The species studied was found to contain bioactive compounds comprising saponins (18.46 mg 100-1 g), alkaloids (0.68 mg 100-1 g), flavonoids (8.84 mg 100-1 g), tannins (4.2102 mg 100-1 g) and phenols (2.8103 mg 100-1 g). This yam contained vitamins such as ascorbic acid, riboflavin and thiamin. The importance of these chemical constituents is discussed with respect to the role of this Dioscorea species in herbal medicine