sitosterol

• 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

• research highlights

  • cholesterol-lowering and cardiovascular benefits of sitosterol
  • anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities of β-sitosterol