Sterols in Kochia scoparia Fruit

Sterols in the fruit of Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad. have been investigated. Based on both direct GC-MS comparison with authentic samples and mass spectral data, two 4,4-dimethylsterols, nine 4-monomethylsterols and nine 4-desmethylsterols were detected for the first time in the fruit, along with three terpene alcohols, and the amount of each was computed. The fruit was found to be unique in sterol composition, because it contained not only cholesterol and its several possible biosynthetic precursor sterols, but also some Δ7-sterols such as 24-ethyllathosterol as a major group. The amounts of nine 4-desmethylsterols in the fruit were also determined by GC.