Steroidal

By function

• Neurosteroids such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and allopregnanolone, which modulate neurotransmitter receptors in the brain.
• Bile acids such as taurocholic acid, which aid in lipid digestion and absorption in the intestine.
• Aminosteroid neuromuscular blocking agents (synthetic), such as pancuronium bromide, used in anesthesia to induce muscle relaxation.
• Steroidal antiandrogens (synthetic), such as cyproterone acetate, which block androgen receptors in hormone therapy.
• Steroidogenesis inhibitors (exogenous), such as alfatradiol, which suppress steroid synthesis for therapeutic purposes.
• Membrane sterols such as cholesterol (essential for cell membrane fluidity), ergosterol (a fungal membrane component), and various phytosterols (plant-derived sterols with cholesterol-lowering effects).
• Toxins such as steroidal saponins (plant defense compounds) and cardenolides/cardiac glycosides (which affect heart function).