Dioscorea - use, medicinal properties, contraindications. Growing Dioscorea Caucasian in the garden and at room conditions: planting and care

Recently, creepers have become popular in landscape design. But few people know that many of their representatives are not only beautiful, but also useful to humans. One of these specimens is the Caucasian Dioscorea, and what kind of vine it is and why it is so useful for the human body, we will now find out.

Botanical description

Caucasian Dioscorea is a representative of perennial herbaceous vines of the Dioscorea family. Its length can vary within 2-4 m. The root is thick, long. The heart-oval shape of the lower leaves resembles a whorl, while the upper ones are slightly pointed, with arcuate veins.

Single-sex flowers have a characteristic green color. Dioscorea is a dicotyledonous plant, in the hands of which there are up to three flowers (this is the maximum). Its fruit is a box with three nests and the same number of faces. Flowering period - from May to June, fruiting - from July to September.

Distribution and habitat

This is an endemic plant of the Caucasus. It is found in the west of Transcaucasia, living in oak groves, as well as among shrub plantations and in the mountains (at an altitude of up to 1 km.).

Important! Dioscorea Caucasian is listed in the Red Book.

Chemical composition

The plant contains steroid glycosides. Dioscin, which is the main component, is able to break down into components such as glucose, rhamnose and diosgenin. In addition, the composition of Dioscorea includes starch and fatty substances.

Beneficial features

Dioscorea Caucasian has a positive effect on a person:

• binds and lowers cholesterol levels;
• eliminates pain;
• relieves fatigue and reduces fatigue;
• does not allow uric acid to linger in the blood;
• normalizes sleep;
• improves memory and mood;
• activates cardiovascular, renal and hepatic activity;
• helps in the fight against excess weight.

It has immunomodulatory, tonic, sedative, urinary and choleretic effects on human body. In addition, the plant acts as an anti-inflammatory drug, reducing blood clotting.

Application in medicine

Preparations containing Dioscorea are often used to treat various diseases: gout, arthritis, rheumatism, cataracts, atherosclerosis, sarcoidosis and others.

For the respiratory system

Dioscorea is used to treat bronchitis and pneumonia. The plant is used as a tea to:

• increase blood circulation of the respiratory organs;
• mucus outflow;
• increase the level of protection of the whole organism.

Regular intake of such a remedy allows a patient with bronchial asthma to improve overall well-being. In addition, Dioscorea helps fight against allergic manifestations.

For the nervous system

To improve performance nervous system it is recommended to undergo a course of treatment with decoctions. It is continued for 1 month, after which the sleep will become full, blood pressure will return to normal, headaches and tinnitus will disappear.

For digestion

The root of the plant can also be used to treat gastritis (in its early stages), and also enhances the motility of the entire gastrointestinal tract. To do this, prepare a drink from the crushed root of Dioscorea, ginger, fennel, chamomile, lemon balm, mint with the addition of boiling water. It is recommended to use the product immediately before meals.

For the cardiovascular system

Dioscorea is very useful for the elderly, as it is able to cleanse the walls of blood vessels from cholesterol. Taking funds prepared from the root of the plant relieves the symptoms of atherosclerosis, improves the post-infarction condition, and alleviates the effects of a stroke, high blood pressure and rheumatoid arthritis.

Dioscorea enhances blood circulation, dilates blood vessels, saturating cells with oxygen and nourishing useful substances, which helps to reduce the likelihood of tachycardia and angina pectoris. If there are problems from of cardio-vascular system it is recommended to take alcohol tinctures from a dry root.

For the functions of the reproductive system

With the help of this herb, diseases provoked by hormonal failure are also treated. It is able to stop the excessive synthesis of estrogens, maintaining the condition of endometriosis patients. In addition, Dioscorea preparations help preserve the fetus and support the woman during pregnancy. They treat hypogonadism, osteoporosis, menstrual disorders, pain and cramps, vaginitis, inflammation fallopian tubes and endometritis.

Dioscorea can reduce the risk of cancer in women. It prevents the development of fibroids.

For the organs of vision

A collection of dioscorea, sweet clover, sage, cumin and hawthorn treat cataracts, myopia and hyperopia, but only in the early stages. The duration of the course is three weeks.

Harm and side effects

Side effects from taking products containing creeper root can be:

• intestinal disorder;
• itching on the skin.

