Progesterone is an important hormone that plays a vital role in regulating the menstrual cycle and supporting pregnancy in women. It is also involved in other processes like bone health and even mood regulation. There has been growing interest around natural ways to support healthy progesterone levels, including through diet and supplements. One compound that has attracted attention is diosgenin, a steroid sapogenin found in certain plants that is similar in structure to progesterone. But can our bodies actually convert diosgenin from plant sources into usable progesterone? In this article, we'll explore what the current research says.
What is Diosgenin?
Diosgenin is a plant steroid that is extracted from various plant species, most notably wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum). It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to treat issues related to menstrual cycles, menopause, and inflammation.
In supplements and naturopathic medicine today, diosgenin is commonly marketed to women as a "natural progesterone" that can help balance hormones. But what does the science actually say about diosgenin's effects in the body? Importantly, diosgenin is not progesterone itself - it is a precursor molecule that bears similarity to progesterone in its chemical structure. Given the right enzymes and conditions, diosgenin powder could potentially be converted into progesterone in the body. But does this process actually occur?
Understanding Progesterone
Before exploring whether diosgenin can convert into progesterone, it's helpful to understand what progesterone is and how it functions in the body. Progesterone is an essential reproductive hormone, playing vital roles in the menstrual cycle and embryonic development. It is produced mainly in the ovaries through a process that starts with cholesterol.
Specialized cells in the dominant ovarian follicle transform cholesterol into pregnenolone, which is then processed through enzymatic steps into progesterone every month as an egg develops there. After ovulation happens, progesterone levels rise and assist with setting up the uterus for pregnancy. Progesterone upholds development of the endometrium, the uterine covering that supports a prepared egg. Menstruation occurs when progesterone levels drop and there is no pregnancy.
Notwithstanding its unmistakable job in the female conceptive framework, progesterone additionally follows up on different tissues through the body. It is involved in a variety of processes, including bone formation, blood clotting, thyroid function, brain health and cognition, and more. Progesterone production decreases after menopause because women no longer ovulate. This adds to menopausal side effects and long haul medical issue like osteoporosis.
Can the Body Convert Diosgenin to Progesterone?
Now that we know how our bodies make progesterone and how important it is, we can answer the main question: Can progesterone be made by the body from diosgenin found in plants?
Older research suggests that, at least in small amounts, mammals may be capable of converting diosgenin into progesterone. In one review, diosgenin directed orally to sheep was changed over into progesterone and showed up in plasma levels. Studies involving rats and rabbits produced similar outcomes. However, when compared to the production of endogenous progesterone, conversion rates were extremely low. This demonstrates that that while some transformation is conceivable, it may not be adequately productive to genuinely raise progesterone levels all through the body.
Human evidence is far more limited. A frequently cited study in 1954 found a slight increase in urinary progesterone metabolites when women were given high doses of diosgenin extracted from yams. However, the study did not include placebo or control groups for comparison. A more recent trial in 2011 evaluated serum hormone levels in postmenopausal women after consuming a fenugreek extract standardized for diosgenin content. Researchers found increased levels of some estrogen metabolites but did not see increases in progesterone.
Most experts warn against making premature conclusions about diosgenin and progesterone. Given the available evidence, any conversion of plant-derived diosgenin into progesterone in humans, if present at all, likely occurs only minimally. Estrogen may also compete with progesterone synthesis pathways, rendering diosgenin less effective as an actual progesterone source. Nevertheless, a number of alternative health practitioners still recommend diosgenin supplements to patients with the aim of naturally supporting progesterone levels.
Practical Applications and Considerations
While current research cannot conclusively confirm that diosgenin effectively converts into progesterone in humans, it still appears reasonably safe for consumption through dietary sources like fenugreek and wild yam. Some practitioners also use diosgenin powders for a variety of therapeutic uses. It may offer complementary benefits for hormonal health alongside other evidence-based interventions under professional guidance. However, both patients and clinicians should account for the following considerations.
First, diosgenin should not replace other proven treatments to address progesterone deficiency without the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider. Blood testing helps determine whether patients have low progesterone along with appropriate medical therapies based on the underlying cause.
