For those of you interested in doing research or reading on the wild yam (Dioscorea villosa), you may find it interesting to read The New Holistic Herbal by David Hoffmann. In reading these notes, remember it's important to find the best wild yam source so that there are enough of the saponins to be effective. The formulation is also significant. There are hundreds of species of the wild yam. Picking the potent species, formulation, and assaying to ensure consistent saponin levels is critical. We have found our dioscorea products to be superior relative to these criteria.

Below is a summary of the information included on the wild yam:

"A number of plants are known to contain the natural precursors of the adrenal hormones. The most important of these herbs are Borage, Ginseng, Liquorice, and Wild Yam. The long term use of these herbs can be highly beneficial for anyone in very stressful conditions. . . ." "These hormone precursors are natural 'building blocks' which the body can use while the gland is being restored to its natural function. These plant hormone precursors do not act like orthodox synthetic hormones, which usually come in an unnaturally concentrated form and, although doing the job for which they were designed, leave a trail of dangerous side-effects in their wake." (Page 96)

"The saponins have attracted the attention of pharmaceutical chemists as they can be used in the synthesis of sex hormones. While the saponins contained in herbs do not directly act in the same way, the body can use them as raw materials to build up appropriate chemicals. To show the similarity between a natural saponin and the more potent synthesized drugs, we can compare cortisone with diosgenin from Wild Yam and see that they are very similar." (Page 138)

Wild Yam is listed as a "hepatic" type of herb. It is included with many other herbs for its ability to "strengthen, tone, and stimulate the secretive functions of the liver. This causes an increase in the flow of bile. In treating the whole body, it is often beneficial to aid the liver and its function as this most important organ is intimately involved in all body functions and the health of all tissues. The liver is involved in digestive problems via the bile." (Page 52)

"The liver is involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and is the most important organ for the maintenance of blood sugar levels. The liver is involved in the metabolism of proteins and is the main site for the breakdown of amino acids and for the synthesis of blood plasma proteins like globulins and clotting factors." (Page 61)

Hoffmann suggests the wild yam as a part of a mixture of herbs for the following conditions:

Dysmenorrhoea, Diverticulitis, Colitis, herbs for the glands (endocrine system), Menopause, and Hormonal Problems.

The wild yam is also listed as one of the recommended herbs for the following imbalances:

Antibilious

"The antibilious herbs help the body to remove excess bile and thus aid in cases of biliary and jaundice conditions." (Page 143)

Anti-spasmodic

"The anti-spasmodics can prevent or ease spasms or cramps in the body. (Page 143)

Cholagogue

"The cholagogues stimulate the release and secretion of bile from the gall-bladder, which can be a marked benefit in gall-bladder problems. They also have a laxative effect on the digestive system since the amount of bile in the duodenum increases when one takes them, and bile is our internally produced, all natural laxative." (Page 144)

Tonic

"The tonic herbs strengthen and enliven either specific organs or the whole body." (Page 147)

Anti-rheumatics

"A vast array of herbs has the reputation of preventing, relieving or curing rheumatic problems." (Page 85)

Anti-inflammatories

"These herbs rather reduce inflammations by helping the body to overcome the problems. These herbs can be helpful, particularly in rheumatic and arthritic conditions, where long-standing inflammations of joints and other tissues become self-defeating." (Page 85)

In the back of the book, Hoffmann has a repertory, listing specific health problems and herbs suggested for regaining balance. The wild yam is listed as one of the herbs that may help for the following conditions: Appendicitis, Arthritis, Colic, Cramp, Diverticulitis, Gall-bladder problems, Indigestion, False labor pains, Painful menstruation, Ovarian pain, Rheumatism, and Shingles.