Stigmasterol

Stigmasterol is a phytosterol found in a variety of plants, including the Calabar bean, and is chemically similar to animal cholesterol. It was first isolated in 1922. Stigmasterol may be used as a precursor in the manufacture of synthetic progesterone, a valuable human hormone that plays a vital physiological role in regulatory and tissue rebuilding mechanisms related to estrogen effects, as well as acting as an intermediate in the biosynthesis of androgens, estrogens, and corticoids. It is also used as a replacement for cholesterol in the calibration of Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) instruments.

Chemical Structure

Stigmasterol is a member of the class of compounds known as stigmastanes and stigmastanols. These are sterol lipids with a structure based on the stigmastane skeleton, which consists of a cholestane moiety bearing an ethyl group at the carbon atom C24.

Sources

Stigmasterol is found in a variety of plants, including the Calabar bean, rapeseed, soybeans, peanut, spinach, Brussels sprouts, and peas. It is also found in some types of algae.

Health Effects

Stigmasterol is believed to help lower cholesterol levels and may also have anti-cancer properties. It is also used in traditional medicine for its diuretic and tonic properties, and as a treatment for abdominal pain.

See Also

• Phytosterol
• Cholesterol
• Calabar bean
• Differential scanning calorimetry

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