104552 PMCID: PMC6222821 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23082023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
With the aging process, a loss of skeletal muscle mass and dysfunction related to metabolic syndrome is observed in older people. Yams are commonly use in functional foods and medications with various effects. The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of rhizome extract of Dioscorea batatas (Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Chinese yam) and its bioactive compound, allantoin, on myoblast differentiation and mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle cells. Yams were extracted in water and allantoin was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The expression of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) and mitochondrial biogenesis-regulating factors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), sirtuin-1 (Sirt-1), nuclear respiratory factor-1 (NRF-1) and transcription factor A, mitochondrial (TFAM), and the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) were determined in C2C12 myotubes by reverse transcriptase (RT)-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or western blot. The glucose levels and total ATP contents were measured by glucose consumption, glucose uptake and ATP assays, respectively. Treatment with yam extract (1 mg/mL) and allantoin (0.2 and 0.5 mM) significantly increased MyHC expression compared with non-treated myotubes. Yam extract and allantoin significantly increased the expression of PGC-1α, Sirt-1, NRF-1 and TFAM, as well as the phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC in C2C12 myotubes. Furthermore, yam extract and allantoin significantly increased glucose uptake levels and ATP contents. Finally, HPLC analysis revealed that the yam water extract contained 1.53% of allantoin. Yam extract and allantoin stimulated myoblast differentiation into myotubes and increased energy production through the upregulation of mitochondrial biogenesis regulators. These findings indicate that yam extract and allantoin can help to prevent skeletal muscle dysfunction through the stimulation of the energy metabolism.
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