Campesterol is a steroid derivative i.e. a simplest sterol often characterized by hydroxyl group in position C-3 of steroid skeleton and saturated bonds throughout sterol structure and exception of 5-6 double bond in B ring. Campestrol is a phytosterol with similar chemical structure of cholesterol. Chemically, campesterols resemble cholesterol but is found commonly in plant based foods such as peppers, bananas and potatoes. It helps to prevent absorption of bad cholesterol and balance blood cholesterol level.
Campesterols shows anti-inflammatory properties which makes it beneficial for cardiovascular diseases and arthritis among other health conditions. Firstly, campesterols were isolated from rapeseed. It inhibits various pro-inflammatory compounds which are involved in arthritis.
Food Sources
| Food name | Weight (g) | Campesterol (mg) |
| Sesame seeds | 150 | 80 |
| Canola oil | 14 | 34 |
| Pine nuts | 135 | 27 |
| Almonds | 157 | 14 |
| Flaxseed oil | 13.6 | 13 |
| Macadamia nuts | 132 | 13 |
| Cashew | 129 | 13 |
| Pistachio | 123 | 12 |
| Avocados | 230 | 12 |
| Pecans | 109 | 7 |
| Black walnuts | 125 | 6 |
| Shiitake mushrooms | 145 | 6 |
| Mayonnaise | 13.8 | 5 |
| Flaxseeds | 10.3 | 5 |
| Dark chocolate | 28.35 | 3 |
| Cashew | 28.35 | 3 |
| Morel mushroom | 66 | 2 |
| Portabella mushroom | 86 | 2 |
| Oyster mushrooms | 148 | 1 |
| Pomegranates | 87 | 1 |
Health Benefits of Campesterol
- Anti-Inflammatory activity
Campesterols are used for prostate growth or inflammation commonly known as benign prostate hyperplasia. These are crucial constituents of saw palmetto berry extract which is an effective natural treatment for benign prostate growth. Campesterols are also offered to people with osteoarthritis characterized by mild inflammation, cartilage destruction and joint pain. It could be beneficial for other inflammatory conditions such as fibromyalgia, allergies and sinusitis.
- Balance cholesterol
Besides anti-inflammatory properties, campersterol is known to have an affinity for LDL cholesterol and able to lower serum levels upto 10 percent. Campesterol and other plant sterols have some value to lower the chance of cardiovascular problems such as heart failure, atherosclerosis and stroke.
How safe is campesterol?
Campesterol is likely safe for most people when taken by mouth.
Precautions
- During pregnancy and breast-feeding, it should be avoided.
- Use of campesterol could worsen the condition of sitosterolemia.
- It could cause some side effects such as nausea, gas, indigestion, constipation or diarrhea.
- It is also associated to erectile dysfunction and loss of interest in sex.
Usual dose
By mouth:-
For BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia): 60 to 130 mg of campesterol partition into 2-3 doses regularly.
For high cholesterol: 800 mg to 6 grams per day divided and taken before meals.
Forms available
Campesterol is available in form of tablets and softgels.
References:
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/campesterol#section=Top
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Campesterol
https://hellodoktor.com/herbal/campesterol/
http://mytechnologyworld9.blogspot.com/2012/09/what-are-health-benefits-of-campesterols.html
https://www.hrlsupplements.com/betarol-prostate-health-a-breakdown-of-active-ingredients/