B-Sitosterol is one of several phytosterols (plant sterols) with chemical structures similar to that of cholesterol. Sitosterols are white, waxy powders with a characteristic odor. They are hydrophobic and soluble in alcohols.
Uses
Alone and in combination with similar phytosterols, β-sitosterol reduces blood levels of cholesterol, and is sometimes used in treating hypercholesterolemia. β-Sitosterol inhibits cholesterol absorption in the intestine. When the sterol is absorbed in the intestine, it is
transported by lipoproteins and incorporated into the cellular membrane. Phytosterols and phytostanols both inhibit the uptake of dietary and biliary cholesterol, decreasing the levels of LDL and serum total cholesterol. Because the structure of β-sitosterol is very similar to cholesterol, β-sitosterol takes the place of dietary and biliary cholesterol in micelles produced in the intestinal lumen. This causes less cholesterol to be absorbed.
One small study shows a positive effect on male hair loss in combination with Saw palmetto.
In Europe, β-sitosterol plays a major role in treatment of herbal therapy of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).
It is also used in Europe for the treatment of prostatic carcinoma and breast cancer, although the benefits are still being evaluated in the US.
While plant sterols are beneficial, phytosterolemia, a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder, can occur due to over-absorption of phytosterols. Phytosterols accumulate and are over-absorbed in tissue, which causes premature coronary artery disease and tendon xanthoma.
The use of sitosterol as a chemical intermediate was for many years limited due to the lack of a chemical point of attack on the side chain that would permit its removal. Extensive efforts on the part of many laboratories eventually led to the discovery of a pseudomonas microbe that efficiently effected that transformation. Fermentation digests the entire aliphatic side chain at carbon 17 to afford a mixture of 17-keto products including dehydroepiandrosterone.
Tests
Standards
Results
Description
Off-white to white powder
Complies
Solubility
Insoluble in water & partially soluble in ethanol.
Soluble in Chloroform & Hexane
Loss on Drying
Not more than 3.0%
2.31%
Heavy Metals
Not more than 20 ppm
Complies
Arsenic
Not more than 1 ppm
Complies
Lead
Not more than 10 ppm
< 1 ppm
Sulphated Ash
Not more than 1%
0.32%
Assay (on dry basis)
Content of β - Sitosterol
Not less than 40%
42.92%
Microbiological Count
Total Plate Count
Yeast & Mold
E.Coli & Salmonella
Not more than 5000 Cfu/g
Not more than 100 Cfu/g
Should be absent
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