dioscin
Dioscin is a natural product classified as a steroidal saponin. It is a glycoside of the sapogenin diosgenin and occurs in several Dioscorea (yam) species. In plants, dioscin is among the major saponins and contributes to the characteristic bitterness and foaming properties of yam tubers and rhizomes. It is typically isolated from dried plant material and forms part of the saponin profile used to characterize certain Dioscorea species.
Chemically, dioscin consists of the diosgenin aglycone linked to sugar residues; like other saponins, it comprises
Biological activity: In vitro and in vivo studies have reported a range of activities for dioscin and
Safety and industrial relevance: Saponins can be toxic at high doses and may irritate the gastrointestinal
Taxonomic and analytical notes: Dioscin content is used as a chemotaxonomic marker in some Dioscorea species,