Brief Introduction

Synonyms--- Dioscorea villosa, Dioscorea Wild Yam, Wild Yam, Mexican Wild Yam

Diosgenin

Chemical Name:(3β,25R)-spirost-5-en-3-ol
Molecular Formula: C₂₇H₄₂O₃

Mol. Wt.:414.62 g mol⁻¹

Molecular Structure:

Dioscorea villosa, usually found wild in the eastern half of North America, is a perennial plant that is a low creeper, and occupies average to poor soils and full sun. It is a species of a twining tuberous vine that is native to and found growing wild in North America. Its fame is based on its steroid-like saponins which can be chemically converted to progesterone contraceptives; and cortisone.

Wild Yam is believed to be helpful to the liver and endocrine system. It regulates the female system, particularly during menstrual distress and menopause, as well as used in treating infertility. Used with chasteberry and dandelion it is an effective treatment for morning sickness.

It has been hypothesized that wild yam (Dioscorea villosa and other Dioscorea species) possesses dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-like properties and acts as a precursor to human sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Based on this proposed mechanism, extracts of the plant have been used to treat painful menstruation, hot flashes, and headaches associated with menopause. However, these uses are based on a misconception that wild yam contains hormones or hormonal precursors - largely due to the historical fact that progesterone, androgens, and cortisone were chemically manufactured from Mexican wild yam in the 1960s. It is unlikely that this chemical conversion to progesterone occurs in the human body. The hormonal activity of some topical wild yam preparations has been attributed to adulteration with synthetic progesterone by manufacturers, although there is limited evidence in this area.

The effects of the wild yam saponin constituent "diosgenin" on lipid metabolism are well documented in animal models and are possibly due to impaired intestinal cholesterol absorption. However, its purported hypocholesterolemic effect in humans and the feasibility of long-term use warrant further investigation.

Diosgenin, a steroid sapogenin, is the product of hydrolysis by acids, strong bases, or enzymes of saponins, extracted from the tubers of Dioscorea wild yam, such as the Kokoro. The sugar-free (aglycone), diosgenin is used for the commercial synthesis of cortisone, pregnenolone, progesterone, and other steroid products. Diosgenin is the precursor for the semisynthesis of progesterone which in turn was used in early combined oral contraceptive pills. The unmodified steroid has estrogenic activity and can reduce the level of serum cholesterol.

There are few reported contraindications to the use of wild yam in adults. However, there are no reliable safety or toxicity studies during pregnancy, lactation, or childhood.

Some herbalists recommend Wild Yam as a natural contraceptive or birth control measure.

The Wild Yam Extract used in dietary supplements is derived from the tubers of the plant wild yam (Dioscorea villosa L.).

Benefits

• Estrogenic activity

•Reduce the level of serum cholesterol

•Be helpful to the liver and endocrine system.

•Regulate the female system, particularly during menstrual distress and menopause,

•Treat infertility

•Treatment for morning sickness

Mechanism

Refer to the above information.

Safety

Wild Yam Extract is safe, no side effects have been reported to date, but relying on this type of treatment alone, and avoiding conventional medical care, may have serious health consequences.

Dosage

•  The typical dose is 300-900mg per day (usually in 2-3 doses throughout the day).
•  Consult physicians for different condition specifics.

GNI’s Wild Yam Extract Features and Benefits:

Wild Yam Extact is one of GNI's most competitive products, with many advantages as list in the following, produced as our patent-pending process and know-how technology from the tubers of the plant wild yam (Dioscorea villosa L.).

•  Produced with pure water only

•  High purity: over 99%

•  NO solvent - residual free

•  Pesticide-free

•  Crystal white in appearance

•  High solubility in water

•  High anti-bacteria, and longer shelf life

Product Specifications:

6%, 10%, 16%, 20% Diosgenins HPLC;

10:1,