Common Name:

Wild Yam

Dioscorea villosa L; Colic root; igname sauvage, Atlantic yam, Wild Yam; rheumatism root

Family

Dioscoreaceae

Part used:

Root harvested during summer and fall; dried or used fresh

Rhizome; In all species of wild yams; they have made a significant contribution as a root crop to tribal people in some parts of the world, such as Nepal. They are usually consumed boiled, steamed, baked or fried. Many different forms and cultivars of the wild edible yam species are available in different areas, and it is likely that these differ in composition and nutritional values.

Active constituents

Steroidal saponins; diosgenin, dioscin, dioscorin and a range of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, vitamins B₁, B₂ and B₃, iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium and zinc; polysaccharides; tannins; along with polyphenols . Although diosgenin can be converted to dihydroepiandosterone (DHEA) and other steroid compounds in the laboratory, and has been used for commercial production of these compounds, this conversion does not occur in the human body. It does not contain progesterone or any other active steroid hormones. Phyllis Light points out that the Mayan women that used their local yams for birth control cooked them extensively to release the saponins.

Actions

Antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and autonomic nervous system relaxant; antioxidant activity, Cholagogue.

Fresh fluid extract: primarily antispasmodic properties; If dried for more than a year and cooked for longer than 20 minutes; the anti-inflammatory effect is extracted with the saponins. If cooked longer, turns red; signature for the blood. TCM Action: 1. Circulate intestinal Qi, harmonize digestion and relieves pain; reduces Liver congestion and regulates circulation: Liver and gallbladder Yang excess; Liver/Spleen disharmony; Liver Qi stagnation; Kidney and adrenal Qi constraint; 2. Circulates the uterus Qi and relieves pain; 3. Tonifies urogenital Qi, harmonizes menstruation, menopause and pregnancy; prevents miscarriage and stops vomiting; 4. Clears Wind/Damp/Heat, Bi syndrome; rheumatism and arthritis, reduces, inflammation and benefits the skin.

Indications

An antispasmodic for treating diverticulosis, gall bladder colic, intestinal colic, flatulent colic Irritable bowel syndrome, cramp, painful colitis, tenesmus, nausea in pregnancy, dysmenorrheal symptoms, menstrual pains, hyperlipidemia and rheumatoid arthritis, and for increasing energy.

Contraindications and Herb Drug Interactions

Use with caution in pregnancy and lactation

Works synergistically with clofibrate.

Dose (Human and Veterinary)

Human: Dried herb: 0.5-10 g TID; Decoction: 5-30 g per cup/ 1 cup TID; Tincture: 1:2-1:3: 1-5 ml TID Small animal Dried Herb: 25-300 mg/kg, divided; Decoction 5-30 g per cup; ¼-1/2 cup per 10 kg TID; Tincture: 1:2-1:3: 0.5-1.5 ml per 10 kg divided

Horses: Fluid extract: 8-24 ml; Farm animals: Fluid extract: cows: 8-24 ml; sheep and goats: 2-4 ml.