In this case, it is worth reducing the dosage.

Contraindications

It is forbidden to take the above drugs if the patient suffers from:

• bradycardia;
• low blood pressure;
• gastritis;
• gastric ulcer;
• individual intolerance to the components of the plant.

Stroke is also a contraindication for taking Dioscorea Caucasian.

Recipes for making healing potions

For cooking medicines it is better to use roots older than 25 years of age. Decoctions, tinctures, ointments and other medicines are prepared from them.

Important! The dried roots of the plant are able to retain their properties for three years.

Alcohol tincture: how to take

For the manufacture of such a tool as alcohol tincture, you will need:

• dry root of Dioscorea - 50 g;
• vodka - 0.5 l.

The root must be finely chopped and poured with alcohol (vodka). It is necessary to insist the remedy within 1 month. As soon as it acquires an orange-gold color, you can strain the tincture and begin therapy. Within 4-12 months, take no more than 60 drops of the drug at a time and strictly after meals.

It is effective in combating allergic manifestations and inflammatory processes in the body. To carry out rehabilitation measures after a stroke and other heart diseases, the tincture is prepared according to a different recipe: 7 tbsp. dry rhizomes of creepers pour 1.5 liters. alcohol and insist for 10 days. Drink 1 tsp. along with tea after meals. Course duration - 1 month.

Powder

You can also take the root of Dioscorea Caucasian, crushed to a powdery state, from atherosclerosis. Take the powder in a third of a teaspoon with honey. After 10 days of therapy, you need to take a break for a week. Continue this treatment is not longer than 4 months.

Decoction

Dioscorea in the form of a decoction is used to treat atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, gout, arthritis, impaired pituitary function and sexual diseases, as well as metabolic and hormonal problems. To prepare such a miraculous decoction, you will need:

• 1 tsp crushed plant root;
• 1 st. boiling water.

Pour boiling water over the root and place in a water bath for 25 minutes. Once the broth has cooled, strain it. Take 3 times a day strictly after meals. Single dose - 1 tbsp. Duration of treatment - 3 months (after each month you need a week break).

Ointment

The ointment is used to treat atherosclerosis of the legs. To do this, 100 g of crushed roots are poured into 400 g of pork fat. Boil the mixture in a water bath for 2 hours, remembering to stir. Next, you need to infuse the product for half an hour, then place it in the refrigerator for storage. Lubricate the legs with the finished composition before going to bed (be sure to wrap it with a towel afterwards) or hold it over the steam.

Did you know? Dioscorea has estrogenic activity, but does not contain hormones.

Dioscorea is fairly easy to grow. Liana is suitable for both street and apartment conditions. The main thing is to know all the needs of the plant.

Choice of location and lighting

The place should be well lit, sunny or with a slight shadow. The best option is light and diffused light. Recommended temperature:

• in summer - not lower than + 20⁰C;
• in winter - not lower than + 13⁰C.

The plant tolerates dry conditions tolerably, but high humidity air will have a positive effect on its growth.

substrate and fertilizer

Dioscorea loves neutral soils that are not heavy in texture. A mixture of soddy and leafy soil, coarse sand and humus is suitable.

During the growing season (from spring to autumn), it is worth fertilizing the vine every 2-3 weeks. To do this, you can use liquid mineral fertilizers for vines and ivy. Always follow the dosage indicated in the instructions.

Sowing and reproduction

Dioscorea seeds reproduce very poorly. To obtain positive result, it is necessary to maintain a high temperature (about +30⁰C) of the air for a long time period. Growth is very slow.

It is best to propagate the vine cuttings. In the spring, cut off the apical specimens and root in a peat mixture. Wrap in plastic to create a greenhouse. Just do not forget to ventilate it and water the plant. As soon as the stalk grows up and gets stronger, it can be transplanted to permanent place.

Watering and humidity

In summer, dioscorea needs abundant watering. In autumn, the amount of water should be gradually reduced. With the advent of winter and dormancy, watering becomes even more rare. This moment is determined by yellow foliage. As soon as the leaves begin to turn green in the spring, the frequency of watering is increased again.

Wintering

If the winter in your region is rather cold, the vine is insulated with foliage shed by it. In warm climates, it does not need shelter.

Diseases and pests

The main pest is red spider mite(leaves begin to dry and curl). You can get rid of a small number of these insects by washing the foliage with soapy water or by spraying the plant with a tincture of onion peel. In case of severe damage, it is worth using the drug "Aktelik".

