Medicinal Uses:The corms and bulbils of Dioscorea bulbifera have been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes, including treating sore throats, boils, swellings, dysentery, and even as an aphrodisiac and tonic. Nutritional Value:Tubers of Dioscorea species, including Dioscorea bulbifera, are a significant source of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and vitamins, particularly for many ethnic groups in tropical regions. Steroidal Saponins:Many Dioscorea species contain steroid saponins and sapogenins like diosgenin, which are used as starting materials for synthesizing various steroidal hormones for medicinal applications. Conservation Status:Dioscorea bulbifera is considered a threatened species in some regions due to habitat loss, climate change, overexploitation, and poor natural regeneration. Geographic Distribution:While native to Africa, Asia, and northern Australia, Dioscorea bulbifera has become naturalized in many other regions worldwide
|
