Wild yam
Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa)
Wild yam (pronunciation: /waɪld jæm/), also known as Dioscorea villosa, is a species of perennial plant in the Dioscoreaceae family. The term "wild yam" is often used to refer to the plant's dried root, which has been used in herbal medicine for centuries.
Etymology
The term "yam" is derived from the Portuguese word "inhame" or the Spanish word "ñame", which both mean "yam". The "wild" in "wild yam" refers to its natural habitat. The scientific name Dioscorea villosa is derived from the name of the ancient Greek physician and botanist Dioscorides, and "villosa" is Latin for "hairy", referring to the plant's hairy stems and leaves.
Usage in Medicine
Wild yam has been used in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments. It is often used as a natural alternative to estrogen therapy, and can be used for conditions related to the estrogen in the body, such as menopause symptoms, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), weak bones (osteoporosis), and others. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these uses.
Related Terms
- Diosgenin: A steroid-like compound found in wild yam that is used in the production of various hormones, such as progesterone and cortisone.
- Phytoestrogen: A plant-derived compound with estrogen-like effects. Wild yam is often considered a source of phytoestrogens.
- Herbal medicine: The use of plants for medicinal purposes. Wild yam is often used in herbal medicine.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Wild yam
- Wikipedia's article - Wild yam
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