This is a rather extensive genus of plants that belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family and includes about 600 species. They are mainly distributed in tropical countries and only a few are found in temperate climate. The genus Dioscorea is represented by perennial herbaceous vines with rhizomes or large tubers.

The leaves of Dioscorea are simple, heart-shaped, arranged alternately. Flowers in most species are dioecious, inconspicuous, greenish in color. If the corollas appear singly at the nodes of the ear, then the plant belongs to the female. male flowers collected in the axils of the leaves in a semi-umbellate, racemose or paniculate inflorescence. The fruit of Dioscorea is a small box with nests that open at the time of ripening. The tubers of some species, better known as yams, are edible. Therefore, they are grown in tropical countries as a food product.

Dioscorea multi-colored - the most popular species in indoor floriculture. Of decorative interest are its heart-shaped leaves, covered with a beautiful pattern. Dioscoreas are perfect for landscaping rooms, verandas, loggias. They grow well in greenhouses and winter gardens.

cultivation

Liana can be propagated by seeds that are planted in the ground not in spring, as usual, but in late autumn - early winter. It is connected with climatic conditions in natural environment habitat of Dioscoreus. Germination of seeds occurs during sudden temperature changes: at zero temperature at night on African continent cold dew falls, during the day the temperature rises to + 15 ° С. Due to sufficient moisture, the seeds grow. At home, seedlings appear under similar conditions in a few weeks. At the same time, seeds planted in spring can lie in the soil unchanged for quite a long time.

It is recommended to transplant Dioscorea in the spring before the plant enters the stage of active growth. Due to the fact that creepers prefer small and shallow pots, only the ground can be changed during transshipment, and the flower container should be left the same. Young specimens are recommended to be transplanted annually, and adults (more than five years old) - once every two years.

During the period of active growth, Dioscorea needs to be fed with complex liquid fertilizers for flowering species. You need to start top dressing after two to three weeks from the moment the first shoot appears, diluting the required dose twice with water, then fertilize the vine once a week. In autumn, with the beginning of the plant's transition to a dormant period, fertilization must be stopped.

Dioscorea - climbing plant, therefore, in the process of vegetation, it needs a support along which the stems will rise. In early spring, it is recommended to prune dry shoots to provide a representative of the genus required amount nutrients for active vegetation.

Diseases and pests

Spider mite, scale insect, aphid.

reproduction

Seeds.

First steps after purchase

When buying Dioscorea, it is recommended to pay attention to the condition of the stems: healthy specimens should not have any visible damage and signs of disease. You should not buy an overgrown vine with heavily intertwined stems. It is important that the selected instance does not stand near open windows or in the aisle, as the plant is afraid of wind, drafts and frost. The soil in the pot should not be too wet, which can cause root rot.

Indoors, Dioscorea is recommended to be placed in a draft-free, well-lit place where direct sunlight does not fall. Most the best way- these are windows of western, eastern or southern exposure with shading in the midday summer time. Transplant given plant immediately after the purchase is not recommended, you should wait until next spring.

Success Secrets

Since the plant is tropical and heat-loving, the optimum room temperature for its growth should not be lower than + 20-22 ° C. In autumn, the leaves and stems of the vine begin to turn yellow and die, and it goes into a dormant state. This period in Dioscorea is pronounced and rather long (from October to March). The remaining tuber is recommended to be stored in the same pot in a dark and cool place. It is necessary to ensure that the plant is protected from wind and frost. Occasionally, the soil with caudex is moistened quite a bit in order to root system not completely dry.

Sufficient watering for good vegetation begins with the appearance of the first shoot, taking the plant to a well-lit place. The entire period of active growth, even in the hot season, moisture should be moderate. The bay is detrimental to the liana. In autumn, the amount of watering is gradually reduced. Dioscorea easily tolerates dry indoor air, but for hygienic purposes, you can occasionally spray the foliage with warm, filtered water.

Possible difficulties

Burning and wilting of leaves

Reason: 1) too bright sunlight, insufficient watering.

Rotting of the base of the stem and roots

Reason: 1) waterlogging of the soil.

The death of the root system

Reason: 1) complete drying of the soil.

Dioscorea refers to curly perennials. The stems reach a length of more than 1.5 meters.

