Dioscorea Villosa Extract
Also known as: Wild Yam, Wild Yam Root Extract, Dioscorea villosa Extract, Dioscorea villosa
Overview
Dioscorea villosa, commonly known as wild yam, is a plant native to North America. Its root extract is a botanical supplement rich in diosgenin, a steroidal saponin considered a phytoestrogen. Traditionally, it has been used for alleviating menopausal symptoms, reducing arthritis inflammation, and supporting glycemic control. In pharmaceutical contexts, diosgenin serves as a precursor in steroid synthesis. The extract is characterized by its diosgenin content, which can bind to estrogen receptors, potentially mimicking estrogenic effects. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and may help lower blood glucose levels. While animal studies and systematic reviews on broader yam species show promise, high-quality human clinical data specifically on Dioscorea villosa extract are limited, indicating a moderate level of research maturity.
Benefits
Dioscorea villosa extract offers several potential benefits, primarily due to its diosgenin content. A systematic review suggests that consumption of yam (Dioscorea species) or its extracts may improve blood glucose regulation, indicating potential for type 2 diabetes management. This evidence is from a high-quality review, though it includes various yam species, not exclusively D. villosa. For anti-inflammatory and arthritis relief, animal studies in ovariectomized mice with induced arthritis demonstrated that Dioscorea villosa extract significantly reduced inflammatory synovitis and neutrophil accumulation in joints, highlighting its anti-arthritic potential. Furthermore, diosgenin acts as a phytoestrogen, showing promise in alleviating menopausal symptoms related to reproductive aging without significant adverse effects on reproductive organs at certain doses in animal models. Postmenopausal women and individuals with arthritis or type 2 diabetes may benefit most, based on current animal and broader yam extract data. However, quantitative effect sizes and time courses of benefits in humans are not well established due to limited human clinical trial data.
How it works
Dioscorea villosa extract primarily exerts its effects through diosgenin, a steroidal saponin. Diosgenin acts as a phytoestrogen by binding to estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ), which can modulate hormonal balance and inflammatory responses. This interaction with estrogen receptors is believed to contribute to its potential in alleviating menopausal symptoms. The anti-inflammatory effects likely involve the reduction of neutrophil infiltration and synovitis in joints, possibly by modulating cytokine pathways. Additionally, studies on yam extracts suggest a potential influence on glucose metabolism pathways, contributing to improved glycemic control. The extract interacts with the reproductive system via estrogen receptor binding, affects the immune system by reducing joint inflammation, and may influence the metabolic system by lowering blood glucose.
Side effects
Overall, Dioscorea villosa extract is considered safe for use in cosmetics and dietary supplements when prepared with controlled diosgenin content, specifically up to 3.5%. However, comprehensive human safety data, especially for oral supplementation, are limited. Common side effects are not well documented in humans, and animal studies generally show no significant adverse effects at most doses. Uncommon side effects observed in animal studies include a slight influence on the estrous cycle at intermediate doses. Rare side effects have not been reported in current literature. Due to its phytoestrogenic activity, caution is advised regarding potential interactions with hormone therapies, and it is likely contraindicated in hormone-sensitive conditions. Specific drug interactions are not documented. Safety in pregnancy and lactation has not been established, and therefore, its use in these populations is not recommended.
Dosage
Optimal dosage ranges for Dioscorea villosa extract in humans are not well defined due to limited clinical trials. Animal studies have utilized doses ranging from 1 to 100 mg/kg, with 1-10 mg/kg showing beneficial effects without adverse reproductive effects. However, human equivalent doses have not been established. The maximum safe oral dose for humans is also not determined; safety panels have indicated that extracts with diosgenin up to 3.5% are safe for cosmetic use, but this does not translate directly to oral supplementation. For observed benefits in animal models, chronic administration was required, suggesting that consistent, long-term use may be necessary for effects to manifest. The extract is typically administered orally as a dry extract in animal studies, though subcutaneous diosgenin has also been investigated. Specific absorption factors and required cofactors are not detailed in the available research.
FAQs
Is Dioscorea villosa extract effective for menopause symptoms?
Animal studies suggest potential benefits for menopause symptoms due to its phytoestrogenic effects, but robust human clinical evidence is currently limited.
Is it safe to use with hormone replacement therapy?
Caution is advised due to potential interactions with estrogen receptors. It is crucial to consult a healthcare provider before combining it with hormone replacement therapy.
How long before effects are noticed?
Animal studies indicate that chronic use is necessary for effects to manifest. The timeline for noticeable effects in humans is currently unknown due to limited research.
Can it be used for arthritis?
Animal models show anti-inflammatory effects that could be beneficial for arthritis. However, human data specifically supporting its use for arthritis are lacking.
Are there side effects?
Minimal side effects have been observed in animal studies at appropriate doses. However, comprehensive human safety data are limited, so potential side effects in humans are not fully documented.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34521490/ – This systematic review analyzed various human and animal studies on different yam species, concluding that yam extracts may improve blood glucose control, suggesting potential benefits for type 2 diabetes. The review was of high quality but included multiple Dioscorea species, not exclusively D. villosa, and noted limited human RCT data.
- https://www.scielo.br/j/bjps/a/7sBhcJZH3qyyZTpQSZLSRry/ – This controlled animal study investigated Dioscorea villosa extract in ovariectomized mice with zymosan-induced arthritis. It found that the extract reduced joint inflammation and neutrophil accumulation, and diosgenin exhibited phytoestrogenic effects with mild reproductive tract modulation. The study is peer-reviewed but its findings are limited by being an animal model.
- https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/RRSumALL.pdf – This safety review by a cosmetic ingredient expert panel assessed Dioscorea villosa root extract. It concluded that the extract is safe for cosmetic use when prepared with controlled diosgenin content, identifying no new safety concerns. However, its focus was on topical use, not oral supplementation.
- https://www.scielo.br/j/bjps/a/7sBhcJZH3qyyZTpQSZLSRry/?format=pdf&lang=en – This is an alternative link to the controlled animal study on Dioscorea villosa extract in ovariectomized mice with arthritis. It details how the extract reduced joint inflammation and neutrophil accumulation, and diosgenin showed phytoestrogenic effects. The study provides valuable insights into the extract's anti-inflammatory and hormonal modulation potential in an animal model.
- https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/RR_Wild%20Yam.pdf – This is an alternative link to the expert panel safety assessment for Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) root extract. It confirms the safety of the extract for cosmetic applications when diosgenin content is controlled, reinforcing the findings of the primary safety review. The review is authoritative but pertains to topical use.
