Diosgenin is a dietary supplement ingredient known to help ease out symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances among women. It is used as an alternative to estrogen replacement therapy which is commonly prescribed among menopausal women and those who are suffering from severe premenstrual symptoms. The compound is also shown to increase sex drive in both men and women.
What is Diosgenin?
Diosgenin is a plant steroid classified as a sapogenin. It is extracted from the roots of Dioscorea wild yam and is commonly used as a precursor in the formulation of synthetic steroid compounds such as progesterone and cortisone. The widespread use of Diosgenin in the pharmaceutical production field is brought about by its claimed active roles in cellular apoptosis, blood pressure control, and estrogen conversion activity. The compound is also believed to help relieve bone conditions associated with imbalances in hormonal levels among women.
In terms of molecular structure, the compound is described as a spirostan which is substituted by a hydroxy group at the 3beta position. Diosgenin also contains a double bond at the 5-6 position and has an R- configuration at position 25. Other names for the compound include (25R)-Spirost-5-en-3β-ol, Wild Yam Extract, Dioscorea villosa, Dioscorea opposite, and Wild Yam Root Extract.
The CAS number of the compound is 512-04-9 and its molecular formula is C27H42O3. The molecular weight of the compound is 414.62 g/mol.
Diosgenin has a white crystalline powder appearance. It is sparingly soluble in aqueous fluids but is soluble in organic solvents which include ethanol, DMSO, and dimethylformamide.
Diosgenin Food Sources
High quantities of Diosgenin may be obtained from tubers of various wild yams. It may also be found in Dioscorea species, Heterosmilax species, and Trigonella foenum-graecum. Legumes are also found to contain relative amounts of Diosgenin.
Diosgenin Forms and Specifications
When included in powder forms, Diosgenin comes in 10%, 16%, and 98% purity assays. It may also come in extract forms at 4:1, 10:1, and 20:1 ratio. High-quality Diosgenin powder may be bought from legitimate ingredient suppliers like Nutriavenue.
Bulk Diosgenin purchased from Nutriavenue is usually packed in paper drums with two layers of poly bags inside. Each drum usually contains a net weight of about 25 kilograms. Packaging for products purchased may vary depending on the number of products bought and the customer’s preference.
6-Keto Diosgenin vs. Diosgenin
Both Diosgenin and 6-Keto Diosgenin are plant steroids. Essentially, Diosgenin is derived from Dioscorea species while 6-Keto Diosgenin is primarily isolated from Smilax sieboldii and some Dioscorea species. Also, 6-Keto Diosgenin may be synthesized from Diosgenin.
Diosgenin and DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA is a naturally occurring hormone that serves as a precursor to the production of several other enzymes and hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. Diosgenin is often referred to as “natural DHEA” as it also serves to regulate estrogen levels. When made under laboratory procedures for dietary supplement formulations, DHEA is often synthesized from wild yam or Diosgenin.
How does Diosgenin work?
As a steroidal compound, Diosgenin plays several active roles in the human body for improved wellness. Foremost, the compound is a phytoestrogen that is chemically converted into biologically identical progesterone as that of the naturally occurring form of the hormone. As such, Diosgenin is claimed to promote progesterone levels and help maintain its normal levels in the body.
According to studies, the compound effectively modulates multiple signaling events and patterns in cells involved in proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. This mechanism is essential in understanding claims that the compound may possess anti-proliferative and anti-cancer properties. Diosgenin also works as an antioxidant, thereby reducing oxidative stress and damage in healthy living cells.
The compound is also found to possess protective properties against metabolic conditions as it effectively helps prevent adipose tissue inflammation and promote adipocyte differentiation.
Health Benefits of Diosgenin
The use of Diosgenin dietary supplements may provide the following health benefits:
It supports women’s health
Most women experience a variety of physical, emotional, and mental changes associated with hormonal imbalances. This is especially applicable among menopausal women. It is believed that Diosgenin supplementation may effectively support women’s health as it helps prevent hormonal imbalances and prevent rapid distortion in estrogen and progesterone levels. In effect, it may help prevent osteoporosis, mood swings, irritation, and other symptoms associated with hormone level changes.
It soothes occasional gastrointestinal discomfort
Gastrointestinal discomfort brought about by inflammation may also be soothed out by Diosgenin. This is because the compound is known to possess anti-inflammatory effects. It may also prevent various metabolic conditions. Studies also reveal that Diosgenin supplementation may provide gastroprotective benefits against gastric mucosal injury through the suppression of certain actions of some enzymes.
It may help promote breast enlargement
Breast enlargement is a secondary female sex characteristic that usually develops during the pubertal age or the period during which a woman’s hormonal levels peak. It is claimed that the use of Diosgenin supplements may help promote breast enlargement as the compound effectively enhances hormonal levels.
Diosgenin side effects
Most individual users of Diosgenin dietary supplements have not experienced side effects associated with the use of the compound. Nonetheless, some users have reported having experienced mild symptoms such as gastric irritation, nausea, and vomiting during the first few doses of using the compound. Users are advised to immediately discontinue the use of Diosgenin and seek medical attention if severe adverse reactions occur.
Diosgenin dosage and bioavailability
The recommended dosage for Diosgenin supplementation depends on the individual user’s age, weight, and overall physical condition.
The bioavailability of the compound may be enhanced through the combination of β-Cyclodextin and liquid crystal Diosgenin.
Where to buy bulk Diosgenin
Bulk Diosgenin, along with other ingredients for dietary supplement formulations, is available at Nutriavenue, an FDA-registered ingredient supplier which is recognized and certified by entities like Halal, Kosher, and GMP. It is best to buy ingredients from our company as we offer high-quality products at very affordable prices.
For your convenience, we also offer shipping services through air, sea, and couriers like UPS and FedEx. Shipping rates may vary depending on your location. To get a free quote or for more information on our products, you may visit our website at Nutriavenue.com. Our friendly and customer-oriented technical support staff will be ready to provide the information you need regarding our products and services.
