What Is Diosgenin (512-04-9)?
Diosgenin is (3β,25R)-Spirost-5-en-3-ol, a natural plant compound with CAS number 512-04-9. It appears as white to off-white crystalline powder, odorless and is one of the most studied botanical actives in the global plant extract market.
Diosgenin is a spirostanol-type steroidal sapogenin, structurally characterized by a 27-carbon steroid backbone with a spiroketal side chain. It is the aglycone obtained by acid or enzymatic hydrolysis of dioscin, the main saponin in Dioscorea species.
In the pharmaceutical industry diosgenin is the key starting material for semi-synthesis of corticosteroids (hydrocortisone, dexamethasone), oral contraceptives (norethisterone, norgestrel) and anabolic steroids. In dietary supplements it is used in hormonal balance and joint health formulas.
Key Properties of Diosgenin
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Diosgenin |
| CAS Number | 512-04-9 |
| Chemical Name | (3β,25R)-Spirost-5-en-3-ol |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline powder, odorless |
| Purity | ≥98% (HPLC) |
| Melting Point | Approx. 204-207 °C |
| Solubility | Practically insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol, chloroform and ethyl acetate |
| Natural Sources | Dioscorea nipponica (wild yam) rhizome; Dioscorea opposita (Chinese yam); Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed; Costus speciosus root |
Sources & Extraction
Diosgenin is naturally found in Dioscorea nipponica (wild yam) rhizome, Dioscorea opposita (Chinese yam), Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed and Costus speciosus root. ZHII extracts diosgenin from the most abundant commercial source, ensuring consistent purity and supply.
ZHII extracts diosgenin from Dioscorea nipponica (Dioscorea nipponica Makino, "Chuan Di Long" in Chinese medicine) rhizome, which contains 1-3% dioscin saponin. The process involves acid hydrolysis of the saponin to release diosgenin, followed by solvent extraction, crystallization and HPLC-controlled purification.
Applications of Diosgenin
Few botanical actives cross industry boundaries as easily as diosgenin:
Pharmaceutical Steroid Synthesis
Key starting material for semi-synthesis of corticosteroids, oral contraceptives, androgens and other steroid APIs.
Dietary Supplements
Used in hormonal balance, joint comfort and metabolic health formulas; typically dosed at 100-300 mg per day.
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Skin-soothing active in anti-aging creams and after-sun formulations; supports skin barrier function.
Research & Development
Reference compound in steroid pharmacology, saponin chemistry and natural product research.
Recommended Use & Dosage
In dietary supplements 100-300 mg per day is typical. In cosmetic formulations 0.5-1.5% in creams and serums.
Packaging & Storage
25 kg fibre drums with double PE liner; or 5 kg plastic pails. Tamper-evident packaging for pharmaceutical-grade material.. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, tightly sealed to protect from moisture. When stored properly, the product remains stable for at least 24 months from the production date.
Why Source Diosgenin from ZHII?
- Factory-direct supply — we manufacture and export plant extracts from Xi’an, China, with competitive pricing and stable long-term stock.
- Certified quality — ISO9001 and ISO14001 certified production; KOSHER and HALAL certified products; a Certificate of Analysis accompanies every batch.
- Global experience — customers in more than 50 countries across the EU, the Americas and Asia trust ZHII as their plant extract supplier.
- Flexible quantities — from free evaluation samples and small trial packs to full container loads.
- Technical support — our team provides formulation guidance, regulatory documents and application advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between diosgenin and dioscin?
Dioscin is the natural saponin (diosgenin bound to sugar chains); diosgenin is the aglycone obtained after acid or enzymatic hydrolysis of dioscin. Diosgenin is the form used in pharmaceutical steroid synthesis.
Is diosgenin a steroid hormone?
No. Diosgenin is a plant steroidal sapogenin — a steroid structurally, but not a hormone. The human body cannot convert diosgenin to steroid hormones; that conversion requires industrial semi-synthesis in the laboratory.
Does ZHII supply pharmaceutical-grade diosgenin?
Yes. We supply diosgenin in ≥98% HPLC pharmaceutical grade with full COA (assay, identification, loss on drying, residue on ignition, heavy metals, microbial). DMF documentation is available for steroid API manufacturers.
Get a Free Sample of Diosgenin
Looking for a reliable Diosgenin manufacturer and supplier? ZHII offers high-purity Diosgenin (512-04-9) with fast worldwide delivery and free samples. Visit our plant extract catalog to explore the full botanical extract range, or contact us today by email at sxzhiyi@126.com or WhatsApp +86 151 0299 2009 for a quotation within 24 hours.