Category:TP3P

Phytosterols

Most common phytosterols are campesterol, β-sitosterol, and stigmasterol. Soybean (Glycine max, Fabaceae) is a rich source of phytosterols (about 0.1% of its weight), and is used for semi-synthesis of medicinal steroids ^[1]. Since dietary phytosterols reduce cholesterol levels, they are used as food additives such as for margarine ^[2]. Vitamin D is a family of sterol metabolites generated photochemically in our skin by UV irradiation.

Cardenolides (C23)

The backbone of Digitalis glycosides with the androstane skeleton with a γ-lactone ring at C-17. Notable characters are its 14β-configuration in opposition to other steroids (the rings C/D are cis), and the 20(22)-double bond. Their cardiac activity is well known.

Withanolides (C28)

Withanolides were found in the root of Withania Somnifera, also known as Indian ginseng. Its backbone is a highly oxygenated ergostane with a γ-lactone ring linking C-22 and C-26 ^[3]. The configuration of C-22 is usually R.

Brassinolides (C28)

Brassinolides are plant growth-promoting hormones isolated originally from Brassica napus (rape). Its backbone is a highly oxygenated ergostane with the oxygen-expanded B-ring (ε-lactone). This lactone is not essential for plant growth activity (e.g. castasterone) but the 22R, 23R-diol are. The configurations of C-2,3 and 5 are α in brassinolides whereas they are β in ecdysteroids.