Name: Cholesterol
CAS No: Cholest-5-en-3b-ol [57-88-5]
BP: Cholesterol JP: Cholesterol PhEur: Cholesterol USP-NF: Cholestero
Cholesterin; cholesterolum.
Cholest-5-en-3b-ol [57-88-5]
C27H46O 386.67
Cholesterol is used in cosmetics and topical pharmaceutical formulations at concentrations of 0.3–5.0% w/w as an emulsifying agent. It imparts water-absorbing power to an ointment and has emollient activity. Cholesterol also has a physiological role. It is the major sterol of the higher animals, and it is found in all body tissues, especially in the brain and spinal cord. It is also the main constituent of gallstones.
Cholesterol occurs as white or faintly yellow, almost odorless, pearly leaflets, needles, powder, or granules. On prolonged exposure to light and air, cholesterol acquires a yellow to tan color.
See Table I.
Density 1.052 g/cm3 for anhydrous form. Dielectric constant D20 = 5.41 Melting point 147–1508C Solubility see Table II.(1–3) Specific rotation [a]D 20 = 39.58 (2% w/v solution in chloroform); [a]D 20 = 31.58 (2% w/v solution in ether).
Cholesterol is stable and should be stored in a well-closed container, protected from ligh
Cholesterol is precipitated by digitonin.
The commercial material is normally obtained from the spinal cord of cattle by extraction with petroleum ethers, but it may also be obtained from wool fat. Purification is normally accomplished by synthetic means.(4) Cholesterol produced from animal organs will always contain cholestanol and other saturated sterols
Cholesterol is generally regarded as an essentially nontoxic and nonirritant material at the levels employed as an excipient.(3) It has, however, exhibited experimental teratogenic and reproductive effects, and mutation data have been reported.(5) Cholesterol is often derived from animal sources and this must be done in accordance with the regulations for human consumption. The risk of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) contamination has caused some concern over the use of animalderived cholesterol in pharmaceutical products.(6) However, synthetic methods of cholesterol manufacture have been developed.(4)
Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of material handled. Rubber or plastic gloves, eye protection, and a respirator are recommended. May be harmful following inhalation or ingestion of large quantities, or over prolonged periods of time, owing to the possible involvement of cholesterol in atherosclerosis and gallstones. May be irritant to the eyes. When heated to decomposition, cholesterol emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.
Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (injections; ophthalmic, topical, and vaginal preparations). Included in nonparenteral medicines licensed in the UK. Included in the Canadian List of Acceptable Non-medicinal Ingredients.
Lanolin; lanolin alcohols; lanolin hydrous.
A novel cholesterol-based cationic lipid has been developed that promotes DNA transfer in cells.(7,8) Cholesterol monohydrate becomes anhydrous at 70–808C. The EINECS number for cholesterol is 200-353-2. The PubChem Compound ID (CID) for cholesterol includes 304 and 5997.