Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 1 of 2 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Mexican Yam Extract Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Higher Nature

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Mexican Yam Extract is a dietary supplement by Higher Nature with 2 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for menopausal symptoms, menstrual cramps, hormone balance (popular belief).Based on those ingredients, 41 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Mexican Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) rhizome standardised extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Mexican Yam Extract by Higher Nature

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 2 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains 2 active ingredients, both standardized wild yam extracts: Mexican Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) rhizome and Wild Yam (Dioscorea opposita) rhizome. The product also includes rice bran and capsule materials as inactive ingredients.

Does it work?

Leans against
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Leans against

The strongest graded evidence we hold for the stated purpose leans against a benefit.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: help maintain calm comfortable menopause.
  • We looked for evidence on: Menopausal symptoms, Postmenopausal conditions, Hot flashes, Night sweats.
  • The closest evidence on file: Wild Yam is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Menopausal symptoms (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Wild Yam is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Postmenopausal conditions.

The evidence for wild yam is limited. For menopausal symptoms, it's rated possibly ineffective—meaning studies haven't shown it reliably helps.

For gallbladder disease, sexual dysfunction, painful periods (dysmenorrhea), and infertility, there's insufficient reliable evidence to say whether it works or not. The data we hold doesn't establish effectiveness for any of these uses.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Wild Yam

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Wild yam is generally well tolerated when used short-term in healthy adults, but long-term safety isn't well studied. The most common side effects are headache, fever, upset stomach, and vomiting—especially at higher doses.

Anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) is rare but documented. Because there isn't enough safety data, the data advises against use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

One case report noted vision loss in a woman taking a combination product containing wild yam alongside other herbs, though it's unclear whether wild yam itself was responsible.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Wild Yam

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Wild Yam.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 41 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

If you take estrogen-containing medications—birth control pills, hormone replacement therapy, or other hormonal treatments—check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this product. Wild yam might increase or decrease how your estrogen medication works.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with graded evidence leaning against its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product is meant for menopausal symptoms and related concerns, but the evidence that it actually works is weak. If you take estrogen-based medications, you'll want to check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting it, since wild yam might interfere with how those drugs work.

Stick with short-term use in healthy adults, and avoid it if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 23, 2023.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Mexican Yam Extract, straight from the product label.

Brand Higher Nature
Barcode (UPC) 5031013100499
Net contents 90 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 23, 2023
DSLD ID 275908
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Women (not pregnant or lactating), Adult Female (18 - 50 Years), Menopause, Seniors/Mature (>50 Years) - Women ONLY
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Mexican Yam Extract by Higher Nature, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
90
UPC/BARCODE
5031013100499
IngredientAmount% DV
Mexican Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) rhizome standardised extract150 mg--
Wild Yam (Dioscorea opposita) rhizome standardised extract200 mg--

Other ingredients: Wild Yam extract, Mexican Wild Yam extract, Rice Bran, Capsule

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Formulation

Free from: Artificial colours, flavourings or preservatives, dairy products, gluten, lactose, salt, soya, sugar, wheat, yeast.

For menopause

Advanced formula optimal benefit

Vegetarian and vegan

Precautions

Warning: Not advisable if pregnant or breastfeeding.

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place out of reach of children.

Do not exceed recommended daily intake. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

General Statements

This product has not been tested on animals.

Life stage

Formula

Mexican wild yam helps maintain a calm and comfortable menopause Concentrated Mexican yam extract Wild yam is a root vegetable used in Asian cooking

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Take 1-2 capsules a day, with meals. Do not exceed recommended daily intake. A daily multivitamin is also recommended. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

Storage

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place out of reach of children.

See for yourself

Mexican Yam Extract by Higher Nature label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Mexican Yam Extract by Higher Nature

These are the 2 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container90 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

150 mg per serving

Wild yam is a root traditionally used for menopausal symptoms, cramps, and as a so-called 'natural' hormone supplement, but solid human evidence for t...

Mexican Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) rhizome standardised extract monograph & interactions
200 mg per serving

Wild yam is a root traditionally used for menopausal symptoms, cramps, and as a so-called 'natural' hormone supplement, but solid human evidence for t...

Wild Yam (Dioscorea opposita) rhizome standardised extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Wild Yam extract, Mexican Wild Yam extract, Rice Bran, Capsule. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Mexican Yam Extract by Higher Nature Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Mexican Yam Extract?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
41Drugs
41 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Mexican Yam Extract with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Mexican Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) rhizome standardised extract1 drug type · 41 drugs

Estrogens

Theoretically, wild yam might increase or decrease the effects of estrogen.
Wild yam root shows estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects in vitro. Theoretically, wild yam might interfere with hormone therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Mexican Yam Extract, from the product label.

Higher Nature

See all Higher Nature products
Name
Higher Nature Ltd (EU)
Street Address
Block 1, Blanchardstown Corporate Park, Ballycoolen Road
City
Dublin
ZipCode
D15 AKK1
Web Address
highernature.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Mexican Yam Extract by Higher Nature: Common Questions

Does Mexican Yam Extract by Higher Nature interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Mexican Yam Extract has a known interaction with 41 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Mexican Yam Extract contains 2 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Can I take this if I'm on birth control or hormone replacement therapy?
Not without checking first. Both ingredients in this product can theoretically interfere with how estrogen medications work—increasing or decreasing their effects. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your specific medications before starting it.
What side effects does wild yam cause?
Most commonly, headache, fever, upset stomach, and vomiting—especially at higher doses. Serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are rare but possible. Most people tolerate it fine when used short-term.
Is this safe to take while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No. There isn't enough safety data, so the evidence advises against both. If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this is right for you.
Does this actually help with menopausal symptoms?
The evidence says it's possibly ineffective for hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. For other uses like sexual dysfunction or painful periods, there's not enough reliable evidence to know either way.
How long can I safely take this?
Wild yam is likely fine for short-term use in healthy adults, but long-term safety hasn't been well studied. If you're thinking of using it beyond a few weeks, check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Mexican Yam Extract is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Mexican Yam Extract label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Mexican Yam Extract’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Mexican Yam Extract's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 7 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Wild Yam 7 references
  1. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
  2. Eagon PK, Elm MS, Hunter DS, et al. Medicinal herbs: modulation of estrogen action. Era of Hope Mtg, Dept Defense; Breast Cancer Res Prog, Atlanta, GA 2000;Jun 8-11.
  3. Cheong JL, Bucknall R. Retinal vein thrombosis associated with a herbal phytoestrogen preparation in a susceptible patient. Postgrad Med J 2005;81:266-7.. PubMed
  4. Rosenberg Zand, R. S., Jenkins, D. J., and Diamandis, E. P. Effects of natural products and nutraceuticals on steroid hormone-regulated gene expression. Clin Chim.Acta 2001;312(1-2):213-219. PubMed
  5. Araghiniknam M, Chung S, Nelson-White T, and et al. Antioxidant activity of Dioscorea and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in older humans. Life Sciences 1996;59:L147-L157.
  6. Zeng M, Zhang L, Li M, et al. Estrogenic effects of the extracts from the Chinese Yam (Dioscorea opposite Thunb.) and its effective compounds in vitro and in vivo. Molecules. 2018 Jan 23;23(2). Pii: E11. PubMed
  7. Lu J, Wong RN, Zhang L, et al. Comparative analysis of proteins with stimulating activity on ovarian estradiol biosynthesis from four different Dioscorea species in vitro using both phenotypic and target-based approaches: implication for treating menopaus

See these in context on the Wild Yam monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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