설명(영) |
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Sterols are isocyclic compounds, found in animals and plants, which exhibit the tetracyclic cyclopentenophenanthrene skeleton:
They may contain hydroxyl or keto groupings, some ring unsaturation, some methyl groups, and an aliphatic side chain at C-17 (marked by arrow in the above structure). Their synthesis in biological systems proceeds via squalene.
Sterols are found in lanolin (e.g., Cholesterol and Lanosterol). Sterols of plant origin are part of natural lipids, e.g., Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil; and, after saponification, they are a major constituent of the Unsaponifiables.
Commercially used sterols or derivatives are mixtures of the naturally occurring substances. In cosmetics they find use in specialty skin and hair care preparations. |