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Wy3.5
Wild Yam Research
Probably helps
33 peer-reviewed studies
What the evidence says
Probably helps
Wild Yam helped in about half (2/3) of the studies that measured an effect — promising, but not unanimous.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2001–2026 with a typical study size of 96 participants.
Based on 33 studies · 1 meta-analysis · 13 RCTs · 269 total participants
Confidence
Moderate confidence
What the studies found
2helped1unclear· 30 more without graded effect data
By outcome
Menopause & hormonalThe sole menopause RCT found no benefit over placebo · 4-8 weeks · Traditional antispasmodic use for cramps; no human evidence · 1-3 cycles
Probably helps23 studies
Therapeutic & clinical
Mostly mechanism / observational4 studies
Cognitive function
Mostly mechanism / observational3 studies
Bone health
Too few graded studies2 studies
Heart & blood pressure
Too few graded studies1 study
Cholesterol & lipids
Too few graded studies1 study
Depression & mood
Too few graded studies1 study
Inflammation
Too few graded studies1 study
Longevity & aging
Too few graded studies1 study
By the numbers
Pulled from 11 studies with measurable effects
People studied
269
typical study: 96 people
Strongest designs
14
1 pooled, 13 randomised
Showed benefit
67%
2/3 studies
Populations Studied
Menopausal women6
General population with hormonal conditions1
Cardiovascular disease patients1
General population1
Active research area
15 studies in the last 5 years · Latest meta-analysis: 2023
200120132026
1Meta-Analysis2023
Wang C, Li S, Meng J, Xia M, Bo Q, Ying W · Altern Ther Health Med (2023)
2Systematic ReviewCited 75×n=150 · medium study2020
Keywords related to glioma, ischemia, memory, aging, cognitive impairment, Alzheimer, Parkinson, and neurodegenerative disorders were searched in the databases based on DG and its derivatives.
Cai B et al. · Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity (2020)
Three independent researchers examined articles for eligibility.
A total of 150 articles were screened from the above scientific literature databases.
Finally, a total of 46 articles were extracted and included in this review.
The results of RCTs of the hop flavonoid 8-prenylnaringenin are conflicting.
Depypere HT et al. · Maturitas (2014)
The results of RCTs of the hop flavonoid 8-prenylnaringenin are conflicting.
Animal and human studies suggest that Dioscorea villosa (Wild yam),and Broccoli may protect against osteoporosis and breast and gynecological cancers but further evidence is required.
Linseed may protect against breast cancer but the results are conflicting.
It is noteworthy that newly synthesized DSG derivatives and DSG delivery systems have good antithrombotic activity and pharmacokinetic characteristics.
Wu FC et al. · Food & function (2019)
Numerous preclinical studies have shown that DSG has great potential in the treatment of various cardiovascular diseases in vivo and in vitro, especially in atherosclerosis.
This review mainly discusses the effects of DSG on endothelial dysfunction, lipid profile, and macrophage foam cell formation, VSMC viability, thrombosis and inflammation during the formation of atherosclerosis.
Also, the mechanism of DSG on atherosclerosis was elaborated in detail.
Future larger and better controlled studies testing the effectiveness of these treatments are needed.
Shou C et al. · Chinese journal of integrative medicine (2011)
An increased number of women seek the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for treating menopausal symptoms.
This review analyzes the evidence from systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials and epidemiological studies of using herbal medicine (Black cohosh, Dong quai, St John's wart, Hops, Wild yam, Ginseng, and evening primrose oil) and acupuncture for the treatment of menopausal symptoms.
Evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of most CAM for relief of menopausal symptoms are limited.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and venlafaxine have been shown to reduce hot flashes by 19 to 60 percent and were well tolerated by study participants.
Soy isoflavones reduced hot flashes by 9 to 40 percent in some trials, but most trials showed no difference compared with placebo.
Black cohosh and red clover also have had inconsistent results, with some trials showing benefit and some no difference compared with placebo.
16Systematic ReviewCited 23×2005
A critical review of the literature shows that progesterone may have an independent effect on relieving hot flashes.
Haimov-Kochman R et al. · Acta obstetricia et gynecologica Scandinavica (2005)
A critical review of the literature shows that progesterone may have an independent effect on relieving hot flashes.
New nonhormonal agents such as selective serotonin-uptake-inhibitor anti-depressants and a new anti-convulsant gabapentin yielded promising results on small well-conducted studies.
Isoflavone's effect on hot flashes is variable and inconsistent, and only modest and delayed improvement of symptoms could be expected by BC and vitamin E.