beta-Sitosterol
[CAS# 83-46-5]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Alcohols, phenols, phenolic compounds and derivatives >> 2-Cycloalcohol
• Name: beta-Sitosterol
• Synonyms: 24-Ethylcholest-5-en-3beta-ol; alpha-Dihydrofucosterol; 22,23-Dihydrostigmasterol; 24beta-Ethylcholesterol; 5-Stigmasten-3beta-ol
• Molecular Formula: C₂₉H₅₀O
• Molecular Weight: 414.71
• CAS Registry Number: 83-46-5
• EC Number: 201-480-6
• SMILES: CC[C@H](CC[C@@H](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)C(C)C

Properties

• Solubility: Insoluble 4.632e-005 mg/L (25 ºC water)
• Density: 1.0±0.1 g/cm³, Calc.^*
• Index of Refraction: 1.521, Calc.^*
• Melting point: 171.15 ºC. 139-142 ºC
• Boiling Point: 501.9±19.0 ºC (760 mmHg), Calc.^*, 448.98 ºC
• alpha: -28 º (c=2, CHCl3)
• Flash Point: 220.4±13.7 ºC, Calc.^*

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software.

Safety Data

• Safety Description: S24/25

Discovory and Applicatios

Beta-sitosterol, a prominent plant sterol, was first identified in the 1920s during studies on the composition of plant lipids. Initially isolated from wheat germ oil by chemists, beta-sitosterol was found to be a key constituent in the cell membranes of plants. Its structural similarity to cholesterol piqued the interest of researchers, who began to explore its potential health benefits and applications.

Beta-sitosterol is utilized in various fields due to its beneficial properties: Beta-sitosterol is widely used in dietary supplements aimed at lowering cholesterol levels. It competes with dietary cholesterol for absorption in the intestines, effectively reducing blood cholesterol levels.

In the pharmaceutical industry, beta-sitosterol is used for its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties. It is included in formulations for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition characterized by the enlargement of the prostate gland. Beta-sitosterol helps alleviate symptoms of BPH by improving urinary flow and reducing inflammation.

Beta-sitosterol is added to various functional foods, such as margarine, yogurt, and spreads, to enhance their cholesterol-lowering effects. These fortified foods provide an accessible way for individuals to incorporate beta-sitosterol into their diets and manage their cholesterol levels more effectively.

In cosmetics and skincare products, beta-sitosterol is valued for its skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used in creams, lotions, and ointments designed to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Its ability to reduce redness and irritation makes it a beneficial ingredient in products for sensitive skin.

Beta-sitosterol is used in agriculture to enhance the growth and health of plants. It acts as a growth promoter and helps improve plant resistance to environmental stressors, such as drought and disease.

Beta-sitosterol is extensively studied for its potential health benefits. Researchers investigate its role in reducing cholesterol levels, its anti-cancer properties, and its effects on immune function. These studies contribute to a deeper understanding of how beta-sitosterol can be used in therapeutic interventions and dietary strategies.