AIM: To study the effect of yam in Taiwan, which is a commonly used Chinesemedicine, 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: Thepharmacological and biochemical studies showed the extract of yam had the effect of kidney securenessand liver fortification (P < 0.01). The pathologic sections showed good improvements in renal tubulardegranulation changes, necrosis and disintegration. The extract of yam also possessed a good protectionagainst the inflammation of central vein and necrosis of liver tissue. CONCLUSION: The liver and kidneysare originated from the same source. Pathologically, deficiency of the life essence in the kidney maylead to the blood deficiency in the liver. The results showed that the yam could prevent the damagesof the liver and kidneys, thus preserving their functions. This could b e the reason why the yam wascommonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, as seen in Liuwei Dihuang Wan be used in the case of deficiencyof liver-yin and kidney-yin.
