Diosgenin: Ethnopharmacology, Mechanism of Actions, and Formulations

Abstract

Diosgenin, a unique steroidal saponin, offers a variety of pharmacological benefits due to its distinctive chemical structure. To fully harness its therapeutic potential, it is crucial to thoroughly understand its chemical and physical properties, including its stereochemistry, stability, and spectroscopic characteristics. Further research into its biological activities is essential for the development of effective pharmacological formulations. Diosgenin is extracted and isolated using a collection of processes that incorporate both conventional and contemporary approaches. Maceration and percolation are two procedures that offer simplicity; nevertheless, solvent extraction and supercritical fluid extraction demonstrate a higher level of efficiency. In order to get pure diosgenin for use in a variety of applications, purification in the form of column chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography is essential. Plants that are rich in diosgenin have been highly regarded in many different cultures due to their medical characteristics, which include the regulation of hormones and the alleviation of pain. A number of species of Dioscorea, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Smilax species, and Costus speciosus are considered to be ethnobotanical sources of diosgenin. It is imperative that further research be conducted to investigate the therapeutic potential of these plants. The pharmacological effects of diosgenin include anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and hepatoprotective activities. These features underline the value of diosgenin in the prevention and management of disease. In the context of both medicinal and industrial settings, a comprehensive understanding of its biosynthesis pathways and regulatory mechanisms offers the potential to facilitate the creation of sustainable materials and extend their application