Uses & Effectiveness
Overview
Wild yam is a plant that has been promoted as natural DHEA because it contains diosgenin, which can be used in the lab to create estrogen and DHEA.
There are over 600 species of wild yams. About 12 species are edible. Some people use wild yam as a source of steroids, but the body can’t make steroids such as estrogen and DHEA from eating wild yam. This conversion has to be done in a lab. There might be other chemicals in wild yam that act like estrogen in the body.
People most commonly use wild yam as a “natural alterative” to estrogen therapy for symptoms of menopause, infertility, menstrual problems, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses.
WILD YAM: Interesting fact – While wild yams are not a significant source of vitamins, they contain diosgenin, a substance used to chemically synthesize progesterone and other steroid hormones. However, consuming wild yam does not increase hormone levels in the body.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Wild yam is possibly safe when used for up to 12 weeks. It’s usually well tolerated, but taking large amounts might cause vomiting, upset stomach, and headache.
When applied to the skin: Wild yam is possibly safe when applied to the skin.
Interactions
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Estrogens interacts with WILD YAM
Wild yam might have some of the same effects as estrogen. Taking wild yam along with estrogen pills might decrease the effects of estrogen pills.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Special Precautionsand Warnings
When taken by mouth: Wild yam is possibly safe when used for up to 12 weeks. It’s usually well tolerated, but taking large amounts might cause vomiting, upset stomach, and headache.
When applied to the skin: Wild yam is possibly safe when applied to the skin. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if wild yam is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Hormone-sensitive condition such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Wild yam might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by estrogen, don’t use wild yam.
Dosing
There isn’t enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of wild yam might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
