Question

Diosgenin is
A) Saccharide
B) Steroid
C) Amino acids
D) Peptide

Answer 1

Diosgenin employed in the manufacture of prophylactic pill.It belongs to the super molecule class. Diosgenin is a precursor for several hormones, starting with the Marker degradation process, which includes synthesis of progesterone.

Complete answer:
Let us know about the chemical Diosgenin first-

1. Diosgenin is the precursor for the semi-synthesis of progesterone which in turn was used in early combined oral contraceptive pills. The non-modified steroid has few estrogenic activity and can minimise the level of serum cholesterol.
2. Diosgenin is also a reason for growth inhibition of fibroblast-like synoviocytes from human rheumatoid arthritis, with apoptosis induction associated with cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) up-regulation.
3. Diosgenin is used for the commercial synthesis of cortisone, pregnenolone, progesterone, and other steroid products.
4. Diosgenin has prominent action on cholesterol metabolism, hormones (oestrogen and dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA]), inflammations, and allergic activities on animal and human models.Diosgenin is a type of plant steroid.
5. It is the product of hydrolysis by acids, strong bases, or enzymes of saponins which are extracted from the tubers of a type of wild yam belonging to the genus of Dioscorea. Dioscorea species are utilised as a source for the steroidal sapogenin diosgenin.
   Additional informatio:n Due to large market demand of Diosgenin (and other products) and increasingly ecological damage, wild Dioscorea species resources available have been gradually declining. Therefore, it is very important to identify new potential ecological distribution of diosgenin-contained Dioscorea species for diosgenin production.
   Hence, the correct answer is option B (Steroid).
   Note: Diosgenin is a saponins of known therapeutic value. Apotent spirostanol saponin, found in the seed and has been designated as the most bioactive component of fenugreek. It plays the role of the starting material for more than 60% of the commercial synthesis of cortisone, pregnenolone, progesterone, and other steroids.