Stigmasterol in Health and Disease: A Review

Stigmasterol (STG) is steroid alcohol that belongs to the group of phytosterols of the plant. It has different biological properties and considered a popular medicinal compound throughout the world. STG has established and emerging health benefits including anti-inflammatory activity, immunomodulatory effect, antiviral, antimicrobial, antifungal activities, possess positive modulatory effect on CNS, anticancer effect, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, antidiabetic, acaricidal activities. STG also has some negative and toxic effects such as accumulation of STG causes cardiac injury thereby causing mortality. This review overall describes the structure, source, function, mode of action and various pharmacological properties so that it can serve as a reference tool for other investigators working in the area.