2025, Vol. 13, Issue 4, Part D

author(s)
Shamima Nasrin Lovely, Mahbuba Parvin and Israt Zahan Supty

abstract
Dioscorea villosa belongs to the family Dioscoreaceae. This genus includes more than 600 species distributed throughout Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, South America, and the South Pacific islands. Due to its appealing taste and nutritional value, it is widely utilized as a major source of carbohydrates and as a dietary supplement. Both the underground and aerial tubers provide essential proteins, fats, and vitamins to millions of people in West Africa. Traditionally, Dioscorea villosa has been employed in medicine for centuries to treat various ailments, and it remains an invaluable source of pharmaceuticals. Its traditional applications include managing rheumatoid arthritis, stomach and menstrual cramps, and gallstone pain. Additionally, potential medicinal uses of Dioscorea villosa encompass treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, menopause symptoms, diabetes, and muscle cramps. Preliminary phytochemical analyses have identified the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, steroids, anthraquinones, and cardiac glycosides in the plant. These findings suggest that the contraceptive effects observed in female rats administered with ethanolic extracts of Dioscorea villosa tubers may be due to one or more of these compounds such as alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, or cardiac glycosides which could exert their effects individually or synergistically. Dioscorea villosa exhibits various biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, androgenic, estrogenic, and contraceptive effects. Nevertheless, its ethnomedicinal potential requires validation through further research. Emphasis should be placed on pharmacological studies and phytochemical characterization, especially on translating preclinical findings into clinical efficacy.