Wild Yam (Atlantic yam, barbasco, China root, colic root, devil's bones, dioscorea species, Mexican yam, natural DHEA, rheumatism root, yuma)
Classes: Women's Health, Herbals
Suggested dosing of Atlantic yam, barbasco (wild yam)
Variable oral doses
Suggested uses of Atlantic yam, barbasco (wild yam)
Estrogen replacement therapy, painful menstration, libido, breast enlargement, diverticulosis, dysmenorrhea, estrogen replacement, gallbladder colic, libido enhancement, osteoporosis, postmenopausal vaginal dryness, premenstrual syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis
Efficacy
Topically appears to be no better than placebo for relieving vasomotor symptoms
Orally: Possibly ineffective, more studies are needed to determine efficacy
Atlantic yam, barbasco (wild yam) adverse (side) effects
Vomiting
Warnings
Contraindications
Cancer (breast, ovarian, uterine), endometriosis, hormone sensitive conditions, uterine fibroids
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: N/A
Lactation: N/A
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Atlantic yam, barbasco (wild yam)
Metabolism: N/A
Excretion: N/A
Mechanism of action
Antispasmodic components
Contains diosgenin, which can be converted to natural progesterone in vitro, but not in vivo
Diosgenin may stimulate mammary tissue growth, decrease GI inflammation, and weakly stimulate estrogen receptors
