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

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Synopsis

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

Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) has a long history in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in North America, where it was used by Native American tribes for a variety of women's health concerns, including menstrual cramps and symptoms associated with menopause and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). The use of wild yam for PMS, specifically PMS Type D (which is characterized by depressive symptoms, mood swings, and tearfulness), is primarily rooted in traditional practices rather than robust scientific validation. The plant contains diosgenin, a compound that can be chemically converted into steroid hormones like progesterone in the laboratory, but the human body cannot convert diosgenin into hormones simply by ingesting wild yam. Despite marketing claims, there is no reliable clinical evidence demonstrating that wild yam or its extracts can alleviate PMS symptoms, including those of Type D. Most of the available studies are limited, low-quality, or animal-based, and do not specifically address PMS Type D. Therefore, the use of wild yam for this purpose remains supported mainly by traditional use and anecdotal reports rather than rigorous scientific research.

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