Synopsis

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

Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) has a long history of traditional use, particularly in Native American and traditional Western herbal medicine, where it has been used for a variety of women's health concerns. The root contains a compound called diosgenin, which is a plant steroid that can be chemically converted in the laboratory into progesterone and other steroids, including estrogens. However, this conversion does not occur in the human body; it is only possible in laboratory settings. Despite this, wild yam has been marketed and used in traditional medicine under the belief that it can help balance hormones and support conditions associated with low estrogen, such as menopausal symptoms. Scientific studies, however, have not validated these claims. There is little to no evidence that wild yam or its extracts can increase estrogen levels in humans or have significant estrogenic effects. Most of the support for its use in this context comes from tradition, anecdotal reports, and misinterpretations of the chemistry of diosgenin. In summary, wild yam's use for supporting or treating low estrogen is founded primarily on traditional use and not on scientific validation.

More about wild yam
More about Estrogen (low)

Other ingredients used for Estrogen (low)

Other health conditions supported by wild yam

Products containing wild yam

Metagenics Licorice Plus®
Thorne Meta-Balance
Vitabase Women's Support