American herbalists have been known to use Wild Yam (Dioscorea Villosa) root to treat painful menstruation, ovarian pain and cramps, and problems of childbirth.
Japanese research in the mid-1930s discovered glycoside saponins from which the steroid saponin, primarily diosgenin, could be derived. Before this event, it was believed that Dioscorea Villosa did not contain steroid saponin precursors.
Formerly, Dioscorea Villosa was used as the most widely prescribed and popular birth control pill, diosgenin, leading many to believe what ancient Mexican women knew all along-they used wild yam as a contraceptive. It was also found helpful as a cytostatic agent against breast cancer cells.
Dioscorea Villosa Root Extract is a natural ingredient derived from the rhizomes of wild yams. It is a colorless to light yellow liquid with a characteristic odor, soluble in oils in any proportion. It is recommended for skin and hair care products at a 3–6% concentration.Thanks to its phytoestrogen content, Dioscorea Villosa Root Extract can be used in lotions, washes, cleansers, moisturizers, shadows, and products formulated for sensitive or inflamed skin. It can also be used in astringents, toners, creams, lotions, and gels. It is a safe and effective ingredient for personal care products.
