Chemical. CAS 83-48-7. Formula C29H48O. MW 412.7. Synthetic. Originally isolated from various plants and marine organisms. Anti-hypercholestrolemic compound. Anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects. Anticancer compound. Chemopreventive. Cytostatic. Cell growth inhibitor. Antimutagenic. Potent in vitro antagonist of FXR farnesoid X receptor. DNA polymerase beta inhibitor. Potent antioxidant, hypoglycemic and thyroid inhibiting agent. Anti-osteoarthritic. Decreases the expression of matrix metalloproteinases. Neuroprotective. Is used as a precursor for synthetic progesterone and vitamin D3 and is an intermediate in the biosynthesis of androgens, estrogens and corticoids.