dioscin

Dioscin is a **natural steroid saponin** extracted from *Dioscorea nipponica* and other Dioscorea species. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine and is an active pharmaceutical ingredient in Dioscin tablets for treating **coronary heart disease**, **coronary insufficiency**, and **hyperlipidemia**[1]. Dioscin exhibits **antitumor**, **antiviral**, **antifungal**, **anti-inflammatory**, **hepatoprotective**, and **antioxidant** effects and has shown benefit in studies for various cancers, metabolic disorders, and organ injuries[7][1][4]. Its mechanism involves induction of cancer cell apoptosis via oxidative stress, modulation of ATM/p53 signaling, and inhibition of various cellular signaling pathways (including MAPK, Erk1/2, P38, TOP1, EGFR, and VEGF2)[4][3][6]. Dioscin is also used as a precursor for steroid hormone synthesis, notably diosgenin’s glycoside derivative[1].

Brand names

Dioscin

Other names

dioscineioscincollettisideiiiPolyphyllin lllDioscin USP/EP/BP