What is ergosterol?

ergosterol, or provitamin d _{2 is a compound that belongs to the steroid family and is related to cholesterol. It is located in mushrooms such as Saccharomyces and Candida. This compound is an essential sterol component of fungal and protozoal cell membranes, so that it is an important goal of antifungal drugs and anti-testopanozomal drugs. In 1927, the relationship of ergosterol and vitamin D was discovered when it was proven that after exposure to ultraviolet radiation, ergosterol could have been used to treat the intersection, the disease caused by vitamin D deficiency. Because it is an inner component of fungal cells, it is also found in mushrooms. Other diet sources include fish liver oil, yolk, fortified milk and other dairy products. The irradiation or exposure of these diet sources leads to the transformation of ergosterol into ergocalciferol. Therefore, food and supplements containingErgosterol provides a good source of vitamin D, an important nutrient for strong bones and teeth, as well as the correct balance of calcium.}

ergosterol is present in mushrooms, but is missing in animals and therefore plays a major role in the treatment of fungal infections. For example, ampotericin B, antifungal drugs, binds to ergosterol to form pores in the membrane of fungal cells. These pores seep potassium and other ions and molecules, leading to an imbalance in the internal environment of fungal cells. This subsequently leads to cellular death. However, amphotericin B has potentially fatal adverse effects, making it the last line for serious and life -threatening systemic fungal infections.

Theazoles such as clotrimazole, itraconazole and miconazole are killed by fungal cells inhibiting the enzyme called 14-alpha-demethylase. This enzyme is necessary for the production of ergosterol from a precursor compound called Lanosterol. Several azole drugs inhibitEstrogen production during pregnancy and can cause adverse effects on the fetus.

In its isolated form, provitamin d 2 appears to be white or yellow powder that is insoluble in water. This crystalline powder is irritating to the skin, eye mucous membranes and airways. Excessive ingestion of this powder can lead to elevated calcium levels in the blood or hypercalcaemia. If it remains unaddressed, hypercalcaemia leads to the storage of calcium salts in different organs of the body.