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Dietary supplement

Wild Yam Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Sunshine

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

Wild Yam is a dietary supplement by Nature's Sunshine with 1 active ingredient. 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 Wild Yam. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Wild Yam by Nature's Sunshine

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 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: wild yam root. It's included in supplements marketed for menopausal symptoms and hormonal support, though the evidence for those uses is limited or mixed.

The capsule also contains inactive ingredients — gelatin, water, cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, and magnesium stearate — which are standard fillers and binders.

Does it work?

Not established
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
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see Wild Yam's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: support female glandular system and hormone balance.
  • We looked for evidence on: Menopausal symptoms, Dysmenorrhea, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Postmenopausal conditions, Hormonal balance, Women's health — and 1 related terms.
  • 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, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Dysmenorrhea.

The evidence for wild yam is weak. For menopausal symptoms, the data rates it as possibly ineffective — meaning studies haven't found it reliably helpful.

For gallbladder disease, sexual dysfunction, period pain (dysmenorrhea), and infertility, there isn't enough reliable evidence in our data to know whether it works or not.

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 for short-term use in healthy adults, but long-term safety hasn't been well studied. The most common side effects are fever, headache, upset stomach, and vomiting — especially at higher doses.

A rare but serious reaction (anaphylaxis) has been reported. There isn't enough safety data to use wild yam during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — the safety data advises against both.

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.

Check any estrogen-based medications with your pharmacist before you start — these include estrogen therapy, birth control pills, and hormone replacement therapy. Wild yam might raise or lower how these drugs work, and the direction isn't predictable.

No other drug interactions are documented in our data for this ingredient.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

If you're considering wild yam for menopausal symptoms or hormonal support, know that the evidence it actually works is limited or mixed. The main concern is its unpredictable effect on estrogen, which matters if you're on hormone therapy or birth control.

Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, especially if you take any estrogen-based medication.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Nov 22, 2022.

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 Wild Yam, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Sunshine
Barcode (UPC) 099904007451
Net contents 100 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 22, 2022
DSLD ID 278316
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Kosher, Adult Female (18 - 50 Years)
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 Wild Yam by Nature's Sunshine, 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
50
UPC/BARCODE
099904007451
IngredientAmount% DV
Wild Yam750 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Water, Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Magnesium Stearate

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.
FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

General Statements

Bottle made from 100% post consumer recycled material. We are committed to you and our planet. Scan to learn more.

New look! Same great product

Formula

Wild yam root has long been used to nourish and promote dietary balance for the female glandular system.

Ko Kosher Service Pareve

Hormone-balancing herb

Seals/Symbols

Ko Kosher Service Pareve

Precautions

Do not use if inner seal is missing or damaged.

Formulation

Traditional glandular support

Guaranteed pure

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Brand IP Statement(s)

Natures Sunshine Herbal experts since 1972

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommended use: Take 1 or 2 capsules with a meal twice daily.

See for yourself

Wild Yam by Nature's Sunshine label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Wild Yam by Nature's Sunshine

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container50 Amounts shown are per serving.

Wild Yam

Interacts with
41 drugs
750 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 monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Water, Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Wild Yam by Nature's Sunshine Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Wild Yam?

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 Wild Yam 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.

Wild Yam1 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 Wild Yam, from the product label.

Nature's Sunshine

See all Nature's Sunshine products
Name
Nature's Sunshine Products, Inc.
City
Spanish Fork
State
UT
ZipCode
84660
Phone Number
(800) 223-8225
Web Address
www.naturessunshine.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Wild Yam by Nature's Sunshine: Common Questions

Does Wild Yam by Nature's Sunshine interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Wild Yam 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?
Wild Yam contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism 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.
Does wild yam actually help with hot flashes and menopause?
The evidence says it's possibly ineffective for menopausal symptoms. That means studies haven't shown it reliably helps with hot flashes or other menopause issues. Talk with your doctor about options with stronger evidence if that's why you're interested.
What side effects can I expect?
Most people tolerate it well, but some experience fever, headache, upset stomach, or vomiting — especially at higher doses. Anaphylaxis (a serious allergic reaction) is rare but has been reported.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — there isn't enough safety data, so the safety data advises against it during both pregnancy and breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance if you're thinking about it.
How long can I safely take wild yam?
Short-term use in healthy adults is likely fine, but long-term safety hasn't been well studied. If you're thinking of taking it beyond a few weeks, check with your pharmacist first.
Is wild yam a substitute for hormone therapy?
No — the evidence doesn't support it as an effective replacement. Additionally, wild yam can interfere with how estrogen medications work, so it's not a straightforward swap. Your doctor can discuss what options might work best for your situation.

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

Not sure if Wild Yam is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

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.

Wild Yam label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Wild Yam'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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