Overview

Wild yam is a plant that is available over the counter as a supplement. It is sometimes used for menopause symptoms, although its benefits are not well defined. Some wild yam products may claim to have hormone-like effects, but wild yam does not contain any hormones. Wild yam that has been cooked or processed is usually well tolerated. Raw wild yam contains chemicals that can cause serious side effects and should be avoided. Before using wild yam, tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any medicines or supplements you may be using.

Uses

What is wild yam used for?

Wild yam is a plant that is commonly used for menopause symptoms, although its benefits are not well defined.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed wild yam for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does wild yam work (mechanism of action)?

Wild yam refers to plants that belong to the dioscorea genus, such as Dioscorea villosa and Dioscorea alata. It is also sometimes called Mexican yam or Atlantic yam. Dietary supplements that contain wild yam are made from the root (tuber) of the plant. Wild yam is not the same as the sweet potatoes found in most U.S. grocery stores that are sometimes sold as yams. Sweet potatoes are plants in the ipomoea genus.

Wild yam is sometimes marketed as a natural source of progesterone. This is because it contains diosgenin, a chemical that can be turned into other hormones, such as progesterone, in a lab. But the human body is not able to convert diosgenin into progesterone. Wild yam is not expected to have any progesterone-like effects in the body, and it is not expected to help with menopause symptoms.

Diosgenin may have other effects in the body, but these effects are not well defined. Herbal products such as wild yam naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific wild yam product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store wild yam?

You should store wild yam according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of wild yam?

Wild yam seems to be well tolerated after cooking or processing. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of wild yam that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of wild yam?

While less common, the most serious side effects of wild yam are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Wild yam may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using wild yam and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Precautions

Who should not use wild yam?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use wild yam.

• Atlantic yam
• Barbasco
• Colic root
• Devil’s bones
• Diascorea
• Mexican yam
• Rheumatism root
• Wild yam
• Yuma
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific wild yam products they stock.

What should I know about wild yam before using it?

Wild yam is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep wild yam out of the reach of children.

Wild yam must be cooked or processed before use. Raw wild yam contains many chemicals that can cause serious side effects. Dietary supplements made from wild yam have either been cooked or processed to remove these chemicals.

Wild yam is available in dietary supplements that are taken by mouth and in creams or ointments that are applied to the skin. These products may claim to provide hormone-related benefits. But wild yam does not contain hormones and is not expected to have hormone-like effects. Read the label closely. Some wild yam supplements may contain other ingredients that can have effects on the body.

Herbal products, such as wild yam, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific wild yam product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that it was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

The FDA has not tested wild yam products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using wild yam?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if wild yam is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions.Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Kidney problems
• Liver problems

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how wild yam could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if wild yam passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does wild yam interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between wild yam and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect wild yam.

Does wild yam interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between wild yam and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with wild yam is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before using wild yam with any medicines.

Dosing

What should I do if I accidentally use too much wild yam?

If you or someone else has used too much wild yam, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Wild yam is available in dietary supplements that are taken by mouth and in creams or ointments that are applied to the skin. Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to use wild yam safely. Do not use double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.