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Wild yam: hormone helper or herbal hype? The truth about its benefits and uses
Written byMedico Digital
Reviewed byDr Shazia Malik
Spotted wild yam on a label? This ancient root could have more to offer than meets the eye. Explore its potential uses and find out if it’s worth adding to your supplement stack
Summary
1What’s wild yam?
Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) belongs to the Dioscorea genus, which includes over 600 species of yam plants worldwide…
2Nutrient composition of wild yam
Wild yam isn’t typically on the menu in the UK, so its nutritional value – such as starch, fibre or natural sugars…
3Common uses of wild yam
Wild yam has a range of traditional and modern uses. While early research supports some, many are rooted in anecdotal evidence…
Wild yam might not be something you come across every day, but its deep roots in herbal traditions have made it a popular ingredient in everything from skincare to supplements. Often linked to women’s health, particularly during menopause, what does science really say about its benefits?1
Let’s dig into what wild yam is, how it’s used and the latest research on its potential benefits and safety.
What’s wild yam?
Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) is part of the Dioscorea family tree – a huge plant clan with over 600 yam species growing around the world.2,3
This unique yam is a tuber, just like sweet potatoes, cassava and other starchy root vegetables. While their shapes and earthy colours might look similar, wild yams and sweet potatoes are botanically distinct and serve up unique uses.4
Historically, people used wild yam in traditional herbal medicine for digestive issues, joint discomfort and women’s health.5 Today, it’s found in various wellness products, from capsules and liquid extracts to dried root powders and skincare creams.
Wild yam often crops up in complementary or alternative health circles as a natural remedy for menopause symptoms, though the evidence backing its effectiveness remains limited and inconsistent.5,6
The buzz around wild yam likely comes from its diosgenin content, a plant compound with a structure similar to cholesterol, which has been used in the pharmaceutical synthesis of hormones like oestrogen and progesterone.3
Nutrient composition of wild yam
Wild yam isn’t typically on the menu in the UK, so its nutritional value – such as starch, fibre or natural sugars – isn’t well-known.
It’s considered inedible in its raw form due to naturally occurring ‘antinutrients’ like tannins, oxalate and hydrogen cyanide.7 While research shows that soaking, cooking and baking can reduce these antinutrients, wild yam isn’t usually consumed in those forms.7
It’s mainly valued in supplement and topical applications for the following complex blend of plant compounds:
- steroidal saponins: these compounds, including diosgenin, dioscin, protodioscin and methylprotodioscin, are the most studied in wild yam, with diosgenin taking centre stage.8 Experts have studied diosgenin for its potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and metabolic-supporting properties.9,10,11 Plus, it serves as a chemical marker in plant research and also plays a role as a chemical precursor in the pharmaceutical production of steroid hormones12
- polyphenols: these natural compounds may bring antioxidant perks, working alongside saponins to maximise wild yam’s potential benefits12
Common uses of wild yam
Wild yam has a range of traditional and modern uses. While early research supports some, many are rooted in anecdotal evidence or historical practices.
For centuries, wild yam has been a staple in folk medicine, helping with digestive issues, menstrual cramps and joint pain.5
Some herbalists even used it as a natural muscle relaxant.5 In fact, it was once known as ‘colic root’ due to its reputation in soothing stomach discomfort. However, little scientific evidence confirms its effectiveness for these uses.
Wild yam often crops up in menopause supplements, thanks to its diosgenin content.13
In addition, some types of hormone therapies, like bioidentical, use wild yam-derived ingredients. These therapies use hormones that are chemically identical to those produced naturally by the human body.14
However, the raw plant itself won’t give you a hormone fix unless it’s chemically transformed in a lab.
Some skincare products feature wild yam, promising to boost skin elasticity and provide a soothing touch.15 But while that sounds appealing, the science isn’t quite there yet.
It’s also a common ingredient in hormone-balancing creams, but there’s little proof that its diosgenin actually affects hormone levels.13
Wild yam isn’t a typical ingredient in UK kitchens, but it’s used in various cuisines around the world. It usually requires proper processing or cooking to minimise natural compounds that may cause irritation or digestive issues.7
Who might use wild yam?
Wild yam may attract those looking for natural, plant-based additions to their wellness routine.
Specifically, it could appeal to:
- individuals interested in traditional herbal approaches
- those searching for cruelty-free, plant-based beauty products
- anyone with an interest in gentle botanical supplementation
It’s important to remember that wild yam isn’t a substitute for medical treatment or prescribed hormone therapy. Before trying any supplement or applying a new topical treatment, it’s always best to speak to a healthcare professional – especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or on medication.
