Sitosterol

Widespread phytosterol which as a plant steroid is very closely related to cholesterol. Beta-Sitosterol belongs together with Campesterol and Stigmasterol to the most common phytosterols of plants (see below sterols).

This phytosterol can be detected in cereal germs, soybeans, Urtica species (stinging nettle), Cucurbita species (cucurbits), etc.

Reduces the absorption of cholesterol from the gastrointestinal tract (previously used as a lipid reducer). Sitosterol also reduces the effect of dihydrotestosterone and interacts with the sex hormone binding globulin (SHGB). In this respect, sitosterol was previously used as a remedy for benign prostate adenoma (see also Urticae radix).

1. Miras-Moreno B et al. (2016) Bioactivity of phytosterols and their production in plant in vitro cultures. J Agric Food Chem 64:7049-7058.
2. Valitova JN et al.(2016) Plant Sterols: Diversity, Biosynthesis, and Physiological Functions. Biochemistry (Mosc) 81:819-834.