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What does diosgenin mean
Diosgenin, a phytosteroid sapogenin, is the product of hydrolysis by acids, strong bases, or enzymes of saponins, extracted from the tubers of Dioscorea wild yam, such as the Kokoro. The sugar-free (aglycone), diosgenin is used for the commercial synthesis of cortisone, pregnenolone, progesterone, and other steroid products.
Contents
Medical vocabulary what does diosgenin mean
Clinical uses
Diosgenin is a precursor for several hormones, starting with the Marker degradation process. This includes progesterone which in turn was used in early combined oral contraceptive pills. The unmodified steroid has estrogenic activity and can reduce the level of serum cholesterol.
Diosgenin may behave as a prodrug to progesterone.
References
Diosgenin Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA