Abstract: Diosgenin and Yamogehin were isolated and identified from the tubers of Discorea L. [D. parviflora Ting, D. panthaica Prain et Burk., D. coll-ettii Hook. f., D. collettii Hook. f. var. hypoglauca (Pa1ibin) Pei. et Ting ] in Yunnan. The results obtained are listed in the tables of this paper. The mixed sapogenins can obtain a better yield (48-56% ) to synthesize 3 βacetoxypregna-5, 16-dien-30-onet.

Key words: diosgenin, yamogenin, species