A Way Forward in Drug Discovery and Antimicrobial Activities of Dioscorea L. Species: A Review

Abstract

The bulbils (air potatoes) and tubers of Dioscorea L. species are huge reservoirs of biomolecules that provide nutrition and healthcare benefits to human beings. After the cereal and pseudocereal, bulbils and tubers are precious sources of nutraceuticals to society, nature and natural systems. Dioscorea species commonly known as ‘Yams’ is a monocotyledonous vine that belongs to the family Dioscoreaceae. The vine has tubers, stems, leaves, inflorescence and bulbils which are organized reservoirs of biofunctional therapeutic biomolecules. These are carotenoids, polyphenols, flavonoids, sapogenins, steroids, phytates, tannins, dioscin, dioscorine, diosgenins, etc. These phytomolecules perform many physiological and pharmacological activities in living organisms, especially human beings. Traditionally, it is used for digestive disorders, pain of the stomach and abdomen, and dysmenorrhea, as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antacid, appetizer, reduce weakness, antidiarrheal, contraceptive, antidandruff, wormicide, anthelmintic, antiobesity and antirheumatic. Many antimicrobial properties such as antibacterial (Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria), antifungal, antiviral, antiprotozoal and antileishmanial activities were also shown by the potential Dioscorea species. They are a source of natural bioenergy that can be explored and utilized by the civilized world for their proper utilization and conservation.