Sevenlobed Yam Rhizome
- Chinese
- 绵萆薢
- Pinyin
- Mian Bi Xie
- Latin
- Rhizoma Dioscoreae Septemlobae
Known in TCM as Mian Bi Xie (绵萆薢), this bitter and bland, neutral herb enters the Kidney and Stomach. Traditionally, it separates the clear from the turbid and drains dampness ... Mian Bi Xie is used for cloudy urine, damp leukorrhea, and persistent lower-burner turbidity, most often applied for leukorrhea, frequent urination, and rheumatism. Modern research has identified Steroidal among its active constituents.
Part used: Rhizome
Also Known As
Latin: Rhizoma Dioscoreae Septemlobae | Pinyin: Mian Bi Xie | Chinese: 绵萆薢
TCM Properties
- Taste
- bitter, bland
- Temperature
- neutral
- Channels
- Kidney, Stomach
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Separates the clear from the turbid and drains dampness ... Mian Bi Xie is used for cloudy urine, damp leukorrhea, and persistent lower-burner turbidity.
- Dispels wind-damp and relieves painful obstruction ... compared with powdery Fen Bi Xie, this Mian Bi Xie lane is especially associated with heavy painful joints and damp-bi patterns.
- Helps resolve damp-toxic skin and discharge patterns when turbidity and dampness are central to the presentation.
Secondary Actions
- This page should stay distinct from both the already-live broader `Bi Xie` trade lane and the already-live `Fen Bi Xie` sibling ... same medicinal family, different source emphasis.
- Species control matters because multiple Dioscorea species circulate under the Bi Xie umbrella and their clinical reputations are not identical.
Classic Formulas
- Bi Xie Fen Qing Yin ... classic family context for lower-burner turbidity and cloudy urination.
- Mian Bi Xie with Yi Zhi Ren and Shi Chang Pu ... traditional pairing logic for frequent cloudy urination with deficiency and damp obstruction together.
- Wind-damp obstruction combinations with Fang Ji, Qin Jiao, or Ren Dong Teng ... used when dampness also weighs down the joints and channels.
Classical References
- Traditional references describe Mian Bi Xie as bitter, bland, and neutral, entering the Kidney and Stomach to separate the clear from the turbid and relieve painful obstruction.
- Modern teachers often note that Fen Bi Xie is favored more for urinary turbidity, while Mian Bi Xie is especially valued for wind-damp and joint-heavy presentations.
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Steroidal saponins including dioscin-type fractions ... core actives in modern Bi Xie pharmacology
- Sapogenin-related constituents ... frequently discussed in hyperuricemia and anti-inflammatory work
- Starch, tannins, and minor phenolics ... supportive constituents in the crude drug profile
Studied Effects
- A 2021 study found total saponin of Dioscorea collettii attenuated monosodium urate crystal-induced inflammation through TLR4 and NF-kappaB pathway effects, supporting the gout and damp-bi bridge for the Bi Xie family (PMID 34721647).
- A 2006 animal study reported uric-acid related effects from total Dioscorea saponins, contributing to the long-running hyperuricemia interest in this medicinal group (PMID 16437741).
- A 2016 rat study found total saponins from Dioscorea septemloba reduced serum uric acid through transporter regulation, which is especially relevant to this exact species lane even though it remains preclinical (PMID 27072969).
PubMed References
- Total Saponin of Dioscorea collettii Attenuates MSU Crystal-Induced Inflammation by Inhibiting the Activation of the TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway. (2021)
- Effect and mechanism of total saponin of Dioscorea on animal experimental hyperuricemia. (2006)
- Total saponins from dioscorea septemloba thunb reduce serum uric acid levels in rats with hyperuricemia through OATP1A1 up-regulation. (2016)
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Marked Yin deficiency with dryness rather than damp turbidity
Cautions
- Several different species circulate under the Bi Xie name, so substitution and labeling confusion are real concerns.
- Most modern evidence is still preclinical or species-group based rather than direct human trial evidence for this exact crude drug.
Conditions
- Leukorrhea Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Frequent Urination Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Rheumatism Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Joint Pain Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sevenlobed Yam Rhizome used for?
Sevenlobed Yam Rhizome is traditionally used to Separates the clear from the turbid and drains dampness ... Mian Bi Xie is used for cloudy urine, damp leukorrhea, and persistent lower-burner turbidity., Dispels wind-damp and relieves painful obstruction ... compared with powdery Fen Bi Xie, this Mian Bi Xie lane is especially associated with heavy painful joints and damp-bi patterns., Helps resolve damp-toxic skin and discharge patterns when turbidity and dampness are central to the presentation.. Research has investigated its effects on: A 2021 study found total saponin of Dioscorea collettii attenuated monosodium urate crystal-induced inflammation through TLR4 and NF-kappaB pathway effects, supporting the gout and damp-bi bridge for the Bi Xie family (PMID 34721647).; A 2006 animal study reported uric-acid related effects from total Dioscorea saponins, contributing to the long-running hyperuricemia interest in this medicinal group (PMID 16437741)..
What are other names for Sevenlobed Yam Rhizome?
Sevenlobed Yam Rhizome is also known as Mian Bixie Rhizome, Dioscorea septemloba rhizome, Silky Bixie rhizome. In TCM: 绵萆薢 (Mian Bi Xie); Rhizoma Dioscoreae Septemlobae.
Is Sevenlobed Yam Rhizome safe during pregnancy?
The safety of Sevenlobed Yam Rhizome during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
What are the contraindications for Sevenlobed Yam Rhizome?
Sevenlobed Yam Rhizome should not be used in: Marked Yin deficiency with dryness rather than damp turbidity. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.