Advances in the pharmacological activities and mechanisms of diosgenin.
10.1016/S1875-5364(15)30053-4
- Author:
Yan CHEN
1
;
You-Mei TANG
1
;
Su-Lan YU
1
;
Yu-Wei HAN
1
;
Jun-Ping KOU
2
;
Bao-Lin LIU
1
;
Bo-Yang YU
1
Author Information
1. Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, Department of Complex Prescription of TCM, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China.
2. Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, Department of Complex Prescription of TCM, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, China. Electronic address: junpingkou@163.com.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Diosgenin;
Multiple targets;
Pharmacological activities;
Steroid sapogenin
- MeSH:
Animals;
Anti-Inflammatory Agents;
pharmacology;
Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic;
pharmacology;
Antioxidants;
pharmacology;
Cell Proliferation;
drug effects;
Diosgenin;
pharmacology;
Humans;
Inflammation Mediators;
metabolism;
Oxidative Stress;
drug effects;
Phytoestrogens;
pharmacology;
Plant Extracts;
pharmacology
- From:
Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines (English Ed.)
2015;13(8):578-587
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Diosgenin, a well-known steroid sapogenin derived from plants, has been used as a starting material for production of steroidal hormones. The present review will summarize published literature concerning pharmacological potential of diosgenin, and the underlying mechanisms of actions. Diosgenin has shown a vast range of pharmacological activities in preclinical studies. It exhibits anticancer, cardiovascular protective, anti-diabetes, neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, estrogenic, and skin protective effects, mainly by inducing apoptosis, suppressing malignant transformation, decreasing oxidative stress, preventing inflammatory events, promoting cellular differentiation/proliferation, and regulating T-cell immune response, etc. It interferes with cell death pathways and their regulators to induce apoptosis. Diosgenin antagonizes tumor metastasis by modulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition and actin cytoskeleton to change cellular motility, suppressing degradation of matrix barrier, and inhibiting angiogenesis. Additionally, diosgenin improves antioxidant status and inhibits lipid peroxidation. Its anti-inflammatory activity is through inhibiting production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, enzymes and adhesion molecules. Furthermore, diosgenin drives cellular growth/differentiation through the estrogen receptor (ER) cascade and transcriptional factor PPARγ. In summary, these mechanistic studies provide a basis for further development of this compound for pharmacotherapy of various diseases.
