1. Miscellaneous Drugs
Dioscorea

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

3. Known to Unknown
Can you identify the above drug?

4. 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

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

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

7. 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

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

9. 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.,

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

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

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

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