Xi'an Kintai Biotech Inc is one of the most experienced manufacturers and suppliers of diosgenin powder in China. Please feel free to wholesale high quality diosgenin powder for sale here from our factory. For price consultation, contact us.
What is Diosgenin?
Diosgenin is a naturally occurring steroidal saponin widely distributed in the rhizomes of plants in the Dioscoreaceae family (such as turmeric, yam, and purslane). Within the plant, it typically exists in glycoside form (e.g., dioscin), and hydrolysis yields free diosgenin.
Diosgenin is hailed as the "cornerstone of the steroid hormone industry" and the "golden starting material for semi-synthetic steroid drugs." It is the preferred precursor molecule for the industrial synthesis of hundreds of steroid hormone drugs, including progesterone, testosterone, cortisone, dexamethasone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), vitamin D3, and various steroidal contraceptives (such as norethindrone and noprogesterone). As a pharmaceutical intermediate and API raw material, diosgenin occupies an irreplaceable strategic position in the pharmaceutical industry chain.
Our company leverages the raw material advantages of core production areas such as Shaanxi and Hubei, combined with modern green extraction processes, to provide high-purity diosgenin powder products from multiple sources and in various specifications. We are committed to providing stable, high-quality, and traceable raw material guarantees for global steroid drug manufacturers.
Product Specifications:
| Specification | Content (HPLC) | Main Source | Recommended Application |
| Diosgenin | ≥8% | Dioscorea opposita | Functional foods, dietary supplements, traditional Chinese medicine compound preparations |
| Diosgenin | ≥16% | Dioscorea opposita | Health products, compound preparations of traditional Chinese medicine extracts |
| Diosgenin | ≥45% | Dioscorea zingiberensis | Pharmaceutical intermediates, precursors for chemical synthesis |
| Diosgenin | ≥98% |
Dioscorea zingiberensis; Dioscorea nipponica |
Steroid hormone API synthesis, high-value-added drug development |
(Other customized specifications can be provided according to customer needs)


Diosgenin Powder Chemical structure and properties
Chemical Structure: Diosgenin is a steroidal saponin with a unique pentacyclic triterpenoid skeleton (cyclopentanopyrhydrophenanthrene skeleton), and its C-25 methyl configuration is R-type (25R). This specific stereochemical structure allows it to be converted into key intermediates such as androstenedione (4-AD) and gestational dienolone acetate (16-DPA) through a series of chemical reactions (such as oxidative cleavage of side chains, ring opening, elimination, etc.), thereby synthesizing various steroid hormone drugs.
Physicochemical Properties:
- Appearance: White or off-white crystalline powder, odorless, slightly bitter taste
- Melting Point :195-205℃ (DSC determination)
- Specific Rotation: [α]D²⁵ -50° to -60° (c=1, chloroform)
- diosgenin solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, chloroform, and ethyl acetate
- Stability: Stable under dry and light-protected conditions; sensitive to strong acids and bases
- Diosgenin Molecular Structure Features: A hydroxyl group at C3 position facilitates esterification modification; double bonds at C5-C6 positions allow for epoxidation and other reactions.
