Diosgenin is the precursor for the semisynthesis of progesterone which in turn was used in early combined oral contraceptive pills. The unmodified steroid has estrogenic activity and can reduce the level of serum cholesterol. Diosgenin has been used in traditional medicine as an antihypercholesterolemia, antihypertriacylglycerolemia, antidiabetes and antihyperglycemia agent. Diosgenin is a steroid sapogenin used in the semi-synthesis of pregnenolone, cortisone, and progesterone. Diosgenin has estrogenic activity and can reduce the level of serum cholesterol.