Secondly, diosgenin sources can interact with certain medications – estrogen therapies being one example. Consult a pharmacist or doctor to avoid potentially adverse interactions, especially for those on prescription hormonal medications.
Lastly, while diosgenin appears relatively safe at typical doses, few studies have evaluated its long-term safety profile. Like any supplement without Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversight, diosgenin powder carries potential risks of contamination or inconsistent potency between products. Work closely with your healthcare team to weigh potential benefits and harms before using unregulated hormone-related supplements.
The Bottom Line
In summary, while diosgenin and its plant sources may offer therapeutic benefits, current research cannot confirm that our bodies can effectively convert diosgenin into usable progesterone in clinically significant amounts. Small studies show hints of conversion capability in animals, but human data are lacking. Any hormone-modulating effects likely occur through other mechanisms aside from acting as a direct progesterone precursor. Scientists need to conduct more rigorous studies to determine if and how diosgenin influences reproductive hormone balance. In the meantime, patients already experiencing progesterone deficiency should rely on proven testing and treatments guided by their healthcare professionals – not unproven supplements. Food sources containing diosgenin like fenugreek and yam extracts appear reasonably safe for most people and may impart complementary benefits. But the merits of diosgenin for hormone health remain inconclusive and speculative based on existing research. Patients with hormone-sensitive conditions should exercise particular caution with diosgenin supplements due to interactions with medications and unknown long-term safety. While diosgenin continues to intrigue researchers and clinicians alike, more data are essential to substantiate claims about its conversion into progesterone in humans and validate any clinical applications in hormone health.
Hongda Phytochemistry Co., Ltd. offers the added advantage of providing free samples, allowing you to experience the quality of our products firsthand. We are proud to announce the establishment of our new capsule production workshop, which enables us to customize capsule products according to your specific needs and preferences.
As part of our commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry, we actively participate in global exhibitions such as European CPHI, European International Vitafoods, European Food Ingredients Exhibition FIE, Functional Food and Healthy Food Exhibition FFFI, American SSE, and more. This long-term engagement in international events showcases our dedication to innovation and connecting with customers worldwide.
Our Diosgenin powder has earned acclaim for its exceptional quality. As a reliable and consistent supplier, we look forward to establishing a long-term and stable cooperative relationship with you. Please feel free to contact us at duke@hongdaherb.com for further information. We are dedicated to delivering outstanding products and services that meet your unique requirements.
References:
1. Aradhana, Rao, A. R., & Kale, R. K. (1992). Diosgenin - a growth stimulator of mammary gland of ovariectomized mouse. Indian journal of experimental biology, 30(5), 367–370.
2. Armanini, D., Mattarello, M. J., Fiore, C., Bonanni, G., Scaroni, C., Sartorato, P., and Palermo, M. (2004). Licorice's effect on ovariectomized rats' hyperprolactinemia caused by PMSG. Diary of endocrinological examination, 27(1), 63-66.
3. S. Balanehru and B. Nagarajan Defensive impact of diosgenin a steroidal sapogenin against phagocytosis by human blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Biochem. Int., 24: 5, 781-790.
4. G. Benrubi (2012) Rethinking the use of progesterone to prevent preterm birth. 26(1), 53–60, Journal of Perinatal and Neonatal Nursing.
5. https://doi.org/10.1097/JPN.0b013e318243e0b Sofina Beidokhti, Marie-Edith Rafieian-Kopaei, and Catherine A. Bon. 2017). Diosgenin's Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Properties: An examination of human and animal evidence. The 71st issue of the International Journal of Nutrition and Vitamin Research (1-2).
6. Francisca Regina Dias; Campos, Luana; Galvão Rodrigues, Rafaela; Markoski, Melissa; Garcez, Walmir Silva; Mário Cro Monteiro; José Marques, Marcos; Garcez, Daniela; William Paiva Matos; Colombo, Giancarlo; Polyana Siqueira-Lima; Teixeira, Mauro Martins; Rehen, Stevens Kastrup. ( 2018). Diosgenin decreases aggravation, oxidative pressure and bone resorption in osteoporotic ovariectomized rodents. Botanic medicine: 40, 10-19 of the international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology.
