Dioscorea rhizome is used orally in formulas to treat digestive, respiratory and some urogenital disorders such as chronic diarrhoea, chronic bronchitis, asthma, diabetes, leukorrhea and enuresis. In addition to strengthening the gastro-intestinal system, it has been shown to have diuretic, hypoglycemic, antihypertensive, antibiotic, anti-ageing actions.