Synopsis

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

Diosgenin is a naturally occurring steroidal saponin found in plants such as wild yam (Dioscorea species). Traditionally, wild yam extracts containing diosgenin have been used in herbal medicine, particularly in North America and Asia, to support women's reproductive health and alleviate symptoms associated with menopause. This traditional use is largely based on the structural similarity between diosgenin and human steroid hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. However, diosgenin itself is not converted to estrogen in the human body. While it serves as a precursor in the laboratory synthesis of steroid hormones (notably oral contraceptives and corticosteroids), the human body does not have the necessary enzymes to convert diosgenin into estrogen or other active steroids.

There is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of diosgenin or wild yam extracts for modulating estrogen levels or treating estrogen-related symptoms in humans. Most clinical studies have failed to show significant hormonal effects from oral supplementation. Thus, the use of diosgenin to support the estrogen body system is based primarily on tradition and historical herbal practices rather than robust scientific validation. The evidence rating reflects the gap between traditional use and current clinical evidence.

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