Herbs & Supplements

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Uses

Although no well-controlled human studies have been conducted for verification, a few animal studies and case reports suggest a limited role for oral yucca in treating both cardiovascular conditions and high cholesterol levels. First, yucca contains a proven antioxidant, a chemical known as resveratrol. Antioxidants are thought to protect body cells from damage caused by a chemical process called oxidation. Oxygen free radicals, natural chemicals produced by oxidation, are involved in the development of several conditions including heart diseases. By limiting oxidation, resveratrol and other antioxidants may help prevent damage to blood vessels and other changes that may contribute to the development of heart disease. In addition, yucca contains a high percentage of saponins, chemicals that dissolve in both water and oil. In the stomach and intestines, some saponins may fasten onto cholesterol particles in the blood, thereby preventing cholesterol absorption by the body and promoting its elimination. Although saponins from yucca have not been studied specifically, saponins from other plant sources also attach to bile, effectively removing it from circulation. The body then has to use some dietary or stored cholesterol to make more bile, further reducing the amount of cholesterol that stays in the blood.

Traditionally, yucca has been used orally to treat arthritis and related ailments such as bursitis (inflammation of the pads that separate tendons from bones) and gout (a very painful inflammation--usually of a single joint such as the big toe--caused by excess uric acid). Although little research supports the specific use of yucca for treating arthritis, some researchers believe that saponins generally may interfere with the production of a chemical that keeps the body from making new cartilage for joints. Saponins may also have anti-inflammatory effects. In one small study conducted about 30 years ago, oral yucca seemed to show some mild relief of pain, stiffness, and swelling among some of the participants who took daily doses of various yucca extracts for periods of up to 15 months. However, the lengths of time that the participants took yucca, the yucca products they used, and the dosages they took all varied greatly. Many participants also took conventional arthritis remedies, such as aspirin, in addition to yucca during the study period. Results of this study have not been verified by more recent controlled research, so they cannot be viewed as conclusive. As an antioxidant, yucca may also have potential as an anticancer, antiviral, and immune-stimulating agent. The antioxidant effects of yucca may also protect the liver from some of the damage caused by certain drugs, chemicals, or chronic alcohol abuse. Some case reports may also show that yucca may prevent or lessen the severity of migraine headaches. All these possible effects need further study to prove or disprove them, however.

Topical yucca is thought to help stop minor bleeding from cuts and scrapes. Because the saponins in it may be anti-inflammatory, yucca may also help to relieve itching and swelling from insect bites, sunburn, and other minor skin injuries. Reportedly, yucca and other saponin-containing herbal products have been applied to the scalp for treating dandruff and to the skin for treating eczema and psoriasis. While none of these possible uses has been proved by study results, yucca's soapy consistency does make it a good soap or shampoo substitute.