Bitter yam – what it is, how it works and side effects!

Bitter yam grows in Africa but is currently found in many regions across the world, it has a fleshy potato-like root. Tuber that is used to prepare many culinary dishes or also to make medicine. Wild forms likely contain poisons and must be soaked and boiled before use.

But those created by farmers usually lack the toxins because they are selectively cultivated. People use it for diabetes and skin , rheumatoid arthritis , stomach pain (colic), menstrual disorders, and schistosomiasis. Schistosomiasis is a disease caused by parasitic water worms .

Be careful not to confuse bitter yam  (Dioscorea dumetorum) with wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) or sweet potato (Dioscorea bulbifera). All three are called.

How does bitter yam work?

Bitter yam contains chemicals that can lower blood sugar levels. However, this tuber has not been studied in people, so its use in traditional medicine is limited and little known. However, there is sufficient evidence to indicate that its uses are effective in addressing problems such as:

• Diabetes.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (AR).
• Stomach pain (colic).
• Menstrual disorders .
• A disease caused by parasitic worms called schistosomiasis, among other problems that affect human health.

However, as reported, few studies have been performed in humans with this tuber, so more evidence is needed to assess the effectiveness for all these benefits mentioned above.

Side effects: 

Uncooked bitter yam may be unsafe to consume or take as a medicine. It contains chemicals that can be poisonous and cause seizures.

It also contains chemicals similar to the drug digoxin (Lanoxin). These chemicals can cause a dangerously irregular heartbeat.

There is not enough information to know whether the forms of this tuber that are grown by farmers are safe to use as a medicine, even though these forms are more likely to be free of poisonous chemicals.

Special precautions and warnings:

Pregnancy and breastfeeding:

Not enough is known about using bitter yam during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In this case, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, avoid using this tuber.

Thus, preventing future side effects that could harm the health of the mother and baby, especially in the case of pregnant women.

Drug interactions: 

Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with this yam, so if you are using this drug, talk to your doctor to find out whether or not you can include this tuber in your diet.

This root contains chemicals similar to the prescription drug digoxin (Lanoxin). Consuming along with digoxin (Lanoxin) may increase the effects of digoxin (Lanoxin) and increase the risk of side effects.

Do not consume bitter yam if you are taking digoxin (Lanoxin) without talking to your healthcare professional.