The final say
Wild yam has long been a staple in traditional herbal medicine and remains a popular ingredient in health and beauty products. While there’s buzz about its potential benefits, more research is needed to really understand how it works.
Wild yam might be something to consider if you’re keen to add a plant-based option to your wellness routine. Just make sure to read the labels, stay informed and talk to a healthcare professional first, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or managing any health conditions.
If you’re looking for more ways to support your health and wellness, check out our guides to trending ingredients like bone broth or beef tallow…
Disclaimer - The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
While we strive for accuracy and balance, please be aware that this article may discuss products available for purchase through Holland & Barrett. Consult a healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions
1. Johnson A, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine for menopause. J Evid Based Integr Med. 2019;24(24):2515690X1982938. https://doi.org/10.1177/2515690X19829380
2. Adomėnienė A, Venskutonis PR. Dioscorea spp.: Comprehensive review of antioxidant properties and their relation to phytochemicals and health benefits. Molecules. 2022;27(8):2530. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules270825303. Padhan B, Panda D. Potential of neglected and underutilized yams (Dioscorea spp.) for improving nutritional security and health benefits. Front Pharmacol. 2020;11:496. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.00496
4. Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Potatoes, sweet potatoes, and yams: What’s the difference? [Internet]. [cited 2025 Mar 20]. Available from: https://carnegiemnh.org/potatoes-sweet-potatoes-yams-whats-difference/
5. Lans C, et al. Herbal fertility treatments used in North America from colonial times to 1900, and their potential for improving the success rate of assisted reproductive technology. Reprod Biomed Soc Online. 2018;5:60–81. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6047296/
6. Manda V, et al. Characterization of in vitro ADME properties of diosgenin and dioscin from Dioscorea villosa. Planta Med. 2013;79(15):1421–8. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5592720/
7. Panda D, Biswas M, Padhan B, Lenka S. Traditional processing associated changes in chemical parameters of wild Yam (Dioscorea) tubers from Koraput, Odisha, India. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge [Internet]. 2020 [cited 2025 Oct 8];19(2):268–76. Available from: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/238d/9f35f78757cfcca05acf73bb4632f01a6d70.pdf?_gl=
8. Semwal P, et al. Diosgenin: An updated pharmacological review and therapeutic perspectives. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2022;2022:1035441. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/1035441
9. Karami-Mohajeri S, Mohammadinejad R, Ashrafizadeh M, Mohamadi N, Mohajeri M, Sharififar F. Diosgenin: Mechanistic Insights on its Anti-inflammatory Effects. Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry [Internet]. 2021 Mar [cited 2025 Oct 9];21(1):2–9. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35346012/
10. Michalak O, Krzeczyński P, Jaromin A, Cmoch P, Cybulski M, Trzcińska K, et al. Antioxidant activity of novel diosgenin derivatives: Synthesis, biological evaluation, and in silico ADME prediction. Steroids [Internet]. 2022 Dec [cited 2025 Oct 9];188:109115. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36154831/
11. Park C, Kim GY, Choi YH. The antioxidant activity of diosgenin, a plant steroid sapogenin, in C2C12 myoblasts is achieved by blocking mitochondrial ROS production. Applied Biological Chemistry [Internet]. 2025 May 22 [cited 2025 Oct 9];68(1). Available from: https://applbiolchem.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s13765-025-00996-w
12. Semwal P, Painuli S, Abu-Izneid T, Rauf A, Sharma A, Daştan SD, et al. Diosgenin: An Updated Pharmacological Review and Therapeutic Perspectives. Ciobica A, editor. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity [Internet]. 2022 Jan [cited 2025 Oct 9];2022(1). Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9168095/
13. Komesaroff PA;Black CV;Cable V;Sudhir K. Effects of wild yam extract on menopausal symptoms, lipids and sex hormones in healthy menopausal women. Climacteric : the journal of the International Menopause Society [Internet]. 2025 [cited 2025 Oct 9];4(2). Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11428178/
14. Compounded Bioidentical Menopausal Hormone Therapy. Obstetrics and Gynecology [Internet]. 2023 Oct 19 [cited 2025 Oct 9];142(5):1266–73. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37856860/
15. Binic I, Lazarevic V, Ljubenovic M, Mojsa J, Sokolovic D. Skin Ageing: Natural Weapons and Strategies. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine [Internet]. 2013 [cited 2025 Oct 9];2013:1–10. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3569896/
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