- sitosterol (β-sitosterol) is one of the most abundant phytosterols found widely in plants, nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, fruits, and legumes. structurally similar to cholesterol, sitosterol is known for its cholesterol-lowering properties and beneficial effects on prostate health, inflammation, and immune modulation
chemical properties
- chemical formula: C₂₉H₅₀O
- molecular weight: 414.71 g/mol
- solubility: insoluble in water; soluble in fats, oils, and organic solvents
- melting point: approximately 136–140°C
- structure: steroid structure closely related to cholesterol with minor differences in side-chain
usefulness in medicine
- effectively reduces ldl cholesterol levels by blocking cholesterol absorption in the intestines, significantly lowering cardiovascular disease risk
- widely used for managing symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (bph) and promoting prostate health
- demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects, beneficial in conditions such as arthritis and autoimmune disorders
- studied for anticancer potential, particularly against breast, prostate, and colon cancers
antimicrobial activity
- sitosterol shows antimicrobial effects through immune enhancement, inflammation reduction, and direct inhibition of microbial growth and biofilm formation
- bacteria:
- staphylococcus aureus
- escherichia coli
- pseudomonas aeruginosa
- fungi:
- candida albicans