Diosgenin

Solvents: Water, excellent; Alcohol, good; Glycerin, good; Vinegar, poor; Oil, poor

Diosgenin is the aglycone basis for the steroidal saponins found in Yam (Dioscorea) species, including dioscin; it also occurs as the aglycone of numerous steroidal saponins in the seeds of Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). The Mexican Yam (Dioscorea mexicana) was the original source of compounds used for the semi-synthesis of steroid drugs (cortisone, prednisone, and the androgens and estrogens – current commercial source material comes mostly from Soybeans). The steroidal saponins in the Yams do not act as 'hormone precursors' inside the body, despite what can be read in some marketing literature. The human body lacks the enzyme to convert these compounds into sex hormones. However, the saponins may influence hormonal balance in other ways, and most likely contribute to the antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects of the Yams. This latter activity is reflected in the fact that American Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) is commonly known as Colic Root or Rheumatism Root.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect

In the rat model, diosgenin has been found to decrease the intestinal inflammation that accompanies indomethacin use.

Biliary Cholesterol Elimination Effect

Diosgenin has been shown to markedly increase the biliary output of cholesterol and lipid lamellar structures in the rat model. Diosgenin also has a cytoprotective effect on the rat liver that is subjected to obstructive cholestasis.

Estrogenic Effect

Diosgenin has been found to have an estrogenic effect on mouse mammary epithelium. Ovariectomized mice that received diosgenin at dosage levels between 20 and 40 mg/kg for 15 days had significant increases in mammary development scores. When administered estrogen and iosgenin, an augmentation of the estrogenic effect was recorded.

Studies on the disposition of diosgenin in rats, dogs, monkeys and man.

Characterization of in vitro ADME properties of diosgenin and dioscin from Dioscorea villosa

Diosgenin—a growth stimulator of mammary gland of ovariectomized mouse

The effects of sustained delivery of diosgenin on the adrenal gland of female rats