Evidence supporting the use of: Diosgenin
For the body system: Female Reproductive System
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Diosgenin is a naturally occurring steroidal saponin found in several plants, most notably wild yam (Dioscorea species). Traditionally, extracts of wild yam have been used in herbal medicine to support female reproductive health, especially for symptoms associated with menopause and menstrual discomfort. The rationale behind this use is the structural similarity of diosgenin to human steroid hormones such as progesterone and estrogen. In the 20th century, diosgenin became significant in the pharmaceutical industry as a precursor for the laboratory synthesis of corticosteroids and sex hormones, but it does not act as a hormone in the human body when ingested. Despite its traditional use, there is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of diosgenin or wild yam extracts in directly impacting the female reproductive system or alleviating hormonal symptoms. Most clinical studies have found little to no difference between wild yam or diosgenin supplements and placebo in relieving menopausal symptoms. The body cannot convert diosgenin into active human hormones; such conversions require industrial chemical processes. Therefore, while diosgenin’s use for female reproductive support is rooted in tradition and historical herbal medicine, scientific validation for these effects is lacking. Women considering these supplements should consult with healthcare providers, as the evidence does not robustly support their efficacy for reproductive health.
Other ingredients that support Female Reproductive System
7-hydroxymatairesinol (HMR)amino acids
ashwagandha
basil
black cohosh
borage oil
broccoli
chaste tree
turmeric
d-alpha tocopherol
damiana
dandelion
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
DIM (diindolylmethane)
dong quai root
eleuthero
evening primrose oil
fennel
fenugreek
flaxseed
folate
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
genistein
ginger
goldenseal
hibiscus
HMR lignan
Indian tinospora
indole-3-carbinol
inositol
jujube
lactobacillus acidophilus
lactobacillus crispatus
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus jensenii
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lignans
linoleic acid (LA)
maca
marine lipid
motherwort
nettle
omega-3 fatty acids
raspberry
rose oil
saffron
selenium
soybean
spearmint leaf
tribulus
vitamin B
vitamin B6
vitamin E
wild yam
red clover
squawvine
mugwort
anise
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
blessed thistle
peony
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
yarrow
yarrow
dioscorea
dodder
royal jelly
Equol (proprietary)
guelder rose
trace minerals
anemarrhena asphodeloides
shepherd's purse
wood betony
herbal blend (proprietary)
soy isoflavones
27-deoxyactein
25-d-spirosta-3, 5-diene
8-Prenylnaringenin
Angelica
Anamu
AHCC
Alchemilla
Aletris
Anserina
Anemone
Agnuside
Ashoka
Abuta
Animal protein
Betony
Blue Cohosh
Bugbane
Bethroot
Barbasco
Belamcanda
Bird's nest
Calochortus
Cohosh
Clary sage
Cnidium
Cynomorium
Cramp Bark
Chinese Pond Turtle
Chlorophytum
Casticin
Ceylon Leadwort
Crinum latifolium
DHEA
Daidzein
Dong Quai
Diosgenin
Date
Egg
Erythrina
Evening Primrose Oil
Estrogen
Folic Acid
Fo-Ti
Furostanols
formononetin
Fatty acids
False Unicorn Root
Ginsenosides
Goat's rue
Giant Trillium
Golden Ragwort
Isoflavones
jasmine
Pennyroyal
Rose
Soy Protein
Vervain
Other body systems supported by Diosgenin
EstrogenFemale Reproductive System
Glandular System
Reproductive System
Uterus