Dioscorea polysaccharides (DOP)

Moderate

Polysaccharide (glucomannan and galactomannan fractions)

Mechanism of Action

DOP activates macrophages via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and dectin-1 receptors, stimulating phagocytosis and production of nitric oxide and cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) at immunostimulatory concentrations. At intestinal level, DOP acts as a prebiotic substrate, enhancing Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus colonization and increasing short-chain fatty acid production. The polysaccharides also exhibit antioxidant activity by chelating transition metal ions and scavenging hydroxyl radicals.

Research Notes

Chinese Yam (Shan Yao)TCM

An in vivo study in cyclophosphamide-immunosuppressed mice showed that DOP (200–400 mg/kg) restored white blood cell counts, splenic lymphocyte proliferation, and NK cell activity to near-normal levels (Zhao et al., Int J Biol Macromol, 2014). In vitro fermentation studies demonstrated selective stimulation of beneficial gut microbiota. No human clinical trials of isolated DOP have been published, though the polysaccharides are a major component of whole-tuber preparations studied in traditional formula trials.

Found In 1 Herb

Chinese Yam (Shan Yao)

TCM

3D Molecular Structure

Polysaccharide (glucomannan and galactomannan fractions)

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Dioscorea polysaccharides (DOP)

Polysaccharide (glucomannan and galactomannan fractions)Complex carbohydrate polymers that modulate immune response

Representative pattern: (C₆H₁₀O₅)ₙ

Atoms

Carbon

Oxygen

Live Research

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