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| Beta-sitosterol | |
|---|---|
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| Identifiers | |
| CAS number | [19044-06-5] |
| PubChem | |
| Properties | |
| Molecular formula | C29H50O |
| Molar mass | 414.707 |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) Infobox references |
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β-sitosterol is one of several phytosterols with chemical structures similar to that of cholesterol. It is white in colour and waxy in nature.
Sources
It is widely distributed in the plant kingdom and found in pecans, Serenoa repens (saw palmetto), avocados, Curcurbita pepo (pumpkin seed), Pygeum africanum, cashew fruit, rice bran, wheat germ, corn oils, soybeans, sea-buckthorn and wolfberries.
Uses
Alone and in combination with similar phytosterols, β-sitosterol reduces blood levels of cholesterol, and is sometimes used in treating hypercholesterolemia.
One small study shows a positive effect on male hair loss in combination with Saw palmetto.[1]
In Europe iβ-sitosterol plays a major role in treatment of herbal therapy of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)citation needed.
It is also used in Europe for the treatment of prostatic carcinoma and breast cancercitation needed although the benefits are still being evaluated in the United Statescitation needed.
References
- ^ Prager N, Bickett K, French N, Marcovici G (2002). "A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of botanically derived inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia". Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.) 8 (2): 143–52. doi:. PMID 12006122.
Wikipedia content modification information:
- This page was last modified on 22 July 2008, at 06:33.
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