Yucca
Parts Used & Where Grown
This desert tree grows primarily in the southwestern United States and is related to the Joshua tree. The stalk and root are both used in herbal medicine.
How It Works
The saponins from yucca are the major constituents in the plant. They have both a water- and fat-soluble end and therefore act like soap. One preliminary trial reportedly found benefit for patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.1 The authors of the study speculate that yucca saponins may block release of toxins from the intestines that inhibit normal formation of cartilage. This has yet to be proven in human pharmacological studies. An extract of one species of yucca has been found to fight melanoma cells in test tube studies.2 Clinical trials are lacking to prove whether yucca may be useful for treating cancer in humans.
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