Dioscorea nipponica Makino: Unraveling multi-target mechanisms and clinical potential in autoimmune disease therapy

Autoimmune diseases (ADs) are characterized by high prevalence, severity, and a significant impact on quality of life. Conventional treatments, such as corticosteroids and biologics, often lead to adverse reactions. Traditional Chinese medicine, with its multi-component and multi-target characteristics, demonstrates potential as an alternative therapy for ADs. In traditional Chinese medicine, Dioscorea nipponica Makino (DnM) is often used in the treatment of rheumatic diseases and type 1 diabetes, among other autoimmune conditions. Therefore, we delve into the association of this herb with ADs.

We investigate the therapeutic potential and multi-target mechanisms of DnM (a traditional Chinese medicine with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties) in the treatment of ADs, elucidating its regulatory effects on immune cells and key signaling pathways. This work aims to provide a comprehensive phytopharmacological perspective for advancing ADs therapy and research.

A systematic search was conducted across seven databases to analyze, compare, and review relevant studies. A comprehensive literature review was performed on the chemical components, quality control, clinical observations, pharmacological mechanisms, and toxicology of DnM, and DnM was compared to popular drug treatment strategies.

DnM and its bioactive constituents (notably dioscin, Diosgenin and Total Saponins of Rhizoma Dioscorea Nipponica (TSDN)) modulate T lymphocyte proliferation, regulate the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, suppress the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6), and bidirectionally regulate apoptosis through Fas/FasL and Bcl-2/Bax pathways (depending on disease-specific microenvironments in ADs). DnM demonstrates significant therapeutic efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune thyroiditis, psoriasis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, alleviating symptoms, delaying disease progression, and exhibiting a favorable safety profile.

DnM exerts multi-target effects by modulating key inflammatory and apoptotic pathways in ADs. The NF-κB, STAT3, and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways may serve as key targets for DnM in modulating inflammatory states in ADs, while Fas/FasL and Bax/Bcl-2 are potential mediators of its apoptosis-regulating effects. Clinical evidence supports its efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), highlighting its multi-faceted therapeutic potential. This review systematically summarizes DnM's clinical outcomes, mechanisms, and toxicological profile, however, large-scale randomized controlled trials are required to validate its therapeutic potential across diverse ADs. Collectively, this work underscores DnM's promise as a candidate for AD therapeutics.