Valued for decorative leaves, the flowers are not of interest. The plant has medicinal properties, tubers are eaten.

Kinds

• Japanese
• deltoid
• Caucasian
• Balkan

Care and cultivation of Dioscorea

Liana is not demanding on growing conditions, but grows best on humus-rich soils. A landing site is chosen slightly shaded, protected from the wind. In a strong shade, the vine develops worse.

Watered abundantly, but only on dry days, in more frequent watering not necessary.

Organic fertilizers (not manure) are applied during the entire growing season, approximately 1 time per month.

For the winter, the ground part dies off, the stems are cut at the root. Landings are covered with dry fallen leaves or spruce branches.

reproduction

Dioscorea is propagated by cuttings, division of the rhizome, nodules, seeds. Seed propagation - not the most effective method, because seed germination is low, and seedlings develop slowly. Seeds are sown immediately after collection, in open ground or in containers, in a substrate of leafy soil, sand. Containers are left outside for the winter. Shoots appear around the beginning of summer. During the summer, seedlings are fed several times mineral fertilizers. In autumn, young plants are transplanted into growing beds. When planting, a distance of about 15 cm is left between plants. Dioscorea is transplanted to a permanent place 3-4 years after sowing.

The rhizome is divided in early autumn. The rhizome is carefully dug up, the ground part is removed and the rhizome is cut into pieces about 10-15 cm long. The segments are immediately planted in a permanent place.

Reproduction by nodules is carried out in early spring. Tubers do not deepen much when planted.

This spectacular liana, belonging to the Dioscorea family, is interesting not only for its decorative properties. She happens to be medicinal plant and is valued as an agricultural crop.

Name origin

The plant is named after the Greek naturalist and physician Dioscoreus. Along with the official, there are other, no less common, names. For example, yam or wild yam.

Where is found

The genus combines plants of the subtropics and tropics, and only a few of them grow in warm temperate zones. Today, Dioscorea is a rare, and therefore protected plant, listed in the Red Book.

Application

Dioscorea has medicinal properties and is widely used in pharmacology. Preparations prepared from the rhizomes of vines that have reached 25 years of age have the greatest therapeutic effect. Decoctions and infusions prepared from tubers have a powerful tonic, immunostimulating, urine and choleretic, calming effect.

The inhabitants of Africa and Asia have long used the fleshy tubers of vines for food. In these regions, some species of Dioscorea grown asvaluable agricultural crop .

Many types of plants are decorative and cultivated in open field, as well as indoors.

Description

Dioscorea is a perennial vine that grows several (from 2 to 12) meters in length. Most representatives of the species have herbaceous shoots, but woody forms are also found.

All of them are united by a spectacular appearance: creepers cover the ground with a thick carpet or rush up the support.

The shoots of vines are covered with whole, petiolate, different shades green, lobed or articulated, with a heart-shaped base, leaves. They differ in shape and location on the shoot:

• in the upper third of the stem, the leaf blades are pointed and opposite;
• in the lower - heart-shaped or oval, whorled-arranged.

The underground part of the vines is a rhizome, consisting of one or more fleshy tubers.

Dioscorea blooms in spring. However, this event is of little note. The buds are small and inconspicuous. Flowers solitary or collected in small inflorescences different shapes: ear, brush or semi-umbrella.

Corollas of flowers consist of 6 petals, painted in greenish-yellow tones.

Kinds

The genus includes about 600 plant species. In the gardens and indoors, they grow those that they managed to purchase.

Dioscorea Caucasian

It occurs in the Krasnodar Territory (Adlersky District) and Abkhazia, on stony soils, preferring mountain slopes and thickets of wormwood and shrubs. It is endemic, listed in the Red Book. In order to restore the population, the species is cultivated.

Dioscorea opposite

It is distinguished by:

• long, up to 10 m, twisted or angular shoots;
• nodules located in the leaf axils;
• light flowers, collected in racemose inflorescences and having a pleasant smell, similar to the aroma of cinnamon.

The roots and leaves of this vine are used medicinally.

Dioscorea nipponica

Grows in the area East Asia and Primorsky Krai, in China and Japan and is characterized by:

• thick horizontally located rhizome;
• long (up to 4 m) bare shoots with alternately arranged heart-shaped or lobed leaves.

