diosgenin

chemical compound

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Last updated

June 25, 2026

Quick Summary

Diosgenin is a type of sapogenin, which are organic compounds found in many plants. Sapogenins are derived from steroid and triterpenoid groups and occur as glycosides called saponins. Diosgenin itself is the steroid portion of a saponin called dioscin, which is found in yams.12

Methods have been developed to convert diosgenin into progesterone, a steroid hormone. An abundant source of diosgenin is a Mexican yam, and progesterone derived from it is used in producing steroid hormones. Diosgenin and hecogenin are valuable starting materials for the manufacture of steroid hormones due to their structural features and availability.12

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sapogenin
…of converting the steroid sapogenin diosgenin into progesterone have been developed. An abundant source of diosgenin is a Mexican yam called cabeza de negro, and progesterone made from it is used in producing steroid hormones.
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…of converting the steroid sapogenin diosgenin into progesterone have been developed. An abundant source of diosgenin is a Mexican yam called cabeza de negro, and progesterone made from it is used in producing steroid hormones.
Read More