Miscellaneous Drugs Dioscorea

Objectives On completion of this period you would be able to know about : The monograph of Dioscorea

Known to Unknown Can you identify the above drug?

Dioscorea Synonym : Yam, Rheumatism root Boilogical Source : Dried tubers of the plants Dioscorea deltoidea and other species of Dioscorea Family : Dioscoreaceae Fig.70.1 Dioscorea tubers

Dioscorea Geographical source : North Western Himalayas Punjab to Nepal China Jammu & Kashmir Himachal Pradesh USA & Mexico Fig.70.2 Dioscorea plant

Dioscorea Organoleptic characters: Color : Slightly brown Odour : Odourless Taste : Bitter Size : Varies depending upon age of rhizomes Fig.70.3 Dioscorea tubers

Dioscorea Chemical constituents: It contains 75% of starch (Non-edible due to bitter taste) Diosgenin Steroidal sapogenin (4 to 6%) An enzyme Sapogenase Rich in glycosides and phenolic compounds Fig.70.4 Diosgenin

Dioscorea Uses : Precursor for synthesis of several Corticosteroids, Sex hormones, Oral contraceptives In the treatment of Rheumatic arthritis

Summary In this class we learnt about : The monograph of Dioscorea Dioscorea consists of dried tubers of the Dioscorea deltoidea It is used as synthesis for Sex hormones, Corticosteroids, Oral contraceptives etc.,

Quiz Biological source of Discorea is Dried leaves Dried rhizomes Dried tubers Dried bark

Quiz 2. Main chemical constituents present in Discorea Diosgenin Picroside II Kutkoside All of the above

Quiz 3. Dioscorea is used as Bitter tonic Precursor for Sex hormones Febrifuge All of the above

Frequently Asked Questions Write the uses and constituents of Dioscorea Write the family and Biological source of Dioscorea