Derived from the root of a twining vine, wild yam was traditionally used for its antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory properties to treat menopausal symptoms, gastrointestinal ailments, muscle spasm, asthma, joint pain, and rheumatoid arthritis ^(1) (2). Wild yam has antiproliferative ⁽³⁾ and antimitotic effects ⁽⁴⁾ in vitro, and animal models also suggest it has antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties ^(1) (18). Diosgenin, the active ingredient in wild yam, was shown to have estrogenic and progestogenic effects ^{(3) (5) (6) (7) (19)}, and to restore moderately decreased sperm motility ⁽²⁰⁾ in mice. Dioscorin, another protein, appeared to reduce weight gain and total visceral lipids, and improve impaired glucose tolerance in mice ⁽²¹⁾.

Small studies on whether wild yam can relieve menopausal symptoms are mixed: one suggested that an oral D. alata formula was more effective than placebo ⁽⁸⁾, but another showed a topical D. villosa formula was ineffective ⁽⁹⁾. In other small studies, an oral diosgenin-rich yam extract appeared to enhance cognitive function ⁽²²⁾, and dietary yam may improve sex hormone and lipid profiles ⁽¹⁰⁾. However, larger studies are needed to confirm whether wild yam in any form actually has any benefits for menopausal symptoms.

Wild yam extract is sold as a dietary supplement, liquid extract, or cream. Diosgenin in wild yam has been used as raw material for synthetic progesterone, but there is no evidence that the human body can convert diosgenin into progesterone. Because wild yam has estrogenic effects, patients with hormone-sensitive cancers should talk to their physicians before consumption.