Sterols

Carboxylic acid with alcohol function

Sterol

Natural glycoside

<p>Brassicasterol is a phytosterol, which is synthesized by various plant sources, particularly found in the seeds of plants such as rapeseed, mustard, and some algae. As a sterol, it is structurally similar to cholesterol but differs by having a methyl group at C24. This characteristic structure plays a vital role in its mode of action, modulating membrane fluidity and cell signaling pathways in organisms. In mammalian systems, brassicasterol may contribute to the reduction of cholesterol absorption by competing for incorporation into micelles, thus influencing metabolic pathways related to lipid processing and absorption.</p>

<p>DHED is a neuroactive steroid precursor, specifically a bioprecursor prodrug of estradiol, which is derived from chemical synthesis pathways. It is unique in its targeted mode of action, as it selectively converts to the active hormone estradiol within the brain via enzymatic processes that occur in situ. This specificity is facilitated by 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1, which catalyzes the conversion of DHED to estradiol exclusively in the brain, minimizing peripheral estrogenic effects.</p>

<p>Beclomethasone dipropionate is a synthetic corticosteroid, which is derived from beclomethasone, a glucocorticoid steroid. Its mode of action involves binding to specific intracellular glucocorticoid receptors. This binding modulates the transcription of glucocorticoid-responsive genes, leading to the synthesis of anti-inflammatory proteins and the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokine production. This reduces airway inflammation, edema, and mucus production, and enhances the responsiveness of beta-adrenergic receptors in the bronchial smooth muscle, facilitating bronchodilation.</p>

<p>Formononetin is a naturally occurring isoflavone, which is a type of phytoestrogen found predominantly in legumes like red clover and other related plant species. It is a secondary metabolite that influences various biological processes by interacting with estrogen receptors. Formononetin acts primarily by mimicking or modulating the activity of natural estrogens within the body, binding to estrogen receptors and influencing gene expression and cellular responses.</p>

<p>2'-Hydroxyformononetin is a naturally occurring isoflavone, which is predominantly found in certain plants such as red clover and soy. It is a type of phytoestrogen, which exhibits estrogen-like activity due to its ability to bind estrogen receptors. The mode of action involves modulating estrogen receptor pathways, which in turn can affect various physiological processes related to hormone balance and cell proliferation.</p>

<p>Mestranol is a synthetic estrogen, which is derived from chemical synthesis. Its mode of action involves being a prodrug of ethinylestradiol, meaning it is metabolized in the liver to its active form, which then binds to estrogen receptors in target tissues. This binding alters the expression of genes, influencing the reproductive system to prevent ovulation. By inhibiting the release of gonadotropins (LH and FSH) from the pituitary, it effectively halts the maturation of ovarian follicles.</p>

<p>Withaferin A is a bioactive compound, which is a steroidal lactone with antiproliferative properties. It is derived from the medicinal plant *Withania somnifera*, commonly known as Ashwagandha. Withaferin A exerts its effects by modulating various signaling pathways, including the inhibition of NF-kB and induction of oxidative stress, which lead to apoptotic cell death in cancer cells and reduced inflammation.</p>

<p>Dihydroformononetin is an isoflavonoid phytoestrogen, which is a type of naturally occurring compound found primarily in leguminous plants. It is derived from plant sources such as red clover and soybeans, known for their rich isoflavone content. This compound undergoes metabolic conversion in plants and potentially in the human body, exerting effects through interactions with estrogen receptors.</p>

<p>Phytosterol with anti-osteoarthritic activity; inhibits cholesterol biosynthesis</p>

<p>Hydrocortisone acetate is a synthetic corticosteroid, which is a product derived from the modification of natural adrenal cortex hormones. It functions as an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agent through its interaction with glucocorticoid receptors, leading to the modulation of gene expression involved in immune and inflammatory responses. This interaction inhibits the release of pro-inflammatory mediators and reduces the permeability of capillaries, thereby diminishing inflammation and immune activity.</p>

<p>Periplogenin is a compound classified as a cardiac glycoside, which is typically derived from certain plant species such as those in the Apocynaceae family. These compounds are known for affecting the heart by influencing cellular ion transport mechanisms. The primary mode of action of periplogenin involves inhibition of the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase pump. This inhibition leads to an increased intracellular concentration of sodium ions, which indirectly increases intracellular calcium levels via the sodium-calcium exchanger. The elevated calcium concentration enhances cardiac muscle contractility, a mechanism often leveraged in treating certain heart conditions.</p>

<p>**Azedarachol** is a botanical compound, which is a natural product derived from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica). This compound is known for its role as a bioactive agent, working through mechanisms that involve disrupting insect endocrine systems and acting as an antifeedant. Azedarachol's mode of action is primarily through its interference with hormonal balance within target organisms, which can lead to decreased feeding, stunted growth, and interrupted reproduction, making it an area of interest for pest control research.</p>

<p>Promegestone is a synthetic progestogen, which is derived from progesterone. It functions by mimicking the effects of natural progesterone in the body, acting primarily on progesterone receptors to modulate reproductive processes. This progestogenic agent alters the lining of the uterus and inhibits gonadotropin production, thereby exerting its effects on ovulation and menstrual cycles.</p>

<p>Zuclomiphene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), which is derived from clomiphene citrate, a mixture containing two isomers, zuclomiphene and enclomiphene. Zuclomiphene acts by binding to estrogen receptors, exhibiting both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects depending on the target tissue. This dual action makes it a valuable tool in modulating estrogen receptor activity for scientific research.</p>

<p>Estriol is a steroidal estrogen, which is a naturally occurring hormone primarily sourced from the placenta during pregnancy. Its mode of action involves binding to estrogen receptors, thereby exerting its effects as part of the broader group of estrogens. Estriol has a relatively lower affinity for estrogen receptors compared to estradiol, contributing to its unique pharmacological profile.In scientific research and clinical settings, Estriol is employed in hormone replacement therapy, especially in postmenopausal women, due to its milder estrogenic effects and lower associated risks compared to other estrogens. It is also studied for its potential benefits in urogynecological health, such as the treatment of menopausal symptoms like vaginal atrophy. Furthermore, its application is under investigation for autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis, given its immunomodulatory properties. Ongoing research aims to delineate the therapeutic potential and safety profile of Estriol in various clinical contexts.</p>

<p>Pregnenolone is a steroidal hormone precursor, which is synthesized from cholesterol in the mitochondria of adrenal glands and other tissues. Its mode of action involves serving as a precursor for other critical steroid hormones, including progesterone, mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, androgens, and estrogens. As a neurosteroid, it plays a significant role in modulating synaptic function and neurogenesis.</p>

<p>β-Sitosterol β-D-glucoside is a phytosterol glycoside, which is primarily derived from plant sources such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. As a natural component of plant cell membranes, it exhibits bioactive properties. The compound functions by modulating cholesterol metabolism and has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant effects. It achieves this by interfering with the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines and modulating the activity of enzymes involved in its metabolism.</p>