Diosgenin, a Plant-Derived Sapogenin, Exhibits Antiviral Activity in Vitro against Hepatitis C Virus

Abstract

Diosgenin (3β-hydroxy-5-spirostene, 1), a plant-derived sapogenin, is used as a dietary supplement. However, the biological effects of 1 related to viral replication remain unexplored. In this study, the effects of 1 on hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication were evaluated. Based on a reporter-based HCV subgenomic replicon system, 1 was found to inhibit HCV replication at low micromolar concentrations. The EC(50) (concentration at which 50% of HCV replication is inhibited) of 1 was 3.8 μM. No cellular toxicity was observed at this concentration. Diosgenin (1) also significantly reduced the levels of viral RNA and viral proteins as evaluated by quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. In addition, in an alternative HCV antiviral system more closely aligned to all steps involved in the HCV infection and life cycle, 1 totally abolished HCV replication at 20 μM. Moreover, 1 reduced the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3. A combination of 1 and interferon-α exerted an additive effect on the resultant anti-HCV activity.

Diosgenin, a Steroid Saponin Constituent of Yams and Fenugreek: Emerging Evidence for Applications in Medicine

“…Recently, the effect of diosgenin on hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication was reported (Wang et al, 2011). Based on a reporter-based HCV subgenomic replicon system, diosgenin was found to inhibit HCV replication at low µM concentrations in vitro (Wang et al, 2011).…”

The effect of combined doxorubicin and Dioscorea esculenta (Lour.) Burk. on apoptosis induction in human breast cancer cell

“…In the cellular oxidative stress condition, the cytoplasm apoptotic protein will be activated and induced the increase in the permeability membrane of mitochondria leading to the release of cytochrome c heading to cytosol. Cytochrome c along with ATP and apoptotic protease activating factor (Apaf-1) to form apoptosome together with Caspase 9 and activate Caspase 3 [15]. An increased in Caspase 3 expression expected to increase the expression of c-PARP-1 protein.…”

“…PARP-1 in proteolysis specifically by Caspase into 24 kDa DNA binding domain (DBD) and 89 kDa catalytic fragment during the apoptosis. The increase in cPARP-1 can trigger the apoptosis through prevention of DNA repair and energy depletion that may trigger necrosis [15].…”

A review on pharmacological and analytical aspects of diosgenin: a concise report

“…However, the levels of viral RNA and viral proteins are also significantly reduced. 8 *To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: dkpatel.rs.phe@itbhu.ac.in…”