Importance and chemical composition
- Diosgenin, a steroidal sapogenin obtained from the rhizomes of various species of Dioscorea (Family: Diascoreaceae), is the major base chemical for several steroid hormones including sex hormones, cortisones, other corticosteroids and the active ingredient in the oral contraceptive pills.
- The other important sapogenins found are yamogenin, botogenin and kryptogenin. Minor sapogenins like pannogenin and tigogenin are also found in certain cases.
- It is estimated that the world production of diosgenin is 1000 tonnes and of other precursors is 1200 tonnes.
- Mexico is the largest producer of diosgenin, producing about 750 tonnes annually.
- In India, it is mainly cultivated in north-eastern states and also in Goa, mainly under contract cultivation.
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Last modified: Tuesday, 3 April 2012, 8:53 AM