Benefits of Wild Yam for Men

Wild yam is an herbal supplement most often taken by women as an alternative treatment to help manage menopausal symptoms. However, that does not mean that men can't benefit from taking it. The supplement may also help lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation caused by arthritis and promote bone health. Talk to your doctor before adding any herbal supplements to your diet.

Wild yam may help your body block the absorption of cholesterol. (Image: TongRo Images/TongRo Images/Getty Images)

Good for Your Heart

Thirty-one percent of men in the United States have high cholesterol, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. High cholesterol increases your risk of heart disease. Although studies have shown mixed results, the active ingredient in wild yam, diosgenin, may help your body prevent the absorption of cholesterol, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, research on the wild yam has been inconsistent, so you shouldn't rely on it to improve your cholesterol levels. A healthy diet and regular exercise are the keys to heart health.

Inflammation and Arthritis

Wild yam also has anti-inflammatory properties, and it has been used as a form of alternative treatment for people with rheumatoid arthritis. A study published in "BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine" in 2013 investigated the effects of a wild yam extract on pain and inflammation in mice. The research found that the extract helped improve both pain and inflammation in the mice without any toxic effects. This study shows promise for men suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, but clinical trials are needed before claims can be made.

Bone Health

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases reports that millions of men are at risk of developing osteoporosis. Results of a test-tube study published in 2005 in "Molecular Pharmacology" found that diosgenin, a compound found in wild yam, may help promote bone growth and the healing of fractures by stimulating a bone-growth factor called vascular endothelial growth factor-A. More research and clinical trials are necessary, however, to assess how wild yam may benefit your bones.

Estrogen in Wild Yam

You may worry about taking wild yam because it is a natural source of estrogen. However, MedlinePlus reports that while wild yam does have estrogen activity, your body does not convert it to estrogen. According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, some wild yam creams do contain progesterone, but these hormones are synthetic and added by the manufacturer. The center notes that you should not take wild yam if you have any hormone-related illnesses. Always check with your doctor before starting any dietary supplement, including wild yam.