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What are the side effects of wild yam?

Wild yam is a climbing vine found in tropical and warmer climates. Historically, people used the root of the plant for food as well as medicine. The root contains several active compounds, in particular diosgenin.

In the laboratory, this compound can be made into medications such as progesterone, estrogen, birth control pills, and other sex hormones. Wild yam products are sold as "natural progesterone" There's no reliable evidence to confirm that wild yam is converted into progesterone by the body or that it works to relieve any symptoms or conditions.

Wild yam is generally well tolerated. In large oral doses it may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. There is little information available about the side effects of wild yam cream.

Sources:
The Review of Natural Products. Facts & Comparisons, 2007.
Foster S., V.E. Tyler. Tyler'sHonest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Products. The Haworth Press, 1999.
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Pharmacists Letter Inc., 2001.
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2007.

This answer prepared 2/20/2001.
This information updated 1/17/2007.