Synopsis

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

Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, especially among Native American and early American herbalists. It has been used for various women's health concerns and as an anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant, and digestive aid. The association of wild yam with adrenal gland support appears to be rooted in traditional herbal practice rather than modern scientific research. The rationale is often based on the plant's diosgenin content, a phytoestrogen that can be chemically converted in the lab to steroid hormones like progesterone and cortisone. However, the body cannot convert diosgenin into hormones on its own, and clinical evidence supporting wild yam’s direct benefit to adrenal function is lacking. No high-quality human studies have confirmed that wild yam extract or supplements provide measurable support or restoration to adrenal glands or their hormone production. Most claims about wild yam and adrenal health are extrapolations from its historical reputation, not empirical evidence. Therefore, while traditional use exists, scientific validation for wild yam as an adrenal support is minimal to absent, thus the evidence rating of 1.

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