Effects of Dioscoreae Rhizoma (SanYak) on Peripheral Neuropathy and its Safety

OBJECTIVES This study aimed to evaluate the evidence available in the literature for the safety and efficacy of Dioscoreae Rhizoma(DR) for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy. METHODS Literature searches were performed in MEDLINE and three Korean medical databases up to April 2013. All studies evaluating the effects on peripheral neuropathy or the safety of DR monopreparations were considered. RESULTS Three studies - DR extract per os (po) on diabetic neuropathy in mice, DR extract injection on the peripheral sciatic nerve after crush injury in rats and DR extract injection to patients with peripheral facial paralysis proved that DR treatments were effective for the treatment of nerve injuries. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, we found the DR has a strong positive potential for the treatment of peripheral neuropathy, but studies addressing direct factors related to the nerve still remain insufficient.