Dioscorea ivory

This species grows in South Africa and rightfully considered exotic. Its uniqueness lies in the presence of a ground caudex, which has a spherical shape and is covered with cork growths in the form of polygons.

From the top of the caudex grow long curly shoots bearing heart-shaped leaves with rounded lobes.

The thickening often has impressive dimensions, growing to a record gigantic size: 3 m in height with 1 m in diameter and weighing 400 kg.

The pulp of the caudex contains a large number of starch. It is edible and tastes like a turnip.

This type is not used in medicinal purposes, but is valued as an exotic ornamental plant.

Dioscorea batatas (sweet potatoes)

This creeper is distinguished by creeping pubescent shoots, stretching up to one and a half meters. They are decorated with bright glossy green leaves and blue tint flowers that develop in the axils of the leaves.

cultivation

Lighting requirements and location

Dioscorea is photophilous, but prefers diffused light rather than direct sunlight, which can cause leaf burns. Grows slowly in shade. The optimal place for the location of the vine will be west side area or premises.

Air temperature

Dioscorea is not only light, but also thermophilic. In summer, the liana is comfortable at temperatures above 25 ° C. In winter, she prefers coolness - no more than 10 ° C.

When grown in open ground for the winter, Dioscorea is covered after mulching the soil with fallen leaves.

Humidity and watering

For the plant, air humidity is not significant, but the liana is demanding on the state of the soil. It must be constantly hydrated. This can only be achieved by frequent and not abundant watering.

The soil

Dioscorea develops well on light, nutritious, organic-rich soils. When grown in room conditions it is worth giving preference to a mixture consisting of equal parts of humus, sand, heather earth and pine bark.

top dressing

In spring and summer, with a frequency of once every two weeks, the plant is fed with a universal liquid organic fertilizer.

rest period

In autumn, shortening too long shoots, vine tubers are removed from the ground and sent for storage in a dark and cool place. They are planted again in the spring. Houseplants can also be sent to rest, right in the pot.

Transfer

Once a year, in the spring, on the eve of the active growing season, Dioscorea needs to be transplanted, making a complete replacement of the soil. In this case, it is not necessary to change the capacity: the roots of this plant develop better in close quarters.

reproduction

Dioscorea can be propagated vegetatively by dividing the rhizome or shoots.

1. It is convenient to divide the rhizome during plant transplantation, placing each resulting section in a container corresponding to its size.
2. In the spring, you can separate the shoots extending from the tubers. They are rooted in water, and then planted in open ground or pots.

Dioscorea also propagates by seeds. This method is more laborious, including the purchase of seed:

1. Soil: Any general purpose soil mixed with perlite will work.
2. Seeds are placed on the surface of the soil, deepening by 1 cm.
3. Greenhouse conditions are created for crops: 25 ° C heat with occasional slight soil moisture. After 3 weeks, the first shoots will appear. They organize the backlight, otherwise the seedlings stretch out excessively.
4. Strengthened young vines are planted in separate pots.

Diseases and pests

Dioscorea is disease resistant. Of the pests, the liana is threatened only by the spider mite, which develops in conditions of very dry air.

Dioscorea is able to decorate any plant collection. Being a long-liver, she will delight you for decades.

Dioscorea nipponica

Dioscorea nipponica, or multi-carpet (Dioscorea nipponica)

Perennial dioecious liana up to 5 meters long, Dioscorea family (Dioscoriaceae).

Plants of the genus Dioscorea, named after the ancient Greek physician Dioscorides.

Nippon comes from Japanese word Nippon (Japan). It grows in Primorsky Krai, in the south of Khabarovsk, in the southeast of the Amur Region, and outside of Russia - in Japan and China.

Dioscorea nipponskaya is a liana, with a thick, slightly branched rhizome located shallow in the soil, up to 1.5 m long and up to 2 cm thick, brown or brownish-brown.

Dioscorea nipponica

On the cut, the rhizome is light yellow, almost white.

Above the ground almost vertically rise several simple, winding on high altitude bare stems, each 3-5 mm in diameter.

In the absence of support, the stems descend to the ground and spread, intertwining mainly in one direction.

The rhizomes of Nipponian Dioscorea contain 5-8% steroid glycosides (saponins), of which about 1% (up to 1.2%) is dioscine A. The content of diosgenin in rhizomes is 0.9-2.2 W (y cultivated plants - up to 1.2%), and its maximum content is during the period of budding and flowering.

