Protodioscin

mp 190-196C

Protodioscin is a steroidal saponin compound found in a number of plant species. It is known to be the active component of the herbal aphrodisiac plant Tribulus terrestris. It has also shown to produce significant increases in the levels of the hormonal levels in animal studies.

ChEBI: Protodioscin is a spirostanyl glycoside that consists of the trisaccharide alpha-L-Rha-(1->4)-[alpha-L-Rha-(1->2)]-beta-D-Glc attached to position 3 of 26-(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-3beta,22-dihydroxyfurost-5-ene via a glycosidic linkage. Found in several plant species including yams, asparagus and funugreek. It has a role as a metabolite. It is a steroid saponin, a trisaccharide derivative, a beta-D-glucoside, a pentacyclic triterpenoid and a cyclic hemiketal. It is functionally related to a diosgenin. It derives from a hydride of a spirostan.

Saponin phytochemical found in asparagus. Cardioprotective and anti-hyperlipidemic agent. Cytotoxic effect against human cancer cell lines.

Androgen Receptor