Evidence supporting the use of: Sapogenin
For the body system: Progesterone

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Synopsis

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

Sapogenins are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in various plants, including wild yam (Dioscorea species). Traditionally, extracts from wild yam containing sapogenins, particularly diosgenin, have been used in herbal medicine with the belief that they can support female hormonal health, including the progesterone body system. The rationale behind this traditional use is that diosgenin can be chemically converted in the laboratory into progesterone and other steroid hormones. However, it is important to note that, in the human body, this conversion does not occur naturally—humans cannot convert diosgenin into progesterone through normal metabolic processes. Despite this, wild yam and its sapogenin content have been used in folk medicine for symptoms associated with menopause and menstrual irregularities, presumably due to perceived “hormone-balancing” effects. There is little robust scientific evidence to support these traditional uses. Modern reviews and clinical studies have generally found no significant effect of sapogenin-containing supplements on progesterone levels or related symptoms in humans. Therefore, while the use of sapogenin to support progesterone is rooted in tradition, scientific validation is lacking.

More about Sapogenin
More about Progesterone

Other body systems supported by Sapogenin

Glandular System
Progesterone
Reproductive System

Products containing Sapogenin

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.