Wild yam is a plant. In the laboratory, diosgenin, a molecule found, may be synthesized into various steroid hormones, including estrogen and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Diosgenin is extracted from the plant’s root, and the bulb is used to make an “extract,” a concentrated diosgenin liquid.
Wild yams come in over 600 different varieties. Diosgenin, a key ingredient in steroids, is from various plants. Because of their harsh taste, these animals are often avoided by people. It is estimated that just a few dozen of the 600 species are edible. [1]
We’ll explore if the wild yam is a viable option for diverticulosis, cancer, and more.
How Does It Work?
A molecule in wild yam can turn into various synthetic steroid hormones, such as estrogen. Of course, the body can’t convert wild yam to estrogen.
Yet, diosgenin or wild yam is commonly referred to in the context of estrogen replacement treatment, vaginal dryness, PMS (premenstrual syndrome), menstrual cramps, weak bones (osteoporosis), enhancing energy and sexual desire in men, and breast growth. Although it appears to contain estrogen-like properties, the body does not convert it into a hormone. That can only be done in a laboratory. [2]
Similarly, natural DHEA supplements like wild yam and diosgenin are common on the market. In the lab, DHEA is generated from diosgenin, but this chemical reaction does not occur in the human body, according to current thinking. This extract will not raise DHEA levels in humans; thus, it’s not worth consuming. Anyone interested in using DHEA supplements should avoid a wild yam product branded as “natural DHEA.”
It is also used for treating diverticulosis, gallbladder discomfort, rheumatoid arthritis, and boosting energy levels. Menopausal symptoms like hot flashes are also thought to improve through the application of wild yam lotion to the skin. [3]
Most of these benefits are projected in anecdotal reports. And research has yet to conclusively determine is wild yam is indeed an effective treatment for these conditions.
Wild Yam Root Benefits
Diosgenin, a molecule found in wild yam bulbs and roots, can affect human hormone synthesis, including estrogen and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). It may be a natural strategy to increase the production of these hormones in the body, which may have medicinal advantages. [4]
On this note, it is thought that morning sickness, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), hot flashes, menstrual cramps, vaginal dryness, poor libido, and osteoporosis may improve via its consumption.
People used wild yam medicinally in the past, although there is now little evidence to back this up. Nonetheless, the FDA has not evaluated it for its safety or efficacy in the United States.
Let’s explore the possible applications for wild yam:
1. Menopause Symptoms
For the treatment of menopausal symptoms, some traditional medicine practitioners recommend the usage of it. Theoretically, it might help alleviate symptoms by increasing or stabilizing the body’s estrogen levels.
However, there is little evidence to back these up. Using a wild yam cream for three months did not affect the menopausal symptoms of the 23 women who took part in a study, which is one of just a few studies. Wild yam’s usage in menopause has received increased attention, although the outcomes have been mixed at best. Topical wild yam ointments have been the focus of the majority of research. [5]
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Wild yam contains anti-inflammatory effects; hence some traditional medicine practitioners use it to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
Inflammation of the joints is the hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis, a long-term illness. People with the illness may have discomfort and stiffness, limiting their range of motion.
Inflammation can be reduced and symptoms improved with it, but there is no proof to back this up. [6]
3. Blood Sugar Regulation
Wild yam contains a molecule called dioscoretine, which some people believe helps regulate blood sugar levels. For people with diabetes, it may help control blood sugar levels.
Nonetheless, diascoretine’s effect on blood sugar has only been in animals thus far. It’s not known if people would get the effect in the same way. [7]
4. Muscle Ache and Cramps
Wild yam is thought to have anti-spasmodic qualities, which are chemicals that help relieve muscular spasms. Thus, wild yam’s anti-spasmodic properties may be effective in treating premenstrual syndrome (PMS) [8].
5. Good for the Heart
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 31% of males in the United States have high cholesterol. Heart disease is more likely if you have high cholesterol. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the key element in wild yam, diosgenin, may assist your body limit cholesterol absorption, despite conflicting results from research. Because of these mixed results, it’s best to avoid using it as a cholesterol-lowering supplement. You can maintain heart health through a well-balanced diet and frequent physical activity. [9]
6. Arthritis and Inflammation
As an alternate therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, wild yam also possesses anti-inflammatory qualities. According to an article in “BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine,” a wild yam extract has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in mice in 2013. According to the study, there were no harmful effects in mice after taking the extract. This study can help males with rheumatoid arthritis, but research lacks information about it. [10]
7. Healthy Bones
According to new research from the National Institutes for Health, male osteoporosis is rising. Diosgenin, a component in wild yams, which increases bone formation and the healing of fractures through the stimulation of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF), a bone-growing factor. However, more studies and clinical trials are required to determine whether or not wild yam is beneficial to bone health. [11]
Wild Yam Side Effects
The FDA has not yet examined it for its therapeutic use; therefore, nothing is known about the herb’s safety or negative effects in great detail. It is a natural substance; however, this does not imply that it does not have any negative side effects. This is also safe for most individuals to consume in small amounts. Symptoms of an overdose of wild yam include nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
It might cause an allergic response in certain people, as well. When used as a lotion, it might cause skin discomfort. However, there has been no long-term research on the usage of wild yams. But higher dosages are more likely to cause side effects.
