Hormone production and imbalance
Wild yam root contains diosgenin. It’s a plant steroid that scientists can manipulate to produce steroids, such as progesterone, estrogen, cortisone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which are then used for medical purposes.
Thus, some advocates assert that wild yam root has benefits similar to those offered by these steroids in your body, providing a natural alternative to estrogen therapy or progesterone creams.
Yet, studies disprove this, showing that your body cannot turn diosgenin into these steroids.
Instead, diosgenin requires chemical reactions that can only take place in a laboratory setting to convert it into steroids like progesterone, estrogen, and DHEA.
As a result, scientific evidence doesn’t currently support wild yam root’s effectiveness for treating conditions associated with hormonal imbalances, such as PMS, low sex drive, infertility, and weakened bones.
Menopause
Wild yam root cream is most commonly used in alternative medicine as an alternative to estrogen replacement therapy for alleviating menopause symptoms, such as night sweats and hot flashes(
However, there’s very little evidence to prove its effectiveness (
In fact, one of the only studies available found that 23 women who applied wild yam root cream daily for 3 months reported no changes in their menopause symptoms (
Arthritis
Wild yam root may have anti-inflammatory effects.
It has traditionally been used to treat arthritis, which causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in your joints (
Notably, test-tube studies reveal that diosgenin extracted from wild yam root helps protect against the progression of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (
Also, in a 30-day study in mice, orally administering 91 mg of wild yam extract per pound of body weight (200 mg/kg) each day significantly reduced markers of inflammation — and higher doses of 182 mg per pound (400 mg/kg) lowered nerve pain (
While these results are promising, human research is needed.
Skin health
Wild yam root is a common ingredient in anti-aging skin creams.
One test-tube study noted that diosgenin may encourage the growth of new skin cells, which could have anti-aging effects. However, overall research on wild yam root is limited.
Diosgenin has also been studied for its potential depigmenting effect. Excess sun exposure can result in small, flat, brown or tan spots on your skin, also known as hyperpigmentation — which is harmless but sometimes seen as undesirable.
Wild Yam root may provide a number of other benefits, such as:
- Lowered blood sugar levels. In a study in mice, diosgenin extract significantly reduced blood sugar levels and helped prevent diabetes-induced kidney injury.
- Reduced cholesterol levels. In a 4-week study in rats, diosgenin extract significantly lowered total and LDL (bad).
- Potential anticancer effects. Preliminary test-tube studies suggest that wild yam root extract may safeguard against or slow the progression of breast cancer
- 📋Take 2x daily w/lots of water (preferably spring water)