Wild Yam
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) is a dietary supplement with 6 published peer-reviewed studies involving 280 participants, researched for Menopausal Symptoms, Hormonal Balance, Anti-inflammatory and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Menopausal Symptoms
WeakHormonal Balance
WeakAnti-inflammatory
ModerateAntispasmodic & Digestive
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Menopausal Symptoms
To evaluate the effects of wild yam cream on menopausal symptoms in healthy postmenopausal women.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover
Purpose
To evaluate the effects of wild yam cream on menopausal symptoms in healthy postmenopausal women.
Dose
Wild yam cream applied topically twice daily
Participants
23 postmenopausal women
Duration
3 months per crossover arm
Results
Wild yam cream did not significantly reduce hot flush frequency or other menopausal symptoms compared to placebo. No significant changes in serum hormones were detected, suggesting topical wild yam cream does not exert hormonal effects.
How They Measured It
Hot flush diary, KI, serum oestradiol, progesterone, FSH, LH, DHEAS, sex hormone binding globulin
To investigate the estrogenic effect of yam ingestion in healthy postmenopausal women.
Study Type
Observational and analytical study
Purpose
To investigate the estrogenic effect of yam ingestion in healthy postmenopausal women.
Dose
390 g cooked yam daily (high-yam diet)
Participants
24 postmenopausal women
Duration
30 days
Results
High yam intake significantly increased serum oestrone, 17β-oestradiol, and SHBG, and decreased FSH levels. The findings suggest yam may have mild oestrogenic properties when consumed in large dietary quantities.
How They Measured It
Serum oestradiol, FSH, LH, SHBG, urinary oestrogen metabolites, lipid profiles
Hormonal Balance
To evaluate whether diosgenin from wild yam can bind to oestrogen receptors or stimulate steroidogenesis.
Study Type
In vitro pharmacological study
Purpose
To evaluate whether diosgenin from wild yam can bind to oestrogen receptors or stimulate steroidogenesis.
Dose
Diosgenin various concentrations
Participants
In vitro (receptor and enzyme assays)
Duration
N/A
Results
Diosgenin did not demonstrate significant oestrogen receptor binding in vitro. Human enzymes cannot convert diosgenin to progesterone or other sex steroids, as the required chemical steps cannot occur in vivo.
How They Measured It
Oestrogen receptor binding assay, steroidogenesis enzymes assay
Anti-inflammatory
To investigate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Dioscorea villosa extracts.
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To investigate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Dioscorea villosa extracts.
Dose
Dioscorea villosa extract 100–400 mg/kg orally
Participants
Male Swiss mice and Wistar rats
Duration
Single dose and 7-day studies
Results
Wild yam extract significantly reduced carrageenan-induced paw oedema and acetic acid-induced writhing responses, demonstrating anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
How They Measured It
Carrageenan-induced paw oedema, writhing test, hot plate test
To assess the anti-inflammatory properties of diosgenin (the main bioactive saponin in wild yam) through COX inhibition.
Study Type
In vitro study
Purpose
To assess the anti-inflammatory properties of diosgenin (the main bioactive saponin in wild yam) through COX inhibition.
Dose
Diosgenin various concentrations
Participants
In vitro
Duration
N/A
Results
Diosgenin inhibited COX-2 activity and suppressed NF-κB signalling, demonstrating significant anti-inflammatory activity. Results suggest potential applications in inflammatory conditions.
How They Measured It
COX-1 and COX-2 inhibition assays, NF-κB pathway analysis
Antispasmodic & Digestive
To review the traditional and evidence-based uses of Dioscorea villosa including antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and hormonal applications.
Study Type
Review
Purpose
To review the traditional and evidence-based uses of Dioscorea villosa including antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and hormonal applications.
Dose
Various
Participants
Review
Duration
Various
Results
Wild yam has a long traditional use as an antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory herb. Modern evidence supports anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties. Hormonal claims are not supported by clinical evidence without pharmaceutical conversion.
How They Measured It
Literature review
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Wild Yam research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa), involving 280 total participants. Research covers Menopausal symptoms, Hormonal balance, Anti-inflammatory and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (6 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Wild Yam has been researched for: Menopausal symptoms, Hormonal balance, Anti-inflammatory, Antispasmodic. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 6 out of 8 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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