Validation of tribal claims on Dioscorea bulbifera and D. oppositifolia using phytochemical analysis

Dioscorea species is used for curing various diseases and ailments in different regions of the world. The tubers of Dioscorea bulbifera and D. oppositifolia are used as food and medicines among different ethnic groups of India. The tubers are can be used as a birth control agent. Presently, the use of chemically synthesized pills for birth control promote many health problems. So, the present study deals with tubers of D. oppositifolia and D. bulbifera as traditional agent. The tubers were collected and subjected for phytochemical screening to validate the medicinal claims. The analysis of phytochemical screening of the tuber extracts showed the presence of Saponin. The results might be responsible for their medicinal potential as birth control agent