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Wild yams are scientifically classified as Dioscorea villosa. This species is part of the Dioscoreaceae family and is known for its tuberous roots, which have been utilized for various medicinal and nutritional purposes. Dioscorea villosa is notably recognized for containing compounds that may have hormone-like effects, which is why it is often researched in the context of women's health and alternative medicine.

The other plant species listed, such as Trigonella foenum-graecum, commonly known as fenugreek, Curcuma longa, which is turmeric, and Sambucus nigra, known as elderberry, all belong to different botanical families and have distinct uses and characteristics that do not relate to wild yams. Each of these plants has gained recognition in their respective contexts for culinary or medicinal applications, but only Dioscorea villosa is accurately associated with the term "wild yams".