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Dioscorea villosa

Dioscorea villosa is one of the species of yam referred to as ‘wild yam’. It is claimed to alleviate symptoms of menopause, but there is no evidence to support this effect.

Our evidence-based analysis on dioscorea villosa features 13 unique references to scientific papers.

Kamal Patel
Research analysis led by and reviewed by the Examine team.
Last Updated:

Summary of Dioscorea villosa

Primary information, health benefits, side effects, usage, and other important details

Dioscorea villosa is one of the species of yam referred to as ‘wild yam’.

Dioscorea villosa has been claimed to alleviate symptoms of menopause, but there is currently no evidence to support this effect.

Animal evidence suggests Dioscorea villosa can increase skin thickness after low-dose supplementation. This effect suggests Dioscorea villosa is a potentially useful supplement for skin care, but more research is needed before it can be specifically recommended as a cosmetic supplement.

Dioscorea villosa is claimed to alleviate symptoms of menopause because the molecular structures of the yam are similar to many steroid-like compounds. Dioscorea villosa may have effects similar to Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).

Unfortunately, Dioscorea villosa extracts are associated with kidney and liver fibrosis, a condition characterized by excessive scar tissue. Though this effect is weak, it appears to be both time and dose-dependent. For this reason, chronic supplementation of Dioscorea villosa is not recommended.

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How to Take

Recommended dosage, active amounts, other details

Animal studies suggest Dioscorea villosa supplementation provides benefits when 9.8 – 37.7mg/ kg of bodyweight is given to mice. This translates to an approximate human dosage range of 0.8 – 3mg/kg of bodyweight.

Rat studies show that doses of 790mg/kg of bodyweight (126mg/kg of bodyweight in humans) are associated with fibrosis. Lower doses have not been confirmed to be safe.

Since more research is needed to determine whether Dioscorea villosa is safe for supplementation, it cannot currently be recommended.

Things to Note

Is a Form Of

Primary Function:

Also Known As

Wild Yam

Do Not Confuse With

Common Yam (Dioscorea Rotundata), Purple Yam (Dioscorea Alata)

Caution Notice

Has been linked to weak, but time and dose dependent, increases in liver and kidney fibrosis

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This page is regularly updated, to include the most recently available clinical trial evidence.

Each member of our research team is required to have no conflicts of interest, including with supplement manufacturers, food companies, and industry funders. The team includes nutrition researchers, registered dietitians, physicians, and pharmacists. We have a strict editorial process.

This page features 13 references. All factual claims are followed by specifically-applicable references. Click here to see the full set of research information and references for Dioscorea villosa.

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