What is sapogenin?

Sapogenins are steroidal compounds found in plants, particularly in the family of legumes. They are the aglycones or the aglycone precursors of saponins, which are glycosides often found in plants. Saponins have anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antifungal properties and are used in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Sapogenins are the main active compounds of saponins and have been studied for various pharmacological activities, including cytotoxic, antitumor, and antifungal properties. They are also used as a starting material for the synthesis of different steroids, such as progesterone and testosterone. Some of the common sapogenins include diosgenin, tigogenin, and yamogenin, which are widely used in traditional medicine for various health conditions.