Hormone Sensitive Diseases
Wild yam is not safe for people with hormone-sensitive diseases, including breast cancer or uterine fibroids. It may aggravate symptoms by interfering with estrogen production. When consumed, it may impact the body’s hormone levels. This is not safe for women with hormone-dependent disorders such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or malignancies of the breast, ovaries, uterus, or prostate.
Furthermore, there is no conclusive proof that wild yam is safe for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, or children under the age of two. As a result, medical professionals advise against taking wild yams during these periods. [13]
Estradiol, a chemical included in some birth control tablets and hormone replacement therapy, is one example of how it may interact.
Wild Yam and Drug Interactions
It may interact with other drugs, but further research is what everyone needs. Before ingesting it, get an appointment with your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you. Wild yams are generally safe to ingest or apply to the skin.
Wild yam’s safety during pregnancy and lactation is not yet safe, there’s a lack of study behind this. Avoid it if you want to be on the safe side. The same holds for children’s consumption of wild yams. It has not been studied to see whether it interacts with other medications or nutritional supplements. [14]
The Bottomline: Benefits and Side Effects of Wild Yam
Traditional medicine practitioners use wild yam to treat a wide range of health concerns, but a lot of study is important to confirm its safety and effectiveness. The wild yam, or Dioscorea villosa, has a variety of applications and advantages. However, scientific evidence for some of these, such as menopausal treatment and hormonal balance, is lacking.
Managing blood sugar levels, lowering cholesterol, and preventing photoaging are among the top five advantages of wild yam. When taken in big doses, wild yam can negatively affect the body and other drugs. Therefore, it is essential to consult a physician before consuming wild yam.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your own healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
- Joy P.P., Thomas, J., Mathew, S., & Skaria, B. P. (1998). MEDICINAL PLANTS. KERALA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY. Retrieved August 26, 2022, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284679150_Medicinal_Plants
- Tada, Y., Kanda, N., Haratake, A., Tobiishi, M., Uchiwa, H., & Watanabe, S. (2009). Novel effects of diosgenin on skin aging. Steroids, 74(6), 504–511. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.steroids.2009.01.006
- Lois, K., Kassi, E., Prokopiou, M., & Chrousos, G. P. (2014). Adrenal Androgens and Aging. In K. R. Feingold (Eds.) et. al., Endotext. MDText.com, Inc.
- Komesaroff, P. A., Black, C. V., Cable, V., & Sudhir, K. (2001). Effects of wild yam extract on menopausal symptoms, lipids and sex hormones in healthy menopausal women. Climacteric : the journal of the International Menopause Society, 4(2), 144–150.
- Wojcikowski, K., Wohlmuth, H., Johnson, D. W., & Gobe, G. (2008). Dioscorea villosa (wild yam) induces chronic kidney injury via pro-fibrotic pathways. Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, 46(9), 3122–3131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2008.06.090
- Joseph, B., & Jini, D. (2013). Antidiabetic effects of Momordica charantia (bitter melon) and its medicinal potency. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease, 3(2), 93–102. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2222-1808(13)60052-3
- Dietz, B. M., Hajirahimkhan, A., Dunlap, T. L., & Bolton, J. L. (2016). Botanicals and Their Bioactive Phytochemicals for Women’s Health. Pharmacological reviews, 68(4), 1026–1073. https://doi.org/10.1124/pr.115.010843
- Obidiegwu, J. E., Lyons, J. B., & Chilaka, C. A. (2020). The Dioscorea Genus (Yam)-An Appraisal of Nutritional and Therapeutic Potentials. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 9(9), 1304. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9091304
- Lima, C. M., Lima, A. K., Melo, M. G., Serafini, M. R., Oliveira, D. L., de Almeida, E. B., Barreto, R. S., Nogueira, P. C., Moraes, V. R., Oliveira, E. R., de Albuquerque, R. L., Jr, Quintans-Júnior, L. J., & Araújo, A. A. (2013). Bioassay-guided evaluation of Dioscorea villosa – an acute and subchronic toxicity, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory approach. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 13, 195. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-13-195
- Yen, M. L., Su, J. L., Chien, C. L., Tseng, K. W., Yang, C. Y., Chen, W. F., Chang, C. C., & Kuo, M. L. (2005). Diosgenin induces hypoxia-inducible factor-1 activation and angiogenesis through estrogen receptor-related phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in osteoblasts. Molecular pharmacology, 68(4), 1061–1073. https://doi.org/10.1124/mol.104.010082
- Komesaroff, P. A., Black, C. V., Cable, V., & Sudhir, K. (2001). Effects of wild yam extract on menopausal symptoms, lipids and sex hormones in healthy menopausal women. Climacteric : the journal of the International Menopause Society, 4(2), 144–150.
- Wojcikowski, K., Wohlmuth, H., Johnson, D. W., & Gobe, G. (2008). Dioscorea villosa (wild yam) induces chronic kidney injury via pro-fibrotic pathways. Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, 46(9), 3122–3131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2008.06.090
- Obidiegwu, J. E., Lyons, J. B., & Chilaka, C. A. (2020). The Dioscorea Genus (Yam)-An Appraisal of Nutritional and Therapeutic Potentials. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 9(9), 1304. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9091304
