Alpha-phytosterol

N.A. Iris versicolor L. I. pseudacorus L. Triterpenoids, salicylic acid, isophthahc acid, alpha-phytosterol, myricyl alcohol.100 Relieve menstrual cramps, calm nervous stomach. 

Aleurites fordii Hemsl. You Tong (Candlenut) (fruit, aerial part, seed) Saponin, alpha-elaeo stearic, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, tannins, phytosterols, n-hentriacontane, alpha-amyrin, beta-amyrin, stigmasterol, beta-sitosterolm, campesterol.50-219 Analgesic activity. Treat anemia, atrophy, edema, vermicide, oil (toxic internally) for parasitic skin diseases. 

Elettaria cardamomum Maton. Yi Zhi Zi (Cluster cardamom) (seed) Phytosterol, palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, p-cymene, camphene, d-limonene, myrcene, alpha-phellandrene, pinene, sabinene, terpinene, thujone, cineole, camphorm citral, linalol, citronellal, dl-bomeol, citronellol, geraniol, terpineol, sabinene.50 Carminative, emmenagogue, stimulant, stomachic, tonic. Treat ague, cachexia, dyspepsis, enuresis, gastralgia, nausea, spermatorrhea. 

A concern has been raised that phytosterol doses that are effective for cholesterol reduction may impair the absorption and lower blood concentrations of fat-soluble vitamins and antioxidants. A number of studies showed that phytosterols had no effect on plasma concentrations of vitamin D, retinol, or plasma-lipid-standardized alpha-tocopherol. Moreover, the reports of the effect of phytosterols on concentrations of blood carotenoids (lutein, lycopene, and alpha-carotene) are controversial. There seems to be general agreement that phytosterol doses >1 g/d significantly decrease LDL-C standardized beta-carotene concentrations however, it remains to be determined whether a reported 15-20% reduction in beta-carotene due to phytosterol supplementation is associated with adverse health effects. Noakes et al. found that consumption of one or more carotenoid-rich vegetable or fruit servings a day was sufficient to prevent lowering of plasma carotenoid concentrations in 46 subjects with hypercholesterolemia treated with 2.3 g of either sterol or stanol esters. 

In addition, the essential dietary minerals calcium, iron, potassium, manganese, and magnesium are exceptionally high in content. Phytosterols and omega-3 fat sources (from alpha-linolenic acid) also are pres-... 

Anacardium occidentale (Anacardiacae) Anacardic acid,alpha-linolenic acid, anacardol, antimony, cardol, europium, folacin, gingkol,leucine, glucuronic acid, glutamic acid, haftiium, serine, phytosterol, praline, vitamin c, kaempferol, terpenes, quercetin-glycoside Terpenes HPLC (59)... 

The common pumpkin seed has been extensively studied for its beneficial effect on prostate health. Seed extracts inhibit 5-alpha-reductase conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. The mechanism of action seems to be different from that of saw palmetto, nettle root, or pygeum. Researchers speculate that betasitosterol (a phytosterol) competes with androgens, thus decreasing esposure of the prostate to hormonal stimulation. Eating pumpkin seeds (1 to 2 ounces per day) or taking gel capsules (2 to 4 per day) has shown benefits in reducing inflammation and other prostatic symptoms. 

Limonene as a by-product of orange juice production can be used for polymer production together with CO2 to form a polystyrol-like foam. Menthon can be used as a precursor for branched dicarbonic acids and alpha-pinen (a by-product of the forest industry) as precursor for cymol production or for enzymatic verbenone production. Other important terpenoids are phytosterols. They are used in the production of steroid hormones such as cortison or progesteron by Bayer Sobering Pharma. Probably the most important example where plant secondary metabolism and microbial fermentation are synergistically combined, steroid hormones, are produced from phytosterols. A fermentation process by Bayer Schering Pharma uses a plant metaboUte and converts it by a single-step microbial fermentation into the desired end product. 

Campbell, B, C and S. S, Duffey, 1981. Alleviation of alpha-tomatine-induced toxicity to the parasitoid Hyposoter exiguae by phytosterols in the diet of the host Heliothis zea. J. Chem. Ecol. 7 927-946. 

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