Diosgenin

Diosgenin is a spirostan sapogenin with a hydroxy group at the 3beta position, a double bond at the 5-6 position, and an R-configuration at position 25. Found in Dioscorea species, it serves as a precursor for the synthesis of steroids such as cortisone, pregnenolone, and progesterone. It functions as an apoptosis inducer, antiviral agent, antineoplastic agent, and metabolite. It is a 3beta-sterol, spiroketal, hexacyclic triterpenoid, and sapogenin derived from a spirostan hydride.