Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Wild Yam Root Extract

Also known as: Dioscorea villosa, Wild Yam, Wild Yam Root Extract

Overview

Wild Yam Root Extract is derived from the root of Dioscorea villosa, a plant native to North America. It contains steroidal saponins such as diosgenin, historically used in pharmaceutical manufacturing as precursors for steroid hormone synthesis. The extract is marketed for menopausal symptom relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and blood sugar regulation. Research on Wild Yam Root Extract is moderately mature, including in vitro, animal, and limited human clinical studies. High-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in humans are scarce, and systematic reviews highlight limited efficacy for menopausal symptoms. Safety assessments indicate low toxicity at typical doses. While diosgenin can be converted into hormones in a lab, this conversion does not occur in the human body upon ingestion. Therefore, wild yam extract does not directly increase hormone levels.

Benefits

Evidence for the benefits of Wild Yam Root Extract is limited. A small RCT showed topical wild yam extract was safe but had little effect on menopausal symptoms compared to placebo. In vitro studies on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells showed that sub-lethal concentrations of wild yam extract can evoke pro-inflammatory responses and cytostatic effects, indicating potential biological activity, but this has not been translated to clinical benefits. A systematic review suggested that consumption of yam or its extracts may improve blood glucose regulation, though this is based on limited evidence and not specific to wild yam root extract alone. Overall, more rigorous research is needed to confirm these potential benefits.

How it works

Wild yam contains steroidal saponins like diosgenin, which can serve as precursors for steroid synthesis in vitro but are not converted to hormones in the human body when ingested orally. The extract may modulate gene expression related to steroid biosynthesis and cell cycle regulation, as seen in cancer cell line studies. The bioavailability of diosgenin and related compounds is variable and generally low; human metabolism does not convert these compounds into active steroid hormones. The exact mechanisms by which wild yam extract might exert anti-inflammatory or glycemic effects are not fully understood and require further investigation.

Side effects

Wild yam root extract is generally considered safe at typical supplemental doses. Acute oral toxicity studies in rats showed mild symptoms at very high doses (2 g/kg), with no toxicity at 0.5 g/kg. Dermal application studies showed no significant irritation or sensitization at tested concentrations. No significant adverse effects or drug interactions have been reported in human studies at typical doses. However, due to theoretical concerns, caution is advised in hormone-sensitive conditions. While rare, some individuals may experience digestive upset or allergic reactions. It is important to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if any adverse effects occur.

Dosage

There are no well-established dosing guidelines for Wild Yam Root Extract based on high-quality clinical trials. Topical application studies have used short-term treatments without adverse effects but with no clear efficacy. Oral doses in toxicity studies ranged up to 2 g/kg in animals; typical human supplement doses are much lower. Absorption and bioavailability are limited. Typical supplement dosages range from 1-3 grams of dried root or equivalent extract per day, but this is based on traditional use rather than scientific evidence. Due to the lack of robust data, it is best to start with a low dose and monitor for any adverse effects.

FAQs

Does wild yam extract act as a natural hormone replacement?

No, the human body does not convert wild yam saponins into steroid hormones. It cannot be considered a natural hormone replacement.

Is it effective for menopausal symptoms?

Current evidence suggests little to no effect on menopausal symptoms. Other treatments are likely more effective.

Is it safe?

Generally yes, at typical doses with minimal side effects reported. However, caution is advised for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions.

Can it help with blood sugar?

Some preliminary evidence suggests potential benefits, but more research is needed to confirm this effect.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8569819/ – This in vitro study on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells found that wild yam extract at sub-lethal doses modulated gene expression related to inflammation and steroid biosynthesis, with cytostatic effects. The study suggests potential biological activity of wild yam extract, but its clinical relevance remains to be determined due to its in vitro nature.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11428178/ – This randomized controlled trial (RCT) on menopausal women evaluated the effects of topical wild yam extract on menopausal symptoms. The study found that while the topical application was safe, it showed little to no effect on alleviating menopausal symptoms compared to a placebo, indicating limited efficacy for this purpose.
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/could-consumption-of-yam-dioscorea-or-its-extract-be-beneficial-in-controlling-glycaemia-a-systematic-review/42A0CF1169BA5A6F85F80E7950B35C43 – This systematic review examined the potential benefits of yam consumption or its extracts on blood glucose regulation. The review suggested that yam extracts may have a positive impact on glycemic control, but it also noted the heterogeneity of the included studies and the fact that not all studies focused specifically on wild yam root extract.
https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/RR_Wild%20Yam.pdf – This safety assessment report provides a comprehensive overview of the toxicology of wild yam. The report details animal studies showing low toxicity and no significant dermal irritation or sensitization, supporting the safety profile of wild yam at typical doses used in cosmetic and supplement applications.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2529629 – This systematic review and meta-analysis of plant-based therapies for menopausal symptoms found modest benefits for some botanicals. However, the review did not find strong evidence supporting the efficacy of wild yam extract for alleviating menopausal symptoms, highlighting the need for higher-quality evidence.