Diosgenin

a steroidal sapogenin

obtained from

Trigonella foenum-graecum

Dioscorea

and

Rhizoma polgonati

has shown high potential and interest in the treatment of various cancers

such as oral squamous cell carcinoma

laryngeal cancer

esophageal cancer

liver cancer

gastric cancer

lung cancer

cervical cancer

prostate cancer

glioma

and leukemia. This article aims to provide an overview of the

in vivo

in vitro

and clinical studies reporting the diosgenin's anticancer effects. Preclinical studies have shown promising effects of diosgenin on inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and growth

promoting apoptosis

inducing differentiation and autophagy

inhibiting tumor cell metastasis and invasion

blocking cell cycle

regulating immunity and improving gut microbiome. Clinical investigations have revealed clinical dosage and safety property of diosgenin. Furthermore

in order to improve the biological activity and bioavailability of diosgenin

this review focuses on the development of diosgenin nano drug carriers

combined drugs and the diosgenin derivatives. However

further designed trials are needed to unravel the diosgenin's deficiencies in clinical application.