Ningpo Yam Rhizome
- Chinese
- 穿山龙
- Pinyin
- Chuan Shan Long
- Latin
- Rhizoma Dioscoreae Nipponicae
Known in TCM as Chuan Shan Long (穿山龙), this bitter, cool herb enters the Liver and Lung. Traditionally, it dispels Wind-Damp and unblocks the channels and collaterals; treats Bi syndrome (painful obstruction) with joint pain, stiffness, and numbness, most often applied for joint pain, chest pain, and cough. Modern research has identified Steroidal among its active constituents.
Part used: Rhizome
Also Known As
Latin: Rhizoma Dioscoreae Nipponicae | Pinyin: Chuan Shan Long | Chinese: 穿山龙
TCM Properties
- Taste
- bitter
- Temperature
- cool
- Channels
- Liver, Lung
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Dispels Wind-Damp and unblocks the channels and collaterals; treats Bi syndrome (painful obstruction) with joint pain, stiffness, and numbness
- Invigorates Blood and relieves pain, including chest pain (Xiong Bi) from Blood stasis, such as angina and coronary artery disease patterns
- Transforms Phlegm and relieves cough and wheezing from Lung Heat
Secondary Actions
- Also used for traumatic injury and lower back strain
Classical References
- Documented in later Chinese materia medica as a Wind-Damp-dispelling and Blood-invigorating rhizome with a dual respiratory and joint-pain application
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Steroidal saponins (dioscin, diosgenin)
- Polysaccharides
Studied Effects
- Network pharmacology analysis identifies multiple targets and pathways relevant to asthma treatment, supporting traditional cough and wheezing use
- Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity documented in preclinical studies
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Cautions
- Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold
Conditions
- Joint Pain Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Chest Pain Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Cough Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Asthma Research ★★☆☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ningpo Yam Rhizome used for?
Ningpo Yam Rhizome is traditionally used to Dispels Wind-Damp and unblocks the channels and collaterals; treats Bi syndrome (painful obstruction) with joint pain, stiffness, and numbness, Invigorates Blood and relieves pain, including chest pain (Xiong Bi) from Blood stasis, such as angina and coronary artery disease patterns, Transforms Phlegm and relieves cough and wheezing from Lung Heat. Research has investigated its effects on: Network pharmacology analysis identifies multiple targets and pathways relevant to asthma treatment, supporting traditional cough and wheezing use; Anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity documented in preclinical studies.
What are other names for Ningpo Yam Rhizome?
Ningpo Yam Rhizome is also known as Dioscorea nipponica, Dioscorea. In TCM: 穿山龙 (Chuan Shan Long); Rhizoma Dioscoreae Nipponicae.
Is Ningpo Yam Rhizome safe during pregnancy?
The safety of Ningpo Yam Rhizome during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.