Synopsis

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

Dioscorea (commonly known as wild yam) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine for supporting women’s health, including symptoms associated with menopause such as hot flashes and mood swings. The traditional use is largely based on the plant’s content of diosgenin, a phytoestrogen-like compound that can be chemically converted into progesterone in the laboratory. Historically, herbalists and traditional medicine practitioners have recommended wild yam preparations for menopausal symptoms, believing it to have hormone-balancing effects.

However, the scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited and not robust. While diosgenin can serve as a precursor in the laboratory synthesis of steroid hormones, the human body does not convert diosgenin into progesterone or other hormones. Clinical studies evaluating wild yam’s effectiveness for menopause are scant and of poor quality, with most finding no significant benefit over placebo. The evidence base is therefore rated as weak (1/5), reflecting that while the practice is common in tradition, it lacks meaningful scientific validation.

In summary, the use of dioscorea for menopause is primarily justified by traditional use rather than by high-quality scientific research. Women considering wild yam for menopausal symptoms should be aware that its reputed benefits are not backed by strong clinical evidence.

More about dioscorea
More about Menopause

Other ingredients used for Menopause

Other health conditions supported by dioscorea

Products containing dioscorea