DIOSCOREA
Dioscorea opositae, sp.

PROPERTIES/ACTIONS: Antispasmodic, Anti-fatigue, Anti-inflammatory, Estrogenic, Hypocholesterolemic COMMON NAMES: Wild Yam, Huang Yao Tzu, Shu Yu, Yam PHYTOCHEMICALS Include: Ascorbic-acid, Ash, Beta-carotene, Calcium, Chromium, Cobalt, Dioscin, Dioscorin, Diosgenin, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Niacin, Phosphorus, Potassium, Protein, Riboflavin, Selenium, Silicon, Sodium, Thiamin, Tin, Zinc	Click on Product
Wild Yam is also available in a liquid extract. Natures Answer Wild Yam Root 2oz

Wild yam root has been used for hundreds of years to treat rheumatism and arthritis-like ailments. The discovery of steroidal glycosides (diosgenin) in the root validated this ancient practice. Most species of yams contain large amounts of plant steroids, primarily diosgenin, a saponin precursor in the synthesis of progesterone. Without the yams, industry would not be able to meet the worldwide demand for synthetic corticosteroids. But with them, scientists can derive animal or human steroids in a fairly straightforward multi step process. Wild yams are the only really good source of plant steroids for such purposes.

Diosgenin provides about 50 percent of the raw material for steroid synthesis. It must be emphasized that there is not an equivalency between diosgenin and human steroids. It takes many synthetic steps to get from one to the other. If yam has steroidal effects on the body, it is not because it contains steroidal hormones, but because the steroidal precursors have similar effects. The body does not recognize them or mistake them for its own hormones, but uses them in a similar manner.

Research has shown that yam, yam extract and/or diosgenin possess good to excellent anti-inflammatory action. In one study on rabbits, the saponins of yam, fed orally, prevented large increases in blood cholesterol levels. The good therapeutic effect of dioscorea saponins on patients with atherosclerosis combined with hypertension was confirmed in Clinical practice.

HERBAL DEFINITION:
Estrogenic:
Herbs which are precursors to the female hormones.

DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be used to diagnose, prescribe or replace the advice of a qualified physician.