Dioscorea villosa (Wild yam)
North American yam containing diosgenin — a steroidal saponin that can be chemically (not metabolically) converted to progesterone in laboratory. Topical preparations marketed as natural progesterone. The human body CANNOT convert diosgenin to progesterone.
How it works (mechanism of action)
Acts on cellular signalling pathways relevant to the documented clinical indications. Contains bioactive compounds with enzyme-modulating, receptor-binding, or antioxidant properties studied in peer-reviewed literature.
IMPORTANT MISCONCEPTION: diosgenin is NOT converted to progesterone in the human body — only chemical laboratory synthesis. Topical wild yam creams are NOT equivalent to progesterone. Oestrogenic effects: diosgenin has oestrogenic activity — caution in hormone-sensitive conditions. Drug interactions: hormonal contraceptives.