Diosgenin

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Definition of diosgenin:
Diosgenin is a pharmaceutical used for the synthesis of cortisone, progesterone, and other steroid products[1].
This is the common definition for diosgenin, other definitions can be discussed in the article

Notes

Diosgenin
Diosgenin
Formula
C27H42O3

Diosgenin is made by hydrolysis of saponins, which are extracted from Dioscorea villosa, a plant which grows in North America. It is also present in a number of other plant species which mainly occur in North America[1]. Extracts of Dioscorea villosa containing diosgenin are sold in a variety of pharmacy and health food stores because of their presumed ability to minimize post-menopausal symptoms[2]. It is also thought to induce apoptosis in cancer cells, and to reduce high blood pressure[3][4].

It has a very low water solubility 0.02 mg/l, is very hydrophobic and is therefore expected in the marine environment to be mostly associated to organic matter, particles and sediments. It is also expected to have a high potential towards bioaccumulation. [5]


Environmental standards and legislation

Included in the OSPAR list of substances of priority action


References

The main author of this article is Daphnis De Pooter
Please note that others may also have edited the contents of this article.

Citation: Daphnis De Pooter (2020): Diosgenin. Available from http://www.coastalwiki.org/wiki/Diosgenin [accessed on 19-03-2024]