Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa L.), a vine with origins in North America, is recognized by various names such as colic root, American yam, fourleaf yam, and devil’s bones. This intriguing flowering plant boasts dark green vines and leaves that exhibit a variety of sizes and shapes, but it is primarily celebrated for its tuberous roots. These roots have been utilized in traditional medicine since the 18th century, being credited with the ability to alleviate menstrual cramps, coughs, and digestive disturbances. In contemporary times, wild yam is most commonly transformed into a topical cream, which is believed to provide relief from symptoms associated with menopause and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). However, you might find yourself questioning the effectiveness of wild yam root in addressing these health issues.

This article aims to delve into the health claims surrounding wild yam root, as well as its safety profile, offering a comprehensive overview of its potential benefits and risks.

What Are the Potential Benefits?

Wild yam root has been traditionally associated with the treatment of various ailments; however, scientific evidence supporting these claims is often limited or even contradicts them.

Hormonal Production and Imbalance

Containing a compound known as diosgenin, wild yam root acts as a plant steroid that can be chemically altered to create steroids, including progesterone, estrogen, cortisone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which are used in various medical treatments. Proponents of wild yam root argue that it offers benefits akin to those provided by these steroids in the human body, serving as a natural substitute for estrogen therapy or progesterone creams.

However, research disputes this notion, indicating that the human body is incapable of converting diosgenin into these essential steroids. In fact, the conversion of diosgenin into hormones like progesterone, estrogen, and DHEA necessitates specific chemical reactions that can only occur under laboratory conditions. Consequently, current scientific findings do not validate the efficacy of wild yam root in addressing hormonal imbalances associated with conditions such as PMS, decreased libido, infertility, and osteoporosis.

Menopause

In alternative medicine, wild yam root cream is frequently promoted as a substitute for estrogen replacement therapy to alleviate symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and night sweats. Nonetheless, evidence supporting its effectiveness is sparse. One of the few studies conducted reported that 23 women who applied wild yam root cream daily for three months experienced no noticeable changes in their menopausal symptoms.

Arthritis

Wild yam root is believed to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties. Historically, it has been utilized in treating arthritis, a condition characterized by joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Importantly, laboratory studies have demonstrated that diosgenin derived from wild yam root can help mitigate the progression of both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, a study involving mice revealed that administering 91 mg of wild yam extract per pound of body weight (approximately 200 mg/kg) daily over 30 days significantly decreased inflammation markers, while higher doses of 182 mg per pound (around 400 mg/kg) reduced nerve pain. Although these findings are encouraging, further research involving human subjects is required.

Skin Health

Wild yam root is frequently included in anti-aging skincare products. A laboratory study indicated that diosgenin might promote the formation of new skin cells, potentially yielding anti-aging benefits; however, comprehensive research on wild yam root remains limited. Moreover, diosgenin has been investigated for its possible depigmenting properties. Excessive sun exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation, characterized by small, flat brown or tan spots on the skin, which are harmless yet often considered unsightly. Nevertheless, the efficacy of wild yam root creams for this purpose has not been scientifically established.

Additional Health Claims

While research on humans is still inadequate, wild yam root may offer several other potential benefits, such as:

  • Reduced blood sugar levels. A study conducted on mice demonstrated that diosgenin extract significantly lowered blood sugar levels while preventing diabetes-related kidney damage.
  • Lower cholesterol levels. In a four-week study involving rats, diosgenin extract markedly decreased both total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
  • Potential anticancer properties. Initial laboratory studies suggest that wild yam root extract may help protect against or slow the development of breast cancer.

Overall, additional research is essential.

In summary, despite the multitude of health claims associated with wild yam root supplements or creams, particularly for common issues like PMS and menopause, there is currently minimal evidence to support their usage.

Possible Side Effects and Interactions

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not conducted any assessments regarding the safety or effectiveness of wild yam root (Dioscorea villosa). While its application in topical treatments is typically regarded as safe, there is a significant lack of research exploring its long-term effects. Additionally, individuals who have allergies or sensitivities to wild yam may experience skin irritation from creams and ointments containing this ingredient.

Ingesting small amounts of wild yam root supplements is generally deemed safe; however, larger quantities may lead to unpleasant reactions such as vomiting. Furthermore, due to potential interactions with hormones, it is advisable for individuals suffering from conditions like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or certain cancer types to avoid products containing wild yam root. Moreover, children, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and those with protein S deficiency—a genetic condition that heightens the risk of blood clots—are also recommended to refrain from using wild yam root, owing to the lack of sufficient safety data.

Additionally, wild yam root may interact with estradiol, a hormone found in various forms of birth control and hormone replacement therapies. Therefore, if you are currently taking these medications, it is essential to avoid wild yam root unless your healthcare provider gives you specific instructions to proceed.

There is a pressing need for further research to understand the interactions of this root with other medications and dietary supplements. While low doses and topical applications of wild yam root may be safe for many, the existing research on this supplement is limited. Certain individuals, particularly those with hormone-sensitive conditions, should exercise caution and avoid wild yam root.

How to Effectively Utilize Wild Yam Root Cream

Given the current lack of conclusive evidence, established dosage guidelines for wild yam root cream (Dioscorea villosa) or its supplements remain elusive. Therefore, it is highly advisable to seek guidance from a healthcare professional before introducing any wild yam products into your daily regimen.

If your interest lies in using a cream to alleviate joint discomfort, diminish dark spots, or help combat skin aging, many product labels typically suggest applying the cream once or twice daily. However, it's essential to remember that these products are not governed by FDA regulations, and manufacturers are not mandated to disclose the specific quantity of wild yam root extract present in their formulations. Although the scientific backing for these claims is limited, individuals seeking relief from menopause or PMS symptoms frequently apply wild yam root cream to their abdominal area. It's crucial to note that this product is not designed for intravaginal application.

In the case of the supplement version, it is recommended to adhere strictly to the instructions provided on the packaging. Just as with creams, these supplements lack FDA regulation, so it is wise to choose products that have undergone evaluation and verification from a reputable third-party testing agency. While comprehensive dosage guidelines for wild yam root products are still unavailable, many manufacturers suggest the application of the cream once or twice each day. It's important to emphasize that neither the topical formulations nor the oral supplements are subject to FDA oversight.

The Bottom Line

Wild yam root, known as dahurian yam in India, is commonly marketed as a skin cream; however, it can also be found in supplement form. Traditionally, this root has been utilized to address hormonal imbalances, including those associated with menopause and premenstrual syndrome (PMS), alongside its potential to alleviate symptoms of arthritis. Despite its historical usage, recent studies do not substantiate the claims related to menopause and PMS. While its applications for managing arthritis appear to hold more promise, there remains a pressing need for additional human research to conclusively determine the efficacy of wild yam root in this regard.