Progesterone is called a precursor hormone; it can be converted into other hormones by the body. Chemical or synthetic progesterone is not considered bioidentical, meaning it does not match the human body's progesterone identically (it has an extra molecule) and can cause unpleasant side effects. Unfortunately, because drug companies cannot patent natural products, there is little research in the area of natural progesterone food sources. However, researchers have found natural food sources of progesterone in the wild yams and the Persian walnut.
Mexican Wild Yam
The Mexican wild yam (dioscorea mexicana) is one documented natural food source related to progesterone hormones. According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, "Progesterone from diosgenin, extracted from Mexican yams, is identical to the natural progesterone of the human ovary or placenta." Actually, wild yam affects dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which in turn affects the production of all hormones, not just progesterone. DHEA also can be synthesized using wild-yam extract, according to the Mayo Clinic. Studies show that DHEA can improve well-being, exercise capacity, sex drive and hormone levels in people with insufficient adrenal function. DHEA has other positive effects on depression and obesity and is being tested in other areas, as of 2010. There is good scientific evidence for the use of DHEA in some cases, but further studies are necessary before conclusions can be drawn.
Taiwanese Yam
In a 2009 study at China Medical University in Taiwan, researchers reported that the content of diosgenin in the Taiwanese yam (Dioscorea pseudojaponica Yamamoto) was 5.49 milligrams pre gram extracted. Diosgenin is used for the synthesis of progesterone. The studies reported that this extract also is effective in treating cognitive impairment. As with the Mexican wild yam, progesterone synthesized from diosgenin can be extracted and used in various treatments.
Persian Walnut
The Persian walnut, also known as the English walnut, is one of the few plants for which definitive proof of the presence of progesterone is available. Researchers at the University of Illinois reported that that the Persian walnut (Juglans regina) has a variety of plant steroids, including progesterone, and they said this shows that plants and animals are more closely related than previously believed. This opens the door to more plant research for natural treatments for hormone-replacement therapies (HRT).
Member Comments