Diosgenin is a so-called phytohormone, which is found in particular in the yam root. In humans, a variety of positive effects of diosgenin have been observed. Due to its structure similar to steroid hormones in humans, it is also used to synthesize sex hormones and cortisone.
What is diosgenin?
Diosgenin is a so-called phytohormone, which is found in particular in the yam root. Diosgenin is a plant compound that is similar to steroid hormones in humans due to its chemical structure. In particular, yam contains a lot of diosgenin. The active ingredient represents the aglycone of dioscin. An aglycone is a non-sugar component that binds a hydrogen atom at the appropriate site instead of a glycosyl group. The basic chemical structure shows the same steroidal skeleton that human sex hormones and glucocorticoids (cortisone) contain. Therefore, diosgenin can also be chemically converted into cortisone and progesterone. Cortisone is the typical glucocorticoid that has many uses in the treatment of allergies, autoimmune diseases, and in organ transplants to prevent rejection. Various derivatives of diosgenin are used in medical research. The search is on for active ingredients that have similar or even better properties than diosgenin. As an active ingredient, it is administered via dietary supplements. Its medical importance for classical medicine stems from the fact that it serves as a starting material for the synthesis of important hormones and contraceptives. The pharmacological spectrum of action is very diverse, so it plays a major role in the curative treatment of health impairments.
Pharmacological action
Diosgenin is not an endogenous substance, but a herbal agent that has beneficial effects on the endocrine system of humans. The herbal active ingredient from yam is similar in structure to steroid hormones in the human body. In turn, how diosgenin acts in the human body has not yet been fully elucidated. It is believed to be responsible for the increased production of the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA slows the aging process and acts against bone loss. In a special way, the active ingredient also intervenes in hormone metabolism in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. It has been observed to reduce hot flashes and even increase sexual desire in menopausal women. In men, for example, prostate complaints could also be reduced. Furthermore, diosgenin has an anticarcinogenic effect, as has been proven in animal experiments on rats. The risk of developing colon or prostate cancer decreases when diosgenin is administered. In addition, diosgenin shows antimicrobial activity against the yeast fungi Candida albicans and Candida glabrata. Some efficacy has also been found against the hepatitis C virus. Experiments have further demonstrated that diosgenin can inhibit blood clotting for prolonged periods of time, making it effective against the formation of thrombosis. Diosgenin also possesses inhibitory activity on acetylcholinesterase. It does not yet have applications in this regard, although further studies are being conducted to clarify potential uses in diseases associated with increased acetylcholinesterase activity. Finally, an anti-inflammatory effect of diosgenin has also been observed. Overall, many beneficial effects of diosgenin have been demonstrated in trials and studies, although the exact mechanism of action is not yet known.
Medical application and use
Diosgenin is a plant hormone and is found especially in the yam root. Among the Aztecs, Mayans, North American Indians and the Chinese, the yam was used early in folk medicine. There, its healing effect on inflammations and rheumatic diseases was recognized. The range of effects is very broad. Even the typical diseases of old age, such as arteriosclerosis or cardiovascular diseases, occur less frequently when yams are consumed frequently. At the same time, its positive effect on hypothyroidism, diabetes, muscle cramps, urinary tract diseases, digestive disorders and biliary tract disorders is remarkable. Furthermore, the yam has also been used in contraception.For use in classical medicine, diosgenin is first used as a starting material for the production of progesterone and cortisone. In medicinal medicine, the application of diosgenin is based on the use of diosgenin-containing plants such as the yam. There it is used in the form of dietary supplements (capsules or powder), ointments and creams.
Risks and side effects
So far, diosgenin has not been used in pure form, but only in conjunction with the plant source products such as yams. Mostly positive effects are registered. Even when side effects are mentioned, they are mostly positive side effects. For example, a rejuvenating effect on the skin has been noted with the use of yam preparations. Occasionally, however, there are also unpleasant side effects. If the dose is set too high for a long time, skin redness and fatigue may occur. Digestive problems have also been reported, but only if stomach and intestinal problems have already occurred frequently in the persons concerned. Every person reacts differently to certain concentrations of active ingredients, so that no clear picture has yet emerged as to where the dangerous concentration of active ingredients lies. There are high diosgenin concentrations in yam, but there do not seem to be any particular side effects with its use. However, there are contraindications for yam out of an abundance of caution. It should not be used for menstrual problems in girls going through puberty. Puberty is a time of very strong hormonal change processes, so additional intake of hormone-like substances may have unforeseeable consequences. Since too little is known about the hormonal effects of diosgenin, yam should also not be used for cervical cancer.
