Evidence supporting the use of: Dioscorea oppositifolia
For the body system: Ovaries

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Dioscorea oppositifolia, commonly known as Chinese yam or wild yam, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to support women's reproductive health, including the ovaries. In TCM, it is believed to nourish the yin, tonify the spleen and kidneys, and help regulate menstrual cycles and fertility. The root is often included in herbal formulas intended to address symptoms of menopause, irregular menstruation, and general reproductive wellness. However, the traditional use is based on empirical observations and the principles of TCM rather than rigorous scientific validation.

From a scientific standpoint, there is limited direct evidence that Dioscorea oppositifolia affects ovarian function in humans. Some studies have investigated related Dioscorea species for their content of diosgenin, a compound that can be chemically converted into steroid hormones in the laboratory, but the human body does not convert diosgenin into hormones internally. While diosgenin has shown some estrogen-like effects in cell and animal studies, clinical evidence in humans is lacking. Most of the support for Dioscorea oppositifolia's use for ovarian health is therefore grounded in tradition rather than confirmed by modern scientific research.

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