sitosterol /si·tos·ter·ol/ (si-tos´ter-ol) any of a group of closely related plant sterols, having anticholesterolemic activity.
sitosterol
si·tos·ter·ol (s -t s t -rôl , -r l, s -)n. Any of a group of sterols that occur in high concentrations in certain plants, such as yams, and are used in the synthesis of steroid hormones. |
sitosterol
[sītos′tərôl]
Etymology: Gk, sitos, food, stereos, solid; Ar, alkohl, essence
a mixture of sterols derived from plants, such as wheat germ, used for treating hyperbetalipoproteinemia and hypercholesterolemia that are unresponsive to other dietary measures. Its use is controversial, for a dispersing action in the mixture tends to cause loose bowel movements and may lead to diarrhea or interfere with the absorption of concomitantly administered medications. Use in pregnancy is not recommended.
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