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