Presence of Cholesterol in Non-Animal Organisms: Identification and Quantification of Cholesterol in Crude Seed Oil from Perilla frutescens and Dehydrated Pyropia tenera

Abstract

Studies have reported that cholesterol, a molecule found mainly in animals, is also present in some plants and algae. This study aimed to determine whether cholesterol exists in three dehydrated algae species, namely, Pyropia tenera, Saccharina japonica, and Undaria pinnatifida, and in one plant species, namely, Perilla frutescens (four perilla seed oil samples were analyzed). These species were chosen for investigation because they are common ingredients in East Asian cuisine. Gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) analysis found that cholesterol was present in P. tenera (14.6 mg/100 g) and in all four perilla seed oil samples (0.3–0.5 mg/100 g). High-performance liquid chromatography with evaporative light-scattering detection (HPLC-ELSD) also demonstrated that cholesterol was present in P. tenera (14.2 mg/100 g) and allowed the separation of cholesterol from its isomer lathosterol. However, cholesterol could not be detected by HPLC-ELSD in the perilla seed oil samples, most likely because it is only present in trace amounts. Moreover, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) confirmed the presence of cholesterol in both P. tenera and perilla seed oil. MRM results further suggested that lathosterol (a precursor of cholesterol) was present in P. tenera.

Insights into date seed oil composition: Geographical variability and potential applications

“…[ 42 ] It seemed to be an erroneous perception that cholesterol is only found in animal products because most plants contain relatively small quantities of cholesterol. [ 43–45 ] However, cholesterol was already been reported in camelina oil and other vegetable oils. [ 46–48 ] Especially, Sonawane et al.…”

“…[42] It seemed to be an erroneous perception that cholesterol is only found in animal products because most plants contain relatively small quantities of cholesterol. [43][44][45] However, cholesterol was already been reported in camelina oil and other vegetable oils. [46][47][48] Especially, Sonawane et al [49] made a significant contribution by elucidating the complete plant cholesterol biosynthesis pathway, comprising 10 enzymatic steps starting from 2,3-oxidosqualene.…”

Phytosterols in human health: friends or foes?

“…PS co-exist in plants along with cholesterol as part of cell structure and metabolism, while PS are not synthesized in animal cells (Sonawane et al, 2016). Also, in some cases, high levels of cholesterol have been found in plants, like in Perilla frutescens (Oh et al, 2021). PS are principally found in wheat germs, vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds.…”