Steroidal and Triterpenoidal glycosdes, fenugreek, asparagus, Dioscorides, Steroidal saponins, biological source, chemistry, therapeutic applications, marketed products

1. ASPARAGUS
DIOSCOREA
FENUGREEK
STEROIDAL SAPONINS
Dr. Chanchal N. Raj

2. ASPARAGUS PLANT

3. ASPARAGUS ROOTS

4.  SYNONYM: SHATAVARI
 BIOLOGICAL SOURCE: The drug is derived from dried tuberous roots of
Asparagus racemosus Willd., belonging to family Liliaceae.
 CHEMISTRY: The active constituents are steroidal saponins, such as, Shata-varin
I-IV (0.1–0.2%).
The aglycone unit is sarsapogenin.
In shatavarin I three glucose and one rhamnose molecules are attached
whereas shatavarin IV possesses two glucose and one rhamnose molecules.
The other compounds isolated from A. racemosus are β-sitosterol,
their glycosides, sarsasepogenin, spirostanolic acid, furostanolic
4,6- dihydroxy-2-O-(2’-hydroxy-isobutyl) benzaldehyde, undecanyl
polycyclic alkaloid asparagamine A.

5. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

6. THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS:
 The root is alterative, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, demulcent, diuretic,
galactogogue and refrigerant.
 It is taken internally in the treatment of infertility, loss of libido, threatened
miscarriage, menopausal problems, hyperacidity, stomach ulcers and bronchial
infections.
 Externally it is used to treat stiffness in the joints. The root is used fresh in the
treatment of dysentery.
MARKETED PRODUCTS:
It is one of the ingredients of the preparations known as K.G. Tone (Aimil), Menosan,
Diabecon, Galactin, Abana (Hima-laya), Dhatuposhtik churna, Rhuma oil, Brahmi
Rasayan, Mahanarayan tel (Baidyanath), J.P
. Massaj oil, Painkill oil (Jamuna Pharma),
Memoplus, Jeevani malt (Chirayu) and Satavari kalp and Satavarex granules

7. DIOSCOREA

8. Dioscorea deltoidea plant Dioscorea deltoidea rhizomes

9. SYNONYM: Yam
BIOLOGICAL SOURCE: Dioscorea is the dried rhizome of several
species of Dioscorea like D. villosa, D. prazeri Prain and Burk; D.
composite; D. spiculiflora; D. deltoidea and D. floribunda, belonging to
family Dioscoreaceae.
CHEMISTRY: The roots contain diosgenin (4–6%) a steroidal
sapogenin and its glycoside smilagenin, epismilagenin and beta isomer
yammogenin.
It also contains sapogenase (enzyme), phenolic compounds and
(75%).

10. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

11. Therapeutic actions:
It is a main source of diosgenin. This is widely used in modern
medicine in order to manufacture progesterone and other steroid
drugs.
These are used as contraceptives and in the treatment of various
disorders of the genitary organs as well as in a host of other diseases
such as asthma and arthritis
Marketed Products
It is one of the ingredients of the preparations known as Explode
(Herbotech Pharmaceuticals)

12. FENUGREEK

13. TRIGONELLA FOENUM-GRAECUM
FENUGREEK PLANT FENUGREEK SEEDS

14.  Synonyms: Methi, Methika, Chandrika, Greek hey
 Biological source: Methi consists of dried ripe seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum
belonging to family fabaceae. (Leguminosae)
 Chemistry :Fenugreek seed contains
Steroidal saponins as their main chemical constituents. These saponins includes
Trigofoenoside A, B, C, D, E, F, and G.
The other saponins includes trigonelloside C, yamogenin tetroside B and C, tenugrin

15. CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

16. Therapeutic applications:
 The seed and leaves are anticholesterolemic, antiinflammatory, antitumor, carminative,
demulcent, emollient, expectorant, febrifuge, galactogogue, hypoglycaemic, laxative,
parasiticide, restorative, and uterine tonic.
 The seed yields strong mucilage useful in the treatment of inflammation and ulcers of
stomach and intestines.
 Steroidal sapogenins, such as diosgenin and yamogenin are the major saponins.
is an important substance in the synthesis of oral contraceptives and sex hormones.
 Gentianine and trigonelline are the major alkaloids. Trigonelline has shown potential for
use in cancer therapy.
 Traditionally, it has been used in the treatment of anorexia, dyspepsia, gastritis and
convalescence.
 Fenugreek seeds contain a high proportion of mucilaginous fibre which works as the
dietary fibres.

17.  Marketed Formulations: It is one of the ingredients of the preparations known as
Dabur Vatika Antidandruff Shampoo (Dabur) and Ayurslim, Geriforte, Immunol
(Himalaya Drug Company).

18. FENUGREEK
A POWERFUL NATURAL ANDROGEN
STANDARDISED TO CONTAIN 50% SAPONINS
PRINCIPAL INDICATIONS:ANTI-INFLAMMATORY, DEFICIENCIES
(HEMOGLOBIN), SPORT PERFORMANCES (MUSCULAR MASS), WEIGHT
BALANCE). *Courtesy: Google Images