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Dioscorea villosa
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| Uses: Medicinal |
Duration: Perennial (hardy in zones 4-8) |
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Contains diosgenin, an important raw material for the pharmaceutical industry, used to prepare many steroid hormones, including contraceptives and corticosteroids. American Indians used it for labour pains. A traditional remedy for gastrointestinal ailments and asthma. Native of American woodlands; needs shade and rich soil. Propagated by root cuttings (approximately 60 root cuttings/kg, each cutting divisible into 3-5 plantable pieces).
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