What IS Diosgenin?
Diosgenin is a naturally occurring steroid precursor found in various plants, most notably in the tubers of wild yam species (Dioscorea spp.). It belongs to the class of compounds known as steroidal saponins, characterized by a steroid core linked to a sugar chain. Diosgenin is a white, needle-like crystal or light powder with low solubility in water but good solubility in organic solvents like ethanol and methanol.
Diosgenin has a complex chemical structure with a tetracyclic steroid core (C27H42O3) containing four fused rings. It possesses a hydroxyl group (OH) at the 3β position and a double bond between the 5th and 6th carbon atoms. The sugar chain attached to the steroid core varies depending on the plant source but often includes glucose and rhamnose. Diosgenin is naturally synthesized by plants as a secondary metabolite, believed to play a role in plant defense mechanisms.
It is most abundant in wild yam species, particularly Dioscorea mexicana and Dioscorea alata. Smaller quantities of diosgenin can also be found in fenugreek seeds, Allium species (like garlic), and other plants.
What are the benefits?
Research on standardized Diosgenin (found naturally in wild yam) shows a broad spectrum of health benefits. Studies have shown that Diosgenin can help support the body’s defense functions against*:
- Hormonal Imbalances
- High Blood Pressure
- High Blood Sugar Levels
- Stress
- Ongoing Inflammation
- Adrenal Fatigue
- Thinning Hair
- Osteoporosis
- Unexpected Weight Gain
- Declining Libido
Why ALOVÉA?
Hormones can be delivered three (3) different ways.
- Traditional hormone replacement drugs are made from the urine of pregnant horses or synthetic sources.
- Bioidentical hormones are different in that they are converted from plant estrogens in a pharmaceutical lab or compounding pharmacy, and are chemically identical to those our bodies make. Supporters of bioidentical hormones believe they are safer due to their “natural” sourcing.
- Phytohormones do not convert to estrogen in the body; but, because of their close chemical structures, they can provide a broad spectrum of health benefits.
Most experts believe that the risks of both traditional and bioidentical hormones are similar: Overriding the body’s normal hormonal production, has shown to increase the risks of blood clots, stroke, glandular disease, heart disease, and cancer.
Alovéa Balance only contains Phytohormones which do not assume the risks of Hormone Replacement Therapies.*
Did you know?
Diosgenin is pronounced “di-os-genin” and the plural form is diosgenins.