Evidence supporting the use of: Wild yam
For the health condition: PMS Type P

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Synopsis

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

Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Native American and early Western herbal traditions, for a range of female reproductive system complaints, including symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS Type P refers specifically to the "pain" type, characterized by symptoms such as cramps, headaches, and general discomfort. Traditionally, wild yam root was thought to balance female hormones and alleviate menstrual pain, due in part to its content of diosgenin, a phytoestrogenic compound that was historically believed to be a "natural progesterone." Herbalists have recommended wild yam as a spasmolytic and anti-inflammatory for menstrual cramps and pelvic pain, but this use is based on empirical practice and anecdotal evidence rather than rigorous clinical trials.

However, modern scientific research does not robustly support these traditional uses. While diosgenin can be chemically converted into steroid hormones in the lab, the human body does not perform this conversion when wild yam is ingested. Clinical studies validating wild yam's efficacy for PMS pain are lacking, and authoritative reviews conclude that evidence is insufficient to recommend wild yam for PMS symptom management. Thus, the use of wild yam for PMS Type P is primarily justified by tradition, with minimal scientific backing.

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