campesterol

• campesterol is a plant-derived phytosterol, structurally similar to cholesterol, found abundantly in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, legumes, fruits, and grains. it contributes significantly to dietary sterol intake and is recognized for its cholesterol-lowering effects and anti-inflammatory properties

• chemical properties

  • chemical formula: C₂₈H₄₈O
  • molecular weight: 400.68 g/mol
  • solubility: insoluble in water; soluble in fats, oils, and organic solvents
  • melting point: approximately 157–158°C
  • structure: steroid nucleus similar to cholesterol, differs slightly in side-chain structure

• usefulness in medicine

  • lowers ldl cholesterol levels by competing with dietary cholesterol for intestinal absorption, thus reducing cardiovascular disease risk
  • demonstrates anti-inflammatory effects beneficial in managing inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and chronic inflammatory disorders
  • possesses potential anticancer properties, notably against prostate, breast, and colon cancers
  • may support prostate health, specifically reducing symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (bph)

• antimicrobial activity

  • campesterol exhibits indirect antimicrobial activity primarily by enhancing immune function, reducing inflammation, and creating unfavorable conditions for microbial colonization
  • bacteria:
    • staphylococcus aureus
    • escherichia coli
  • fungi:
    • candida albicans

• research highlights

  • cholesterol-lowering effects of campesterol
  • anti-inflammatory and potential anticancer properties of campesterol