Wild Yam

Wild yam (Dioscorea villosa L.) is a vine that’s native to North America. It’s also known by several other names, including colic root, American yam, fourleaf yam, and devil’s bones.

This herb may help with:

• Hormone production and imbalance
• Menopause
• Arthritis

Other health claims

Though human research is lacking, wild yam root may provide a number of other benefits, such as:

• Lowered blood sugar levels. In a study in mice, diosgenin extract significantly reduced blood sugar levels and helped prevent diabetes-induced kidney injury.
• Reduced cholesterol levels. In a 4-week study in rats, diosgenin extract significantly lowered total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
• Potential anticancer effects. Preliminary test-tube studies suggest that wild yam root extract may safeguard against or slow the progression of breast cancer.