Yam (கருணைக்கிழங்கு) in Vegetables

1. Possible use of elephant yam for diabetes

Judging from what I’ve witnessed, elephant yam may have impressive effects on our digestive system. It’s a real multitasker! It has been known to potentially address various digestive issues such as vomiting, loss of appetite (anorexia), and indigestion (dyspepsia). It might be like a magical remedy for common stomach troubles.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

The ability of elephant yam to lower sugar levels has been proven experimentally. Elephant yam contains flavonoids that may stimulate the secretion of insulin. Elephant yam may help minimise complications related to diabetes. However, consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis in case of high blood sugar⁷.

2. Potential use of elephant yam to relieve pain

The tuber of elephant yam may help relieve pain. The analgesic activity of elephant yam extract was evaluated on mice. Elephant yam may inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are responsible for inflammation. It may be used to reduce the side effects of conventional analgesics as an add-on drug.⁸ Consult a doctor if the pain lasts long and is unbearable instead of self-medication.

3. Potential use of elephant yam in gastrointestinal diseases

Elephant yam is used in traditional medicine for gastrointestinal disorders like piles, abdominal pain and constipation. The property of increasing gastrointestinal motility has been tested on Wistar rats. It was proven that elephant yam increases motility in the stomach (gastrokinetic action); therefore, it may be used to treat gastrointestinal disturbances.²

4. Potential use of elephant yam as an antifungal and antibacterial agent

The extract of elephant yam was used to determine its antifungal and antibacterial properties. It showed significant antibacterial activity against some gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. A phytoconstituent present in elephant yam may possess antibacterial and antifungal activity, which may treat infections caused by microorganisms.⁵

5. Potential use of elephant yam as an anthelmintic

The elephant yam tuber may possess the properties to destroy parasitic worms. Studies to test the anthelmintic activity of elephant yam against earthworms showed that it may paralyze and kill the earthworm.⁵There are a variety of parasites that affect humans and these studies seem insufficient to define the extent to which elephant yam will be beneficial to humans.