Effects of "Chinese yam" on hepato-nephrotoxicity of acetaminophen in rats.

Aim: To study the effect of yam in Taiwan, which is a commonly used Chinese medicine, on hepato-nephro-toxicity in rats.
Methods: Crude water extract of yam (Dioscorea alata L), was used to treat rats with an acute toxicity induced by acetaminophen (APAP) challenge.
Results: The pharmacological and biochemical studies showed the extract of yam had the effect of kidney secureness and liver fortification (P < 0.01). The pathologic sections showed good improvements in renal tubular degranulation changes, necrosis and disintegration. The extract of yam also possessed a good protection against the inflammation of central vein and necrosis of liver tissue.
Conclusion: The liver and kidneys are originated from the same source. Pathologically, deficiency of the life essence in the kidney may lead to the blood deficiency in the liver. The results showed that the yam could prevent the damages of the liver and kidneys, thus preserving their functions. This could b e the reason why the yam was commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, as seen in Liuwei Dihuang Wan be used in the case of deficiency of liver-yin and kidney-yin.