Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Based on 1 of 3 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Wild Yam Root Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Gaia Herbs

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

Wild Yam Root is a dietary supplement by Gaia Herbs with 3 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 Wild Yam root extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Wild Yam Root by Gaia Herbs

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

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 3 active ingredients.

This product contains 3 ingredients: water, grain alcohol (the liquid base), and wild yam root extract. The active component is the wild yam root extract itself — the plant material that gives the supplement its traditional effects.

There are no inactive fillers or binders listed in this formulation.

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: menopause and hormone balance support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Menopausal symptoms, Postmenopausal conditions, Dysmenorrhea, Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), hormonal balance, women's health.
  • 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 mixed. It's rated possibly ineffective for menopausal symptoms — the most common reason people reach for it.

For gallbladder disease, sexual dysfunction, period pain (dysmenorrhea), and infertility, there isn't enough reliable evidence yet to say whether it works or doesn't. You'll want to have realistic expectations if you're considering this for hot flashes or hormone-related concerns.

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 taken by mouth in the short term, though the long-term safety picture isn't well studied. Most side effects are mild: fever, headache, upset stomach, and vomiting — and headache and fever may increase at higher doses.

In rare cases, anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) has been reported. One case report linked a phytoestrogen blend containing wild yam to temporary vision loss, though it's unclear what ingredient was responsible.

Don't use this product during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — there isn't enough safety data either way. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor for personalized advice if you're in either situation.

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 any estrogen-based medication — hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills, or other hormonal drugs — double-check with your pharmacist before adding this product. Wild yam shows both estrogen-like and estrogen-blocking effects and could change how your hormones work (Moderate severity).

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with graded evidence leaning against its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Wild yam root may interest you if you're exploring traditional support for menopausal symptoms or hormone balance — but the evidence for it is weak. The main caution is if you're on estrogen therapy or hormonal birth control; wild yam could theoretically interfere.

Check your medications with a pharmacist before you start, and keep long-term use in mind as something not yet well studied.

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

Assessment coverage: 1 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Dec 21, 2012.

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 Root, straight from the product label.

Brand Gaia Herbs
Barcode (UPC) 751063312325
Net contents 4 fl. Oz.; 120 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Dec 21, 2012
DSLD ID 16541
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (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 Root by Gaia Herbs, 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 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1.33 mL
Servings per container
120
UPC/BARCODE
751063312325
IngredientAmount% DV
Water0 NP--
pure Grain Alcohol0 NP--
Wild Yam root extract0 NP--

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.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use Take 30-40 drops of extract in a small amount of water 3-4 times daily between meals. Shake well before using.

Precautions

Not to be used during pregnancy or lactation. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs, please consult with your doctor before use.

Keep away from children.

Use only as directed on label. Safety sealed for your protection.

General Statements

Liquid Herbal Extract

500 mg/ml herb equivalency

FDA Statement of Identity

DIETARY SUPPLEMENT

General

[02] 1093-0910

See for yourself

Wild Yam Root by Gaia Herbs label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Wild Yam Root by Gaia Herbs

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container120 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.

Water

0 NP per serving

Pure Grain Alcohol

0 NP per serving

Wild Yam root extract

Interacts with
41 drugs
0 NP 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 root extract monograph & interactions
Interaction report

Wild Yam Root by Gaia Herbs Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Wild Yam Root?

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 Root 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 Yam root 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 Wild Yam Root, from the product label.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Wild Yam Root by Gaia Herbs: Common Questions

Does Wild Yam Root by Gaia Herbs interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Wild Yam Root 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 Root contains 3 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.
Does wild yam actually help with hot flashes and menopausal symptoms?
The evidence says it's possibly ineffective for menopausal symptoms, so it's not the strongest choice if that's your main reason for trying it. There are other options with better-studied support — your pharmacist can point you toward them.
What are the most common side effects?
Mild ones: fever, headache, upset stomach, and vomiting. Headache and fever tend to be more noticeable at higher doses. Serious side effects are rare but can include anaphylaxis.
Is it safe to take long-term?
It's likely fine for short-term use in healthy adults, but long-term safety hasn't been well studied. If you're thinking of taking it regularly for months, check in with your pharmacist first.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
No — there isn't enough safety data either way. Skip this product during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you need support for hormone-related concerns during these times.
Why is water listed as an ingredient I can't check for interactions?
We don't maintain interaction data for plain water or grain alcohol — the base ingredients that make this a liquid extract. They're not typically a concern, but we're being transparent that we haven't formally checked them.

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

Not sure if Wild Yam Root 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 Root label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Wild Yam Root'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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