Therapeutic potential of diosgenin in hepatocellular carcinoma through molecular mechanisms and nanodelivery strategies.
1/5 보강
[PURPOSE] The review aims to comprehensively examine the anticancer potential of diosgenin, a natural steroidal sapogenin, in the context of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
APA
Jyotishi C, Patel M, et al. (2026). Therapeutic potential of diosgenin in hepatocellular carcinoma through molecular mechanisms and nanodelivery strategies.. Discover oncology, 17(1), 282. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-026-04399-1
MLA
Jyotishi C, et al.. "Therapeutic potential of diosgenin in hepatocellular carcinoma through molecular mechanisms and nanodelivery strategies.." Discover oncology, vol. 17, no. 1, 2026, pp. 282.
PMID
41540302
Abstract
[PURPOSE] The review aims to comprehensively examine the anticancer potential of diosgenin, a natural steroidal sapogenin, in the context of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It highlights the underlying mechanisms of action, discusses diosgenin's limitations in bioavailability, and evaluates nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems designed to enhance its therapeutic efficacy.
[METHODS] This review was conducted through a structured and comprehensive literature screening process to ensure thorough coverage of relevant studies. Publications were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using keywords such as "diosgenin," "hepatocellular carcinoma," "liver cancer," "nanocarrier," "drug delivery," and "phytochemicals" applied individually and in various combinations. The search encompassed articles published between 2000 and 2025, with priority given to peer-reviewed English-language studies. Out of more than 300 records initially identified, approximately 125 studies met the inclusion criteria addressing diosgenin's pharmacodynamics, molecular mechanisms, and nanotechnology-based delivery systems.
[RESULTS] Diosgenin exerts anti-HCC effects through multiple pathways including PI3K/Akt, NF-κB/STAT3, MAPK, and mitochondrial apoptosis signaling. While its low solubility and poor bioavailability limit clinical application, nanocarriers have significantly improved drug stability, sustained release, and targeted tumor delivery. Among them, niosomes and carbon nanotubes showed notable efficacy, with diosgenin-loaded niosomes reducing HepG2 cell viability, and carbon nanotubes demonstrating synergistic tumor inhibition when co-loaded with ferulic acid. Diosgenin-based liposomes also enhanced the effect of doxorubicin, increasing apoptosis and reducing tumor burden in vivo.
[CONCLUSION] Diosgenin represents a promising multi-targeted agent for liver cancer therapy, especially when combined with advanced drug delivery systems. These diosgenin loaded nanocarriers overcome pharmacokinetic limitations and significantly improve therapeutic outcomes through enhanced tumor targeting and synergistic effects with chemotherapeutic agents. However, successful clinical translation requires addressing key regulatory, ethical, and manufacturing challenges, including standardization of nanocarrier formulations, large-scale reproducibility, and long-term safety evaluation. Overall, diosgenin-based nanocarriers show promising potential for clinical translation, offering safer and more targeted therapeutic options for HCC.
[METHODS] This review was conducted through a structured and comprehensive literature screening process to ensure thorough coverage of relevant studies. Publications were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using keywords such as "diosgenin," "hepatocellular carcinoma," "liver cancer," "nanocarrier," "drug delivery," and "phytochemicals" applied individually and in various combinations. The search encompassed articles published between 2000 and 2025, with priority given to peer-reviewed English-language studies. Out of more than 300 records initially identified, approximately 125 studies met the inclusion criteria addressing diosgenin's pharmacodynamics, molecular mechanisms, and nanotechnology-based delivery systems.
[RESULTS] Diosgenin exerts anti-HCC effects through multiple pathways including PI3K/Akt, NF-κB/STAT3, MAPK, and mitochondrial apoptosis signaling. While its low solubility and poor bioavailability limit clinical application, nanocarriers have significantly improved drug stability, sustained release, and targeted tumor delivery. Among them, niosomes and carbon nanotubes showed notable efficacy, with diosgenin-loaded niosomes reducing HepG2 cell viability, and carbon nanotubes demonstrating synergistic tumor inhibition when co-loaded with ferulic acid. Diosgenin-based liposomes also enhanced the effect of doxorubicin, increasing apoptosis and reducing tumor burden in vivo.
[CONCLUSION] Diosgenin represents a promising multi-targeted agent for liver cancer therapy, especially when combined with advanced drug delivery systems. These diosgenin loaded nanocarriers overcome pharmacokinetic limitations and significantly improve therapeutic outcomes through enhanced tumor targeting and synergistic effects with chemotherapeutic agents. However, successful clinical translation requires addressing key regulatory, ethical, and manufacturing challenges, including standardization of nanocarrier formulations, large-scale reproducibility, and long-term safety evaluation. Overall, diosgenin-based nanocarriers show promising potential for clinical translation, offering safer and more targeted therapeutic options for HCC.