Identified Scientific Name:Dioscorea Villosa. Synonyms: Colic-root, Devils-bones, Rheumatism Root, Wilde Yamwurzel, rheumatism root, China root, devils bones, yuma, Mexican wild yam, wilde yamwurzel,wild Mexican yam. Parts used: dried rhizome and roots. ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY: The steroidal saponins (such as diosgenin) account for some of wild yam?s activity. Another compound, dioscoretine, has been shown in animal studies to lower blood sugar levels. An extract of wild yam was found to have antioxidant properties. It has also been shown to raise HDL, the ?good,? cholesterol. Wild yam is also considered to be a strong antispasmodic and is potentially anti-inflammatory. Contrary to popular claims, wild yam roots do not contain and are not converted into progesterone or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the body.However, wild yam saponins or other constituents may have properties similar to these compounds. Pharmaceutical progesterone is made from wild yam using a chemical conversion process. This can lead to confusion?while wild yam can be a source of progesterone, it cannot be used without this pharmaceutical conversion, which cannot be duplicated by the body. Women who require progesterone should consult their physician and not rely solely on wild yam or other herbs. Specification: 6%,10%,16% Diosgenin