Evidence supporting the use of: Wild yam
For the body system: Ovaries

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Synopsis

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

Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in North America and China, for supporting women’s health concerns, including menstrual discomfort and menopausal symptoms. Its root contains diosgenin, a compound structurally similar to human steroid hormones. Historically, herbalists and some alternative practitioners have recommended wild yam as a natural remedy for hormone balancing and ovarian support, claiming it can help with menstrual irregularities, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and menopause.

However, scientific research does not robustly support these uses. While diosgenin can be chemically converted in the lab to progesterone and other steroids, the human body does not perform this conversion after oral ingestion of wild yam or its extracts. Clinical trials examining wild yam’s effectiveness for ovarian or hormonal support are sparse and have not demonstrated clear benefits. Most uses for ovarian health are based on tradition and anecdotal reports rather than controlled scientific evidence. Regulatory authorities and medical organizations do not recognize wild yam as an evidence-based treatment for ovarian or endocrine disorders.

In summary, wild yam’s use for ovarian support is grounded primarily in traditional practice, with minimal scientific backing. Its popularity is largely based on historical use and theoretical mechanisms rather than demonstrated clinical efficacy.

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