Herbal Extract
Dioscorea nipponica Extract (Rhizome)
Also known as: Japanese Yam Extract, Dioscorea Extract, High Protodioscin Yam
A rhizome extract standardized to 40% protodioscin, a compound with proposed hormonal and sexual function support properties. Evidence is very limited and primarily from traditional use.
Primary uses
- Hormonal balance
- Sexual function support
- General vitality (traditional)
How it works
- Protodioscin sapogenin precursor activity
- Proposed phytoestrogen-like effects
- Traditional adaptogenic properties
Dosage
- Typical range
- 300-1000 mg daily of standardized extract
- Timing
- With meals
- With food
- Recommended
- Duration
- Traditional use suggests 4-12 week minimum; optimal duration unknown
- Special populations
- Insufficient safety data in pregnancy/nursing; caution with hormone-sensitive conditions
Forms
- Rhizome Extract (standardized to 40% Protodioscin)· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Limited data; theoretical: GI upset, hormonal effects
Contraindications
- Hormone-sensitive cancers (theoretical risk)
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Estrogen-dependent conditions
Evidence notes
Very limited clinical research; primarily traditional Asian medicine use. No robust RCT evidence in Western literature. High protodioscin content is notable but efficacy unproven.
Grade D: Primarily pre-clinical or anecdotal; human efficacy not established.
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