diosgenin Extraction source and production process
Our company's diosgenin products are derived from three main plant raw materials, which can meet the cost and quality requirements of different customers:
| Plant Source | Main Production Area | Characteristics | Main Specifications |
| Dioscorea zingiberensis | Shaanxi, Hubei. | A unique Chinese variety, with the highest saponin content in the world, it is the mainstream raw material for industrial extraction. | diosgenin ≥ 98% |
| Dioscorea nipponica | Northeast, North China. | Abundant wild resources, outstanding medicinal value. | diosgenin ≥45% or diosgenin ≥ 98% |
| Dioscorea opposita | Widely cultivated throughout China. | A resource with both medicinal and edible uses, suitable for the development of functional foods and diosgenin supplements products. |
wild yam diosgenin ≥8% diosgenin ≥16% or ordiosgenin ≥98% |
kintaibio diosgenin powder production And extraction process
Extraction Process Flow:
Raw Material → Cleaning and Drying → Crushing → Solvent Extraction (Ethanol/Water) → Hydrolysis → Separation and Purification → Crystallization → Drying → Crushing and Sieving → Mixing → Packaging
(Key Control Points: Hydrolysis Conditions, Recrystallization Times, Heavy Metal Residue)
2025 Green and Environmentally Friendly Process (Supercritical CO₂ Extraction)
Raw Material → Acid Hydrolysis and Drying → Supercritical CO₂ Extraction → Pigment Separation → Entrainer-Assisted Extraction → Desorption → Crystallization → Finished Product
Comprehensive Extraction Process
In 2026, our company's comprehensive extraction process enables the tiered utilization of multiple components in yam:
Step 1: Industrial alcohol solvent extraction to obtain crude yellow pigment extract (purified with macroporous adsorption resin to obtain yellow pigment)
Step 2: Acid hydrolysis of filter residue to extract diosgenin
Step 3: Recovery of residual residue (starch and cellulose mixture)
Advantages: Significantly reduces acid usage and wastewater discharge, lowers energy and material consumption, and achieves comprehensive resource utilization.
pre-COA of Diosgenin Powder
Please contact sales@kintaibio.com of Kintaibio to obtain the technical files.
Product Quality Statement: Each batch of products undergoes rigorous testing to ensure compliance with the following standards (referencing the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and internal enterprise standards): A complete COA is provided, including HPLC chromatograms, chromatographic conditions, and method validation data.
Detection Method Description:
HPLC Conditions: C18 column (250mm × 4.6mm, 5μm), mobile phase acetonitrile-water, detection wavelength 203nm, limit of quantitation ≤0.1μg/mL
GC-MS Conditions: Used for identification of solvent residues and volatile impurities
Heavy Metal Detection: Atomic absorption spectrometry
what is diosgenin powder used for?
1.Pharmaceutical Industry (Core Applications)
Synthesis of Steroid Hormone Drugs:Diosgenin is an irreplaceable basic raw material for semi-synthetic steroid hormone drugs. Through chemical modification and microbial transformation, the following types of drugs can be synthesized:
1.1 Synthesis of Key Intermediates
Pregnancy Dienolone Acetate (16-DPA): Obtained from diosgenin through ring-opening and oxidation, it is an important intermediate in the synthesis of progestin drugs. Optimized process conditions: reaction time 5 h, reactant molar ratio 1:1, and reaction temperature 10-15℃ can improve the yield.
Androstenedione (4-AD): Obtained by oxidative cleavage of the diosgenin side chain, it is a key intermediate in the synthesis of androgens and corticosteroids.
9-Hydroxyandrostenedione (9-OH-AD): A microbial transformation product used to synthesize 9α-fluorinated corticosteroids such as dexamethasone.
1.2 End-Use Drug Categories
| Drug Category | Representative Drug | Medical Use |
| Adrenocortical Hormones | Cortisone, Hydrocortisone, Prednisone, Dexamethasone | Anti-inflammatory, Anti-allergic, Immunosuppressive |
| Progestins | Progesterone, Medroxyprogesterone | Gynecological diseases, pregnancy maintenance, contraception |
| Androgens | Testosterone, Methyltestosterone | Hypoactive sexual function, Aplastic anemia |
| Estrogens | Estradiol, Ethinylestradiol | Menopausal syndrome, contraception |
| Oral Contraceptives | Norethindrone, Nometroprogesterone | Family planning |
| Others | Vitamin D3, Diosgenin Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) | Osteoporosis, Anti-aging |
2 Diosgenin Emerging Research and Benefits Expansion
Recent Studies Have Shown That Diosgenin Possesses The Following Pharmacological Activities:
* Metabolic Regulation: Alleviates Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease And Improves Lipid Metabolism
* Anti-Inflammatory: Relieves Symptoms Of Colitis
* Neuroprotective: Promotes Neuronal Axon Growth And Enhances Neural Network Function
3 Other Industrial Uses
* Surfactants: Due to the surface-active properties of diosgenin, it can be used to produce natural detergents, emulsifiers, and foaming agents.
