Evidence supporting the use of: Potato Yam
For the body system: Ovaries

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Synopsis

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

Potato yam, often referring to Dioscorea villosa (wild yam), has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, especially in North America and China. Traditionally, wild yam has been used to support women's reproductive health, including the ovaries, menstrual cycle, and symptoms of menopause. This is largely due to the presence of a compound called diosgenin, which is a plant steroid that can be chemically converted into progesterone in the laboratory. However, it is important to note that the human body does not convert diosgenin into progesterone naturally. Despite this, wild yam became popular in folk medicine and later commercial supplements, with claims of supporting hormonal balance and ovarian health. Scientifically, there is limited evidence to support these uses. Clinical trials specifically examining the effects of wild yam or potato yam on ovarian function or hormone levels are sparse, and those that exist do not show clear benefits. Most claims stem from traditional use rather than rigorous research. Therefore, while potato yam has a historical foundation as an ovarian support herb, scientific validation is lacking, and its efficacy remains unproven in this context.

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Products containing Potato Yam

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