Wild Yam Root

Wild Yam Root

Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa), also known as colic root or rheumatism root, is a perennial flowering plant that is native to eastern North America. It has long been used for its therapeutic benefits in women’s reproductive health, particularly in alleviating menstrual and menopausal symptoms. The most active part of wild yam is diosgenin, which is a precursor for steroid hormones like dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and estrogen. Because diosgenin appears to have the same function as estrogen, it may serve as a natural alternative to the hormone estrogen.   The roots and bulbs of wild yam are typically dried and ground into powder in order to prepare an extract.

Benefits of Wild Yam Root

Strong scientific evidence supports the many health benefits of wild yam root supplements. The following are among the well-known benefits of this medicinal plant:

Fights Cancer

A 2015 test tube study has shown that wild yam root extract can inhibit the growth and reproduction of breast cancer cells.[1] According to the study, wild yam root extract significantly reduced the viability of two breast cancer cell lines by altering their cellular structure.

Treats Menopausal Symptoms

The age-related decline in estrogen levels is the main cause of debilitating menopausal symptoms, including mood changes, hot flashes, extreme fatigue, irritability, body pains, and reduced well-being. Since diosgenin in wild yam root appears to have estrogen-like activity, taking wild yam root supplements can be beneficial for menopausal women. In a 2001 study assessing the effects of wild yam root extract on menopausal symptoms, researchers found that healthy women who were treated with the extract experienced a significant reduction in their symptoms compared to those who received placebo.[2]

Maintains Healthy Skin

One laboratory study found that diosgenin in wild yam root extract appears to enhance DNA synthesis in skin cells isolated from a 70-year old caucasian woman, resulting in increased skin thickness and improved skin cell renewal.[3]

Fights Pain

A 2005 study published in the Journal of Women’s Health found that wild yam root extract can help treat menstrual cramps and pain associated with childbirth, possibly due to its anti-inflammatory properties.[4]

Improves Cholesterol Levels

Women with abnormal cholesterol profiles can benefit from taking wild yam root supplements. One study found that wild yam root supplementation in people with abnormal cholesterol levels significantly reduced the levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.[5] This finding is highly significant since high cholesterol levels can increase a woman’s risk for heart disease, stroke and other fatal diseases.

Increases Libido

Menopausal women suffering from reduced libido can benefit from wild yam root extract supplementation. According to a 2013 study published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical disease, diosgenin in wild yam root can help boost libido by increasing the levels of testosterone, a hormone that fuels a woman’s sex drive.[6]

Prevents Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a long-term illness caused by hepatitis C virus. If left untreated, this condition can lead to serious liver problems, including scarring of the liver and liver cancer. One test tube study found that diosgenin in wild yam root can help prevent hepatitis C infection due to its antiviral properties.[7] According to the study, diosgenin was able to inhibit the replication of hepatitis C virus by altering its RNA synthesis and reducing its viral protein levels.

References:

1. Aumsuwan P, Khan SI, Khan IA. Evaluation of wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) root extract as a potential epigenetic agent in breast cancer cells. In vitro cellular & developmental biology. Animal. 2015; 51(1):59-71.
2. Komesaroff PA, Black CV, Cable V, Sudhir K. Effects of wild yam extract on menopausal symptoms, lipids and sex hormones in healthy menopausal women. Climacteric : the journal of the International Menopause Society. 2001; 4(2):144-50.
3. Tada Y, Kanda N, Haratake A, Tobiishi M, Uchiwa H, Watanabe S. Novel effects of diosgenin on skin aging. Steroids. 2009; 74(6):504-11.
4. Geller SE, Studee L. Botanical and Dietary Supplements for Menopausal Symptoms: What Works, What Doesn’t. Journal of women’s health (2002). 2005;14(7):634-649. doi:10.1089/jwh.2005.14.634.
5. Zagoya JCD, Laguna J, and Guzman-Garcia J. Studies on the regulation of cholesterol metabolism by the use of structural analogue, diosgenin. Biochemical Pharmacology 1971;20:3471-3480.
6. Alok S, Jain SK, Verma A, Kumar M, Mahor A, Sabharwal M. Plant profile, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari): A review. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Disease. 2013;3(3):242-251. doi:10.1016/S2222-1808(13)60049-3.
7. Wang YJ, Pan KL, Hsieh TC, Chang TY, Lin WH, Hsu JT. Diosgenin, a plant-derived sapogenin, exhibits antiviral activity in vitro against hepatitis C virus. Journal of natural products. 2011; 74(4):580-4.