stigmasterol

• stigmasterol is a naturally occurring phytosterol structurally related to cholesterol, commonly found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, legumes, fruits, and medicinal plants. stigmasterol plays a significant role as a precursor in the biosynthesis of plant hormones such as brassinosteroids, and possesses notable health-promoting properties.

chemical properties

• chemical formula: C₂₉H₄₈O
• molecular weight: 412.69 g/mol
• solubility: insoluble in water; soluble in fats, oils, and organic solvents
• melting point: approximately 170°C
• structure: steroid nucleus closely related to cholesterol, with an unsaturated side-chain

usefulness in medicine

• stigmasterol effectively lowers ldl cholesterol by competing with dietary cholesterol absorption, potentially reducing cardiovascular disease risk
• exhibits anti-inflammatory effects, useful in managing conditions like arthritis and chronic inflammatory disorders
• possesses anticancer potential, especially noted in breast, prostate, colon, and ovarian cancers
• beneficial for hormone-related conditions due to its structural similarity to cholesterol and involvement in hormone metabolism

antimicrobial activity

• stigmasterol demonstrates antimicrobial effects through immune system modulation, inflammation reduction, and direct inhibition of microbial growth
• bacteria:
• staphylococcus aureus
• escherichia coli
• pseudomonas aeruginosa
• fungi:
• candida albicans

research highlights

• anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities of stigmasterol
• cholesterol-lowering effects and cardiovascular benefits of stigmasterol