Diosgenin: A review of exploring its Potential as an Anti-cancer agent

Abstract

Diosgenin, a natural phytosteroid in various plant sources, has garnered attention for its potential anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer attributes. This review comprehensively examines the anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties of diosgenin by analysing pertinent research. Diosgenin exhibits various biological effects, including hypolipidemia, hypoglycemia, and potent antioxidant activity. Studies have demonstrated its capacity to hinder cancer cell proliferation, trigger apoptosis, and impede metastasis in diverse cancer types. Mechanistically, diosgenin modulates pivotal signalling pathways governing cell cycle regulation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Beyond its anticancer properties, diosgenin exhibits notable anti-inflammatory attributes, selectively engaging molecules critical to the inflammation cascade and influencing cellular mechanisms encompassing invasion, migration, proliferation, and metastasis in cancerous cells. It effectively inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines and signalling pathways, including NF-κB and MAPK, thus mitigating inflammation-driven cancers. Notably, diosgenin exhibits promise in prostate and breast cancer, where it restrains invasion and migration of prostate cancer cells, suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines, and downregulates matrix-degrading enzymes. To sum up, diosgenin stands out as a natural compound boasting dual capabilities, with both anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Its capacity to regulate signalling pathways associated with inflammation and tumourigenesis positions it as a promising candidate for the development of anti-carcinogenic therapeutics. Nonetheless, further in-depth research is essential to fully unravel the underlying mechanisms and evaluate diosgenin's clinical potential in the realm of cancer therapy.