The composition of phytosterols in first and second year Digitalis purpurea L

Abstract The phytosterols of Digitalis purpurea occur as lipids and as glucosides. Gas-liquid chromatography and mass-spectrometry indicated that both fractions contained sitosterol as the major component, and also varying proportions of stigmasterol, campesterol and cholesterol. Certain of the lipid fractions contained 24-methylenecholesterol. The phytosterol concentrations and relative proportions were determined at monthly intervals during the first year of growth, and also in various morphological units of second year plants. The composition of the phytosterol fractions depended upon the plant organ examined and also upon the phase of growth of the plant.