Research on the Difference of Steroidal Constituents from Dioscorea opposita and Related Plants of the Genus Dioscorea L.

The steroids in Dioscorea opposita thunb have been investigated by using HPLC and GC-MS.The result indicated that no diosgenin but plentiful phytosterols existing in Dioscorea opposita thunb,and the difference between Dioscorea opposita and related plants of the genus Dioscorea L deponded on the key enzymes invoving steroids biosynthesis.The results provide scientific basis for development of Dioscorea opposita and classification of Dioscorea.L.