Name | Stigmasterol |
CAS number | 68555-08-8 |
Description | A steroid is an organic compound with four fused rings (designated A, B, C, and D) arranged in a specific molecular configuration. Steroids have two principal biological functions: as important components of cell membranes that alter membrane fluidity; and as signaling molecules. Examples include the lipid cholesterol, sex hormones estradiol and testosterone, 10–19 anabolic steroids, and the anti-inflammatory corticosteroid drug dexamethasone.Hundreds of steroids are found in fungi, plants, and animals. All steroids are manufactured in cells from the sterols lanosterol (opisthokonts) or cycloartenol (plants). Lanosterol and cycloartenol are derived from the cyclization of the triterpene squalene. Steroids are named after the steroid cholesterol which was first described in gall stones from Ancient Greek chole- 'bile' and stereos 'solid'. The steroid nucleus (core structure) is called gonane (cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene). It is typically composed of seventeen carbon atoms, bonded in four fused rings: three six-member cyclohexane rings (rings A, B and C in the first illustration) and one five-member cyclopentane ring (the D ring). Steroids vary by the functional groups attached to this four-ring core and by the oxidation state of the rings. Sterols are forms of steroids with a hydroxy group at position three and a skeleton derived from cholestane. Steroids can also be more radically modified, such as by changes to the ring structure, for example, cutting one of the rings. Cutting Ring B produces secosteroids one of which is vitamin D3. |
Molecular Formula | C29H48O |
Molecular Weight | 412.69 |
Appearance | Solid powder |
Quality Standard | USP, EP, BP, CP |
Shipping Condition | Shipped under ambient temperature as non-hazardous chemical. This product is stable enough for a few weeks during ordinary shipping and time spent in Customs. |
Storage Condition | Dry, dark and at 0 – 4 ℃ for short term (days to weeks) or -20 ℃ for long term (months to years). |
Shelf Life | >2 years if stored properly |
Sample package | Aluminium foil bag |
Commercial package | Aluminium Tin, Fiber drum |
Origin | China |
Stigmasterol More Info
Physicochemical Properties
Appearance: Usually appears as a white powder.
Melting Point: 165 - 167 °C. It is lipid - soluble, insoluble in water, and can be extracted using solvents like chloroform.
Health Benefits
Cholesterol - Lowering: It can compete with dietary cholesterol for absorption in the intestines, helping to reduce the levels of LDL cholesterol, or "bad" cholesterol, in the blood, thus contributing to heart health.
Anti - Inflammatory: It has anti - inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation markers in the body, which is beneficial for individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions.
Hormonal Regulation: It is believed to have phytoestrogenic properties, which means it can mimic estrogen in the body. This can be particularly beneficial for women experiencing menopause, as it may help alleviate some symptoms associated with hormonal fluctuations.
Applications
Medicine: It is used as a raw material for the production of steroidal drugs. It may also have potential applications in the prevention and treatment of certain diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and menopausal syndrome.
Cosmetics: Due to its skin - friendly and emollient properties, it is added to some cosmetics to improve skin hydration and texture.
Food Industry: In the European Union, it is a food additive (E number E499) and can be used in food manufacturing to increase the phytosterol content, thereby enhancing the nutritional value of food.
Other Information
Stability: It should be stored away from strong oxidants to avoid chemical reactions. Under normal conditions, it is relatively stable, but high - temperature, high - humidity, or long - term exposure to light conditions may affect its quality.