Wild Yam
Also known as: Wild Yam, Dioscorea Villosa, Common Yam (Dioscorea Rotundata), Purple Yam (Dioscorea Alata)
Overview
Dioscorea villosa is one of the species of yam referred to as ‘wild yam’. It is claimed to alleviate symptoms of menopause, but there is no evidence to support this effect. Animal evidence suggests Dioscorea villosa can increase skin thickness after low-dose supplementation. This effect suggests Dioscorea villosa is a potentially useful supplement for skin care, but more research is needed before it can be specifically recommended as a cosmetic supplement. Dioscorea villosa is claimed to alleviate symptoms of menopause because the molecular structures of the yam are similar to many steroid-like compounds. Dioscorea villosa may have effects similar to Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Unfortunately, Dioscorea villosa extracts are associated with kidney and liver fibrosis, a condition characterized by excessive scar tissue. Though this effect is weak, it appears to be both time and dose-dependent. For this reason, chronic supplementation of Dioscorea villosa is not recommended.
Benefits
Dioscorea villosa is claimed to alleviate symptoms of menopause because the molecular structures of the yam are similar to many steroid-like compounds. Dioscorea villosa may have effects similar to Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).
How it works
Animal evidence suggests Dioscorea villosa can increase skin thickness after low-dose supplementation. This effect suggests Dioscorea villosa is a potentially useful supplement for skin care, but more research is needed before it can be specifically recommended as a cosmetic supplement.
Side effects
Animal studies suggest Dioscorea villosa supplementation provides benefits when 9.8 – 37.7mg/ kg of bodyweight is given to mice. This translates to an approximate human dosage range of 0.8 – 3mg/kg of bodyweight. Rat studies show that doses of 790mg/kg of bodyweight (126mg/kg of bodyweight in humans) are associated with fibrosis. Lower doses have not been confirmed to be safe. Since more research is needed to determine whether Dioscorea villosa is safe for supplementation, it cannot currently be recommended.
Dosage
Unfortunately, Dioscorea villosa extracts are associated with kidney and liver fibrosis, a condition characterized by excessive scar tissue. Though this effect is weak, it appears to be both time and dose-dependent. For this reason, chronic supplementation of Dioscorea villosa is not recommended.
FAQs
What are other names for Wild Yam?
Wild Yam is also known as Wild Yam and Dioscorea Villosa. It should not be confused with Common Yam (Dioscorea Rotundata) and Purple Yam (Dioscorea Alata).
Supplements Containing Wild Yam
Breast Assure Complex
Femgest
Women's Multiple
Radiance Select
Phyto Greens
Vita Plus
P6 Extreme
Cellucor
Endure Creatine Serum Raspberry
Phytonutritia
Endure Creatine Serum Lemon Lime
Phytonutritia
Anti Aging Made For Women
Shredz
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