* Cosmetic Additives: Added as a functional ingredient in anti-aging and anti-inflammatory skincare products.
* Preservatives: Can be used as an intermediate for natural preservatives.
* Feed Additives: Regulates animal growth performance and enhances immunity.
Packaging and Storage of our Diosgenin Powder
Packaging: 1kg/bag (aluminum foil bag), 25kg/drum (cardboard drum), or customized according to customer requirements.
Storage Conditions: Sealed, protected from light, and stored in a cool, dry place (ideally 2-8℃ for long-term storage).
Shelf Life: 24 months under suitable storage conditions.
Transportation Information: Non-hazardous chemicals; transport at room temperature, protected from rain and moisture.
Customs Code: 1302199099
where to buy diosgenin powder?
Our company has established a comprehensive quality management system from raw material procurement to finished product delivery, strictly adhering to ISO 9001 and ISO22000 quality management system requirements. Key products can be certified with Kosher and Halal certifications.
- The price of diosgenin depends on its specification. Please inform us of the specification you need and the source.
- Sample Service: We provide small samples (10g-100g) for R&D testing.
- Sample Specifications: 10g, 50g, 100g (depending on product specifications)
- Sample Policy: New customers can receive free samples on their first application (shipping costs apply); existing customers will be served according to the agreement.
- Technical Support: We provide detailed application materials and analytical methods.
- Contact Information:Email: Sales@Kintaibio.Com
Diosgenin VS 6-Keto-Diosgenin
Based on our team's current knowledge, the following is a comparative analysis of diosgenin and its derivative, 6-keto-diosgenin.
1.1 Fundamental Differences in Chemical Nature and Source
Diosgenin is a natural and abundant steroidal saponin, widely found in Dioscoreaceae plants (such as wild yam), and is a key starting material for the industrial synthesis of various steroidal hormone drugs (such as progesterone and cortisone). 6-keto-diosgenin, however, is not a naturally abundant component; it is usually a derivative obtained through semi-artificial synthesis based on diosgenin or by trace extraction from specific plants. The core difference lies in the fact that diosgenin is a "raw material" basic substance, while 6-keto-diosgenin is a "derivative" obtained through chemical modification (i.e., introducing a ketone group on the 6th carbon atom). This structural modification significantly alters its subsequent biological activity.
1.2 A Stark Contrast in Core Functions and Application Directions
Their functional positioning is completely different. The value of diosgenin lies primarily in its broad pharmacological activities and industrial applications: it is not only a precursor to synthetic hormones but also exhibits various health benefits such as anti-inflammatory effects, neuroprotection, and cholesterol metabolism regulation. 6-Keto-diosgenin, on the other hand, has garnered significant attention mainly due to its potential "anabolism-promoting" properties, particularly in sports nutrition. Studies have indicated that derivatives obtained by ketylating natural saponins such as diosgenin exhibit certain protein synthesis-promoting activities and are considered to lack androgen-like side effects. This suggests its potential use in supporting muscle growth and strength enhancement; however, its effects are currently primarily based on theory and small-scale studies, lacking large-scale human clinical data.
1.3 Trade-off between Research Depth and Safety
From the perspective of research depth and safety, there are also significant differences between the two. Diosgenin, as a compound that has been extensively studied over a long period, has had its physicochemical properties, biological activities, and safety fully verified and recognized, making it a mature and reliable natural ingredient. In contrast, 6-keto-diosgenin has a shorter research history, with less publicly available scientific data. Its long-term safety, specific mechanism of action, and potential side effects (such as hormone interference and gastrointestinal discomfort) remain unclear.
Kintaibio's Final Recommendation: Based on the above comparison, if you prioritize the scientific research foundation, wide applicability, and long-term safety of an ingredient, we strongly recommend diosgenin. It is a versatile, thoroughly researched, and safe natural steroid ingredient. While 6-keto-diosgenin, as a derivative with more "targeted functionality" (such as promoting muscle synthesis), shows promising potential, it currently remains a relatively cutting-edge and niche area. It is more suitable for cautious exploration in experimental settings by professional researchers or individuals with specific needs, after a thorough understanding of its uncertainties.
TIPS
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