Diosgenin

Description

Diosgenin is the precursor for the semisynthesis of 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 has been used in traditional medicine as an antihypercholesterolemia, antihypertriacylglycerolemia, antidiabetes and antihyperglycemia agent. Diosgenin is a steroid sapogenin used in the semi-synthesis of pregnenolone, cortisone, and progesterone. Diosgenin has estrogenic activity and can reduce the level of serum cholesterol.

This Thermo Scientific Chemicals brand product was originally part of the Alfa Aesar product portfolio. Some documentation and label information may refer to the legacy brand. The original Alfa Aesar product / item code or SKU reference has not changed as a part of the brand transition to Thermo Scientific Chemicals.

Applications
Diosgenin is the precursor for the semisynthesis of 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 has been used in traditional medicine as an antihypercholesterolemia, antihypertriacylglycerolemia, antidiabetes and antihyperglycemia agent. Diosgenin is a steroid sapogenin used in the semi-synthesis of pregnenolone, cortisone, and progesterone. Diosgenin has estrogenic activity and can reduce the level of serum cholesterol.

Solubility
Soluble in chloroform (50 mg/ml), ethanol (83 mg/ml at 25°C), water (<1mg/mL at 25°C), DMSO (<1mg/mL at 25°C), and methanol.

Notes
Store in cool place. Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Store away from strong oxidizing agents.