Evidence supporting the use of: Wild yam
For the health condition: Endometriosis

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Synopsis

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

Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) has been traditionally used in various herbal medicine systems, particularly in North America, as a remedy for women's reproductive health issues, including menstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms. Its use for endometriosis, however, is supported primarily by tradition and anecdote, not robust scientific evidence. The rationale for its use is largely based on the belief that wild yam contains "natural progesterone" or can be converted in the body to progesterone-like compounds, which may help balance hormones and reduce estrogen-driven endometrial tissue growth. However, scientific studies have shown that wild yam contains diosgenin, a steroidal saponin that can be chemically converted into progesterone in the laboratory, but this conversion does not occur in the human body when wild yam is ingested. Clinical trials or well-designed studies specifically evaluating the efficacy of wild yam for endometriosis are lacking. Thus, its use for this condition remains grounded in traditional and alternative medicine philosophies rather than scientific validation. Most authoritative medical sources and reviews conclude there is insufficient evidence to recommend wild yam supplementation for endometriosis. Caution is advised for those considering wild yam, as its purported hormonal effects in humans are not substantiated, and it should not replace standard medical treatments.

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