Cholesterol
[CAS# 57-88-5]

Identification

• Classification: Biochemical >> Plant extracts
• Name: Cholesterol
• Synonyms: Cholest-5-en-3beta-ol; 3beta-hydroxycholest-5-ene; 3beta-hydroxy-5-cholestene
• Molecular Formula: C₂₇H₄₆O
• Molecular Weight: 386.66
• CAS Registry Number: 57-88-5
• EC Number: 200-353-2
• SMILES: C[C@H](CCCC(C)C)[C@H]1CC[C@@H]2[C@@]1(CC[C@H]3[C@H]2CC=C4[C@@]3(CC[C@@H](C4)O)C)C

Properties

• Solubility: Negligible 0.0004127 mg/L (25 °C water)
• Density: 1.0±0.1 g/cm³, Calc.^*
• Index of Refraction: 1.525, Calc.^*
• Melting point: 162.07 °C, 147-150 °C
• Boiling Point: 480.6±14.0 °C (760 mmHg), Calc.^*, 432.76 °C, 360 °C
• alpha: -36 ° (c=2, dioxane)
• Flash Point: 209.3±12.4 °C, Calc.^*, 250 °C

Safety Data

• Safety Statements: S22;S24/25

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	4	H413

Discovery and Applications

Cholesterol is an important lipid molecule. In 1769, French chemist François Poulletier de la Salle discovered a solid substance in gallstones. In 1815, after further research by Michel Eugène Chevreul, he named it ""cholesterol"". This discovery marked the beginning of extensive research into the role of cholesterol in the body. Cholesterol is a sterol, a lipid molecule that is essential for maintaining cell membrane structure, producing hormones, and synthesizing vitamin D.

Cholesterol plays many important roles in the human body and has important applications in medicine and industry. Cholesterol is an important component of cell membranes, contributing to their fluidity and integrity, thus maintaining membrane stability and promoting the function of membrane proteins.

Cholesterol is the precursor to the synthesis of steroid hormones such as cortisol, aldosterone, and sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. These hormones regulate various physiological processes, including metabolism, immune response, and reproductive function.

Cholesterol is converted into vitamin D in the skin when exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D is essential for calcium homeostasis and bone health, and also supports immune function and reduces inflammation.

The liver uses cholesterol to produce bile acids, which are important for the digestion and absorption of dietary fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Bile acids also help eliminate excess cholesterol from the body.

Cholesterol is used to formulate lipid-based drug delivery systems, such as liposomes, which can encapsulate drugs and enhance their delivery and efficacy. These are particularly useful for targeting cancer cells and delivering vaccines.

In the cosmetics industry, cholesterol is used as an emollient and stabilizer in skin care products, enhancing their texture and moisturizing properties. It is also used in the manufacture of certain foods, helping to improve texture and flavor.

Research on cholesterol has led to significant advances in the understanding and management of cardiovascular disease. Elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. This has spurred the development of cholesterol-lowering drugs such as statins.

References

2025. The Role of Macrophages in Atherosclerosis: Participants and Therapists. Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy, 39(2).
DOI: 10.1007/s10557-023-07513-5

2025. Does Genotype Affect the Efficacy of PCSK9 Inhibitors in the Treatment of Familial Hypercholesterolemia?. Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy, 39(2).
DOI: 10.1007/s10557-023-07505-5

2025. Effect of Intensive Lipid-Lowering Therapy on Coronary Plaque Stabilization Derived from Optical Coherence Tomography: a Meta-analysis and Meta-regression. Cardiovascular Drugs and Therapy, 39(2).
DOI: 10.1007/s10557-023-07511-7