Evidence supporting the use of: Wild yam
For the health condition: Menstruation (scant)

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Synopsis

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

Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) has a long history of traditional use in supporting women's reproductive health, including issues related to menstruation such as scanty periods (oligomenorrhea). In folk medicine, especially in North America and parts of Asia, wild yam root has been used as an herbal remedy believed to support hormone balance and promote menstrual flow. The rationale behind its use centers around the presence of diosgenin, a phytoestrogen compound found in wild yam, which herbalists historically thought might help modulate estrogen activity in the body.

However, it’s important to note that while wild yam contains compounds structurally similar to human hormones, there is no direct conversion of diosgenin into estrogens or progesterone within the human body. The idea that wild yam can increase endogenous hormone levels is not supported by scientific research. Instead, the use of wild yam for scant menstruation is rooted primarily in traditional practices and anecdotal evidence rather than robust clinical trials.

Few scientific studies have evaluated wild yam specifically for scant menstruation, and those that exist are inconclusive or do not focus on this condition. Therefore, while its use for this purpose is traditional and has persisted for generations, scientific validation remains limited. Those considering wild yam for menstrual health should consult a healthcare provider, especially given the absence of strong clinical evidence.

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