Campesterol

Overview

Ball-and-stick model of campesterol

Campesterol is a phytosterol with a chemical structure similar to that of cholesterol. It is one of the most common plant sterols found in nature and is present in a variety of vegetable oils, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Campesterol is known for its potential health benefits, particularly in the context of cholesterol management and cardiovascular health.

Chemical Structure

Campesterol is a sterol with the molecular formula C28H48O. It is structurally similar to cholesterol, differing only by the presence of a methyl group at the C24 position. This slight difference in structure allows campesterol to integrate into cell membranes, influencing their fluidity and function.

Sources

Campesterol is found in a wide range of plant-based foods. Some of the richest sources include:

• Vegetable oils such as canola oil, corn oil, and sunflower oil.
• Nuts and seeds, including almonds, walnuts, and sesame seeds.
• Fruits like avocados and bananas.
• Vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, and spinach.

Biological Role

In plants, campesterol plays a crucial role in maintaining cell membrane structure and function. It is involved in the regulation of membrane fluidity and permeability, which is essential for plant growth and development.

Health Benefits

Campesterol is known for its potential to lower LDL cholesterol levels in humans. It competes with cholesterol for absorption in the intestine, thereby reducing the amount of cholesterol that enters the bloodstream. This property makes campesterol a valuable component in the management of hypercholesterolemia and the prevention of atherosclerosis.

Metabolism

Once ingested, campesterol is absorbed in the intestine and transported to the liver. It is then incorporated into lipoproteins and distributed throughout the body. Unlike cholesterol, campesterol is not synthesized by the human body and must be obtained from dietary sources.

Related Pages

• Phytosterol
• Cholesterol
• Cardiovascular health
• Hypercholesterolemia