Wild Yam Extract

Wild yam benefits and its history of use spans back to the Aztecs and Mayans, who were the first to recognize its healing properties and used it as a pain reliever.

The plant was also known as colic root, devil's bones, and rheumatism root, which provides clues as to some of its traditional medicinal qualities.

Today, wild yam extract is used throughout the world for a variety of medicinal uses. However, its popularity has grown over the years as it has become an attractive natural aid for hormone replacement therapy and as a treatment for premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Some researchers say that these claims are unsubstantiated and they do have a point because there is only a scant of research data to confirm its effectiveness as an aid in hormonal discomforts. Put simply, most of its claims are anecdotal.

What is it?

Wild yam is a winding vine with a starchy yellow rhizome that grows in North America, Canada, and Mexico. It's a member of very large family of more than 600 species called the Dioscorea family. Although the root is similar in appearance as potatoes, it bears no relation to sweet potatoes or true yams.

How can it Benefit You?

Wild yam extract is widely used as an herbal supplement to relieve symptoms related to PMS and menopause. It appears that the root is high in saponins, (including diosgenin) and alkaloids, including dioscorin.

From current understanding, saponions, particularly diosgenin mimic or imitate certain hormones such as progesterone and, as such, helps to correct hormonal imbalances. Needless to say, this is the speculated mechanism by which wild yam works.

Unfortunately, scientific evidence is lacking to support it's effectiveness in its progesterone-like action in the body. On the other hand, many patients using it have reported relief from menopausal symptoms.

Other possible benefits:

Wild yam is reputed to harbor muscle relaxing, anti-spasmodic, anti-rheumatic, and anti-inflammatory properties. As such, it is commonly used to treat the following: