An overview on pharmacological significance, phytochemical potential, traditional importance and conservation strategies of Dioscorea deltoidea: A high valued endangered medicinal plant

Dioscorea deltoidea Wall. ex Griseb. is an endangered species of the Dioscoreaceae family. It is the most commonly consumed wild species as a vegetable due to its high protein, vital amino acid, vitamin, and mineral content. There are approximately 613 species in the genus Dioscorea Plum. ex L., which is found in temperate and tropical climates. Dioscorea deltoidea, a plant species widespread across tropical and sub-tropical regions, called by different names in different languages. In English, it is commonly referred to as "Wild yam" or "Elephant foot". The Sanskrit name for this plant is "Varahikand," while in Hindi, it is known as "Gun" or "Singly-mingly." The Urdu language refers to it as "Qanis," and in Nepali, it is called "Tarul," "Bhyakur," or "Ghunar." Dioscorea deltoidea has been used to cure a wide range of human ailments for centuries. This plant has nutritional and therapeutic uses and also contains high amounts of steroidal saponins, allantoin, polyphenols, and most notably, polysaccharides and diosgenin. These bioactive chemicals have shown potential in providing protection against a wide spectrum of inflammatory conditions, including enteritis (inflammation of the intestines), arthritis (joint inflammation), dermatitis (skin inflammation), acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), and neuro inflammation (inflammation in the nervous system). Furthermore, the valuable bioactive chemicals found in D. deltoidea have been associated with a range of beneficial biological activities, such as antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, and cytotoxic properties. Sapogenin steroidal chemicals are highly valued in the fields of medicine, manufacturing, and commerce. It has both expectorant and sedative properties. It is employed in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, encompassing various ailments related to the heart and blood vessels, skin disease, cancer, immune deficiencies, and autoimmune diseases. Additionally, it finds application in managing disorders of the central nervous system and dysfunctional changes in the female reproductive system. Furthermore, it is valued for its role in treating bone and joint diseases. Metabolic disorders are also among the ailments for which D. deltoidea is employed. It has traditionally been used as a vermifuge, fish poison, and to kill lice. Diosgenin, a steroidal compound found in D. deltoidea, plays a crucial role as a precursor in the chemical synthesis of various hormones. Due to the presence of valuable bioactive molecule, like corticosterone and sigmasterol, D. deltoidea is cultivated specifically for the extraction of these beneficial phytochemicals. The current study aims to assess D. deltoidea's medicinal properties, ethnobotanical usage, phytochemicals, pharmacological properties, threats, and conservation techniques.