Dioscorea nipponica

Collection of raw materials: The collection of rhizomes with roots is usually done in the spring, no later than the flowering period, or in the fall after the seeds have ripened and shed, which are preferably left in the soil to restore the Dioscorea population.

Thoroughly cleaned from the remnants of stems and soil, cut into 5-10 cm and dried rhizomes with roots retain their beneficial features within three years.

The collected raw materials are dried at a temperature of +60°C in dryers with constant air circulation (enough good ventilation).

Before drying, it is allowed to dry them under sheds or in the sun, spreading them out in a layer up to 10 cm and always turning the pieces of rhizomes many times during the day.

Dioscorea nipponica

In areas where rhizomes are dug out, it is advisable to immediately plant small pieces of them or even seeds for faster restoration of Dioscorea thickets.

Re-collection of rhizomes in the same thickets should be carried out no earlier than 20 years later for a more complete restoration of natural populations.

Dioscorea in the open field: It is better to choose a place for Dioscorea warm, with soils that are neutral, not heavy in mechanical composition.

Places where moisture stagnates for a long time are not suitable. You should not choose completely shaded places and areas along the northern wall. Under these conditions, Dioscoreas almost do not bloom and do not bear fruit.

Dioscorea nipponica

If the soils in your area are too acidic, be sure to lime them. In natural habitats, this plant grows on neutral or even slightly alkaline soils.

In addition, all perennial rhizomatous and rhizomatous weeds must be carefully selected on the site. In the first year after planting, while Dioscorea will get used to a new place, weeds will easily clog it. And there must be support. Without it, plants develop worse and do not look as decorative.

Care consists in weeding and loosening. In the first year after planting, in very dry weather, plants can be watered and at the same time fed with mineral fertilizers. It is practically not affected by pests and diseases.

When grown in open ground, it will be necessary to cover with agrofiber on winter period, but before that, mulch the soil with fallen leaves.

Dioscorea nipponica

Dioscorea at home: The plant feels great in diffused light and therefore a western orientation is suitable for it.

The temperature of the content in the summer should be maintained in the range of 20-23C, and with the advent of autumn it drops to 13C.

Watering - this condition is the most demanding in the care of Dioscorea. The soil should always be in a moist state, but it is important to prevent stagnation of moisture in the pot. In summer, the frequency and volume of humidification become higher, especially at elevated temperatures.

Humidity does not play a big role in growing.

Dioscorea fertilizers - top dressing will be required only during the period of vegetation activity. Apply liquid organic preparations, with a dosage specified by the manufacturer. Regularity of fertilizers once every 14 days.

Soil - the substrate should combine fertility and permeability as much as possible. It is not difficult to prepare it on the basis of soddy land, peat and sand, mixing in an approximate ratio of 1:2:2 or 1:2:1. The thickness of the cultivated layer is 10-15 cm.

Dioscorea nipponica

Transfer - in spring period when Dioscorea has not yet begun to develop, the pot and the soil in it are changed. The frequency of these transplants is once a year.

It is noticed that best growth the liana showed when the capacity was small for her, and the roots became cramped. Therefore, only 2-3 cm of soil in a pot can be replaced.

A layer of drainage material is laid on the bottom. The substrate is selected light, loose and nutritious (rich in organic matter). When transplanting creepers mix heather soil, humus, river sand and crushed pine bark, the parts of all components should be equal.

Landing: The seeds are soaked in warm water for 24-48 hours. Universal soil is poured into the container, mixed in half with perlite.

If you want to achieve greater germination, then apply peat tablets or peat-sand substrate.

Seeding depth - up to 1 cm (almost superficially), it is necessary to stick it into the compacted mixture, with the wing up.The container is covered with a piece of glass or plastic bag, is placed in warm place with a temperature of 24-30C, and bright lighting.

Humidification is carried out as the soil dries. It is important not to forget to ventilate the crops.

After 3-4 weeks, the first shoots will appear. But it happens that germination is delayed for more long term, which sometimes reaches 6–9 months - this is due to incorrect breeding conditions.

It is necessary to illuminate the seedlings with fluorescent lamps so that the plants do not stretch too much.When a couple of leaves appear on young Dioscoreas, they are transplanted into permanent pots with a selected substrate.

