Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Barbasco is a common name that refers to several different plants in Latin America, most notably species within the genera Dioscorea (wild yam) and Lonchocarpus. In traditional medicine, especially among indigenous groups in Central and South America, barbasco—typically Dioscorea species—has been used for various ailments, including inflammatory conditions like gout. The rationale is often based on the plant's purported anti-inflammatory properties, with preparations made from roots or tubers. However, the historical use is not specific to gout alone but encompasses a wide range of inflammatory or pain-related conditions.

Despite its traditional use, there is minimal scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of barbasco in treating or alleviating gout. Most research concerning Dioscorea species has focused on their content of diosgenin, a steroidal sapogenin used as a precursor for the synthesis of corticosteroids and contraceptives, rather than direct anti-gout effects. There are no high-quality clinical trials or pharmacological studies confirming that barbasco directly reduces uric acid levels or treats gout symptoms. Therefore, any claims regarding its efficacy for gout remain rooted in traditional practices, with only weak anecdotal or ethnobotanical evidence and little to no scientific validation.

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