Evidence supporting the use of: Mexican Yam
For the body system: Uterus

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Mexican Yam (Dioscorea villosa), commonly referred to as wild yam, has a long history of traditional use in supporting women’s reproductive health, particularly for symptoms associated with menstruation and menopause. Traditional herbalists have recommended wild yam root for its purported ability to balance hormones and support uterine health. These uses are largely based on the presence of diosgenin, a plant steroid that can be chemically converted to progesterone in laboratory settings. However, the body does not naturally convert diosgenin into hormones, and thus, the physiological effects of consuming wild yam are not equivalent to taking bioidentical hormones or pharmaceutical progesterone. Scientific studies on wild yam’s efficacy for uterine health or hormone balance are limited and inconclusive. Some small studies and anecdotal reports suggest mild relief of menopausal symptoms, but robust clinical trials are lacking. Reviews of the literature consistently report insufficient evidence to support claims that wild yam directly benefits the uterus or influences hormone levels in humans. Therefore, the use of Mexican Yam for uterine support is justified primarily by tradition and historical use, rather than by scientific validation.

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