Dioscorea Useful properties of Nippon Dioscorea: The pharmacological action of steroid glycosides has been studied quite well. Their most important property is anti-sclerotic. In clinical trials, it was found that diosponin, containing the amount of steroidal glycosides contained in the plant, reduces hypercholeterolemia and deposition of low-density lipoproteins in arterial vessels, skin, liver and on the cornea of ​​​​the eye. It also helps to increase the ratio of lecithin / cholesterol, has a positive effect on the activity of the entire cardiovascular system, lowers blood pressure, dilates peripheral blood vessels, and has a diuretic effect. All this together leads to an anti-sclerotic effect. The secret of the action of the preparations of this plant is quite simple. The saponins included in its composition easily combine with cholesterol molecules as in gastrointestinal tract as well as in the bloodstream. Saponin-bound cholesterol is very well excreted from the body. This prevents the formation of cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels. Moreover, saponins almost do not bind with useful cholesterol, which our body needs for the formation of sex and other hormones. Dioscorea When scientists found out that the cause of atherosclerosis is the deposition of cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels, they decided to resort to a radical way to solve the problem - the maximum reduction of cholesterol in the bloodstream. Thanks to the efforts of biochemists, a number of drugs soon appeared to achieve this effect. However, at that time they did not yet know that cholesterol is the basis for the synthesis of many hormones. Therefore, as a result of taking these drugs, hormonal disruptions began in patients, leading to impotence in men, menstrual irregularities in women, etc. There were also cases of drug-induced hepatitis. Therefore, Dioscorea preparations turned out to be a real discovery for medicine, because they do not have the noted negative side effects. A feature of diosgenin is that it is a source for the synthesis of corticosteroid hormones in the body, which have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. The saponins (glycosides) that are part of the plant enhance the effect of sleeping pills, restore sleep phases, help reduce blood pressure, deepen breathing, slightly increase the amplitude of heart contractions. The feature of all these active ingredients is their low toxicity. However, they have a rather strong irritant effect on the mucous membranes. Indications for use: AT official medicine the plant is not used, but goes to the manufacture of special medical preparations- "Polysponina" and "Diosponina". By the way, they are obtained not only from Nipponian Dioscorea, but also from other types of Dioscorea, for example, Caucasian Dioscorea (recently, Caucasian Dioscorea is almost not harvested due to the depletion of its natural reserves). Preparations obtained from Dioscorea are indicated both for general atherosclerosis and for cerebral and coronary atherosclerosis, both in the initial and advanced stages of these diseases. They have also found use in the treatment of hypertension and certain diseases of the liver and gallbladder. So, tincture of Dioscoria is prescribed in cases of exacerbation of chronic gastritis, in addition, it has a positive side effect- a significant increase in the secretory function of the stomach. Indications for the use of drugs are also: age-related hormonal deficiency, ischemic disease heart, chronic fatigue, insomnia, bitterness in the mouth and heaviness in the stomach caused by disorders in the gastrointestinal tract, radiation sickness, obesity, liver disease. Preparation of drugs: As already mentioned, from this plant are prepared medications"Polysponin" and "Diosponin", which are prescribed by a doctor. However, due to the absence of such in the pharmacy network, if the roots and rhizomes of Nippon Dioscorea are available, at home you can prepare a decoction and tincture of the plant. ♦ To prepare a decoction, you need to take 20 g of dry roots, chop them, and then pour 200 ml of boiling water. Next, simmer in a water bath for half an hour, cool, strain and bring to the original volume. The decoction is taken 2 tablespoons 3-4 times a day after meals. In order to avoid irritation of the gastric mucosa, it is advisable to drink it with jelly or milk. ♦ Root tincture is prepared with 70% alcohol. Pour one volumetric part of the roots with five parts of alcohol, leave for 10 days, shaking occasionally. Then the mass is filtered. Take 30-40 drops 3 times a day before meals. ♦ You can also make an infusion of the leaves and flowers of the plant. To do this, take 20 g of raw materials, pour 200 ml of boiling water and insist on a water bath for 15 minutes. Then the infusion is cooled and filtered. Take 2 tablespoons 3-4 times a day after meals. Contraindications to the use of Nipponian Dioscorea preparations: hypotension, bradycardia, pregnancy, breast-feeding, chronic inflammatory diseases of the stomach and intestines. With great care and small doses, they are used immediately after a stroke or heart attack.