[Use of enzymic preparations during diosgenine isolation from Dioscorea caucasica Lipsky]

The use of enzymic preparations of the cellulolytic and macerating effect was studied as applied to the isolation of diosgenine from rhizomes of Dioscorea caucasica Lypsky. The enzymic treatment of the steroid containing raw material prior to acid hydrolysis increased the yield of diosgenine by 30-48%. It is suggested that additional extraction of diosgenine takes place due to: 1) enzymic hydrolysis of structural polysaccharide components of the plant tissue and intercellular binding materials and 2) disintegration of glycoside bonds of saponins.