Steroids and sterols

Steroid intermediates are produced from plant sterols by microbial transformation or from natural sources such as diosgenin, and they feed the production of corticosteroids, sex hormones and contraceptives. Phytosterols are added to foods to lower cholesterol absorption, cholesterol is a component of lipid nanoparticles, and ursodeoxycholic acid is an API for liver disease.

Ask for purity by HPLC or GC, related steroids, specific rotation, water and residual solvents. Hormone intermediates and anabolic steroids can be controlled substances in some countries, so expect licensing checks. For pharmaceutical use, confirm GMP status and the regulatory dossier. Steroidal hormones and their derivatives fall under HS heading 2937, and sterols under 2906.