Wild Yam

dioscorea villosa

capsule/extract/bulk

root
Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies): Wild yam has been used by herbalists as an expectorant for people with coughs. It was also used for gastrointestinal upset, nerve pain, and morning sickness.1 Eventually, it was discovered that the saponins from wild yam could be converted industrially into cortisone, estrogens, and progesterone-like compounds. Wild yam and other plants with similar constituents continue to be a source for these drugs.

Also called Colic root or Rheumatism root, Wild Yam is a twining perennial that was used by the Americans Indians to ease the pain of childbirth.

Herbalists report that women who wish to enlarge their breast may rub on some Wild Yam salve. Along with Fenugreek, it contains diosgenin, a chemical compound that's often used to create a semi synthetic forms of the female sex hormone estrogen.

Wild Yam is known to relax muscle spasms and reduce inflammation. Its similarity to progesterone suggests that it’s good for gallbladder disorders, kidney stones, menopause and menstrual-related symptoms.Wild Yam

Helps relieve the pain and inflammation of diverticulitis. Make a brew by combining two parts Wild Yam, one part Valerian (relaxing digestive tract soother), one part Black Haw and one part Peppermint (anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic). Use two tablespoons of this mixture (dried) in a quart (~liter) of boiling water.

Active constituents: The steroidal saponins (such as diosgenin) account for some of the activity of wild yam. Another compound, dioscoretine, has been shown in animal studies to lower blood sugar levels.2 An extract of wild yam was also found in a clinical trial to have antioxidant properties and raised HDL, the “good,” cholesterol in elderly adults.3

Contrary to popular claims, wild yam roots do not contain and are not converted into progesterone or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the body.4 5 Pharmaceutical progesterone is made from wild yam using a chemical conversion process. This can lead to confusion—while wild yam can be a source of progesterone, it cannot be used without this pharmaceutical conversion, which cannot be duplicated by the body. Women who require progesterone should consult with their physician and not rely on wild yam supplements.

How much is usually taken? Up to 2–3 ml of wild yam tincture can be taken three to four times per day. Alternatively, 1 gram of dried, powdered root can be taken three times each day.6

Are there any side effects or interactions? Some people may experience nausea or vomiting when taking large amounts of wild yam (several times the amounts listed above). The safety of wild yam during pregnancy and breast feeding has not been established.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with wild yam.

References:
1. Lust JB., The Herb Book. New York: Bantam Books, 1974, 401.

2. Iwu MM, Okunji CO, Ohiaeri GO, et al., Hypoglycaemic activity of dioscoretine from tubers of Dioscorea dumetorum in normal and alloxan diabetic rabbits. Planta Med 1990;56:264–7.

3. Araghiniknam M, Chung S, Nelson-White T, et al., Antioxidant activity of dioscorea and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in older humans. Life Sci 1996;11:147–57.

4. Araghiniknam M, Chung S, Nelson-White T, et al., Antioxidant activity of dioscorea and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in older humans. Life Sci 1996;11:147–57.

5. Dollbaum CM., Lab analyses of salivary DHEA and progesterone following ingestion of yam-containing products. Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients Oct 1995:104.

6. Bartram T., Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. Dorset, England: Grace Publishers, 1995, 454.
 

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