Evidence supporting the use of: Wild yam
For the health condition: Breasts (swelling and tenderness)

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Synopsis

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

Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Native American and early Western herbal practices. Traditionally, wild yam was used to alleviate symptoms associated with menstruation and menopause, including breast swelling and tenderness, which are often linked to hormonal fluctuations. The rationale behind its use centers on the presence of diosgenin, a plant compound that can be chemically converted into progesterone in laboratory settings. However, the human body does not effectively convert diosgenin into hormones, so the purported hormonal effects are not directly supported by human physiology.

Despite its traditional use, scientific evidence supporting wild yam’s effectiveness for breast swelling or tenderness is limited. Most available studies focus on its use for menopausal symptoms in general (such as hot flashes), and even then, results are inconclusive or show minimal benefit. There are no robust, high-quality clinical trials specifically validating wild yam’s efficacy for breast swelling or tenderness. The rating of 2 reflects a moderate traditional backing with minimal scientific validation. Most claims about wild yam for this particular use are based on historical practice and anecdotal reports rather than clinical evidence.

In summary, while wild yam is traditionally used for hormonal symptoms including breast swelling and tenderness, scientific support for these uses is lacking, and its effectiveness remains largely unproven by modern research.

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More about Breasts (swelling and tenderness)