Wild yam cream is a topical lotion derived from Dioscorea villosa that is marketed as an alternative to hormone replacement therapy for menopausal women. Its popularity led the American Cancer Society to release a statement that there's no scientific evidence to support the advertised benefits of the cream.
History
Wild yam cream takes its origins from its use in East Indian medical traditions as a treatment for hormonal disorders and sexual dysfunction. During the 1960s, pharmaceutical companies used wild yam in the production of synthetic hormones.
Identification
Modern creams containing wild yam are sold in health food stores and on the Internet. Users rub the cream into the skin to receive its advertised benefits.
Function
Advertisers tout wild yam as a substitute for the hormone progesterone. Makers of wild yam cream say it alleviates night sweats and hot flashes common with menopause and can prevent breast and reproductive cancers.
Features
Diosgenin is the so-called natural progesterone found in wild yam cream. There is no scientific evidence to support claims that the body can convert diosgenin into progesterone, and wild yam cream is not approved or regulated by the Food and Drug Admninistration.
Considerations
In order to alleviate menopausal symptoms, synthetic progesterone is sometimes added to wild yam cream without being listed on the cream's ingredients. These hormones are not natural as advertised and can also cause a variety of unpleasant side effects.
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