α-Spinasterol is a
stigmastane-type
phytosterol
Phytosterols are phytosteroids, similar to cholesterol, that serve as structural components of biological membranes of plants. They encompass plant sterols and stanols. More than 250 sterols and related compounds have been identified. Free phyto ...
found in a variety of plant sources such as
spinach
Spinach (''Spinacia oleracea'') is a leafy green flowering plant native to central and western Asia. It is of the order Caryophyllales, family Amaranthaceae, subfamily Chenopodioideae. Its leaves are a common edible vegetable consumed either f ...
,
from which it gets its name.
The chemical was recently found in ''
Gordonia ceylanica'', the first time that this chemical was found in the ''Gordonia'' species.
See also
*
Chondrillasterol 24''R'' isomer
*
Stigmasterol
Stigmasterol – a plant sterol (''phytosterol'') – is among the most abundant of plant sterols, having a major function to maintain the structure and physiology of cell membranes. In the European Union, it is a food additive listed with E numb ...
5,22-dien isomer
References
Further reading
*
Sterols
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