If you are looking for one of the highest protodioscin sources around, then look no further than our Dioscorea nipponica extract! We initially developed this extract as a way to boost the total protodioscin content in our tribugen stack. With a whopping 40% protodioscin content, this is definitely one of the most important components of the tribugen stack. During the R&D phase of tribugen, we also really fell in love with the effects of standalone Dioscorea nipponica!* It produces almost the opposite effects profile of Tribulus terrestris, producing calm confidence rather than a stimulating effect.* This makes it a perfect counterpart to Tribulus terrestris!*
If you like the effects of Tribulus terrestris, but the stimulation is a bit too much for you at times then our Dioscorea nipponica is likely going to be the perfect fit for you!* At the full 400 mg dose, you are getting 160 mg of protodioscin, which is considerably more when compared to a full dose of our Tribulus terrestris which delivers 100 mg of protodioscin per dose.* Overall, if you are looking for a high protodioscin source with a more chill effects profile then our Dioscorea nipponica makes for a very compelling option!*
Dioscorea nipponica is native to Asia and belongs to a family of plants that produce edible starchy tubers referred to as ‘yams’. Dioscorea nipponica is considered to be a ‘wild yam’ and is characterized by the production of saponins, such as protodioscin and dioscin. One of the primary saponins that Dioscorea nipponica produces is protodioscin, which is the same compound that is responsible for many of the benefits that Tribulus terrestris and Fenugreek produce!*
Dioscorea nipponica has been used traditionally for its health benefits for a very long time, primarily in China. Dioscorea nipponica has also been cultivated and used extensively in other Asian countries, such as Japan and Korea. Traditionally, Dioscorea nipponica is mainly used for its positive effects on inflammation and metabolic function.* However, by concentrating its protodioscin content, Dioscorea nipponica also becomes very useful for its effects on DHT synthesis, sports performance and mood!*
When we were developing our tribugen stack, we wanted to increase the protodioscin content of the stack without including more Tribulus terrestris. We took this approach because we find Tribulus terrestris to be overwhelmingly stimulating at times, especially at higher dosages. We weren’t totally sure if protodioscin itself was stimulating so that is what initially led us to this very high protodioscin Dioscorea nipponica extract. When we first started beta-testing it, we were shocked at how smooth and relaxed the effects of Dioscorea nipponica were.* The confidence and motivation boosting effects were still there, but there was a distinct lack of edgy stimulation that we get from Tribulus terrestris.* In that sense, Dioscorea nipponica is the polar opposite of Tribulus terrestris, with Dioscorea nipponica being the mild mannered Dr. Jekyll and Tribulus terestris being the chaotic Mr. Hyde.* Don’t misinterpret this as Dioscorea nipponica being ineffective because it still packs quite the punch; just a very smooth punch!*
One of the reasons Dioscorea nipponica produces confidence and motivation enhancing effects similar to Tribulus terrestris is likely due to the effects protodioscin has on the 5-alpha reductase (5-AR) enzyme.* The 5-AR enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone into the much more androgenic dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Protodioscin appears to be able to upregulate the activity of 5-AR thereby allowing more testosterone to be converted to DHT. That being said, Dioscorea nipponica appears to lack the monoamine oxidase inhibiting effects of Tribulus terrestris and due to this, Dioscorea nipponica does not produce nearly as much stimulation as Tribulus terrestris.* However, it does produce comparable results in terms of confidence, motivation and sports performance.* As a result, Dioscorea nipponica feels like the smoother and more mood boosting version of Tribulus terrestris.* This is why it is a crucial component of the tribugen stack but it also produces some very compelling effects as a standalone!*
Our favorite use for Dioscorea nipponica is for its uplifting mood effects.* The effects tend to kick in fairly rapidly and are very nice for lifting you out of a lazy funk.* While tribugen is great for this reason too, the effects can be a little bit forceful at times.* With standalone Dioscorea nipponica, you are fully in the driver's seat, providing a more gentle but equally effective mood boost.* This is really nice on days where you need more of a gentle push rather than the full shove! Dioscorea nipponica is also great at balancing inflammation and oxidation levels which also help enhance mood and cognitive performance.* We notice a pleasant clear headed effect from Dioscorea nipponica which could be due to its ability to balance neuroinflammation.*
The inflammation regulating effects of Dioscorea nipponica are quite pronounced too.* This makes sense given that Dioscorea nipponica is traditionally used for its positive effects on inflammation. Dioscorea nipponica seems to be especially effective for inflammation of the joints, which makes it a great addition to any athlete's stack.* Not only can Dioscorea nipponica help dial in physical performance, it can also potentially help keep your joints healthy.* Furthermore, the inflammation regulating effects could also help with dampening delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), thereby helping to speed up recovery!*
DHT Stack: Dioscorea nipponica + CistaMAX Capsules
Since DHT synthesis is dependent on the availability of testosterone, it makes a lot of sense to pair Dioscorea nipponica with a supplement which enhances testosterone production. One of our new favorites for dialing in testosterone production is our new Cistanche stack, CistaMAX. We find that the effects of CistaMAX mesh perfectly with Dioscorea nipponica to produce smooth yet potent effects on strength, vitality and confidence!*
Mood Stack: Dioscorea nipponica + Fenugreek Extract Capsules
As we have already proven with tribugen, Dioscorea nipponica stacks great with fenugreek! Our fenugreek extract produces an uplifting and mood boosting effect which meshes really nicely with the smooth uplifting effects of our Dioscorea nipponica. This stack produces many of the same mood boosting properties of tribugen, minus the majority of the stimulation! *
Inflammation Stack: Dioscorea nipponica + Rephyll Capsules
To further dial up the inflammation regulating effects of Dioscorea nipponica, we decided to stack it with rephyll. We really like the inflammation regulating properties of rephyll, especially considering that it can also have positive effects on exercise recovery. With that in mind, we find that the stack of Dioscorea nipponica and rephyll, make for a great recovery stack!*
As a dietary supplement, take one capsule of Dioscorea nipponica daily.
To gain more insight, see the Dioscorea nipponica reviews and experiences below.
Nootropics Depot offers 60ct. or 180ct. jars of high-quality Dioscorea nipponica. Nootropics Depot’s Dioscorea nipponica has been lab-tested and verified for both product purity and identity.
| *Attention: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. |
