Characterization of Total and Individual Sterols in Canola Sprouts.

In this study, the contents of total and individual phytosterols in sprouts made from seed of seven canola lines (Acropolis, Banjo, Jetton, KS-7740, KSM3-1-124, Mussette and Virginia), grown at three locations in Virginia (Orange, Petersburg, and Suffolk), were determined.  Canola sprouts contained, on an average, 36.3 g sterols in 100 g of unsaponifiable matter (UNSAP), 10.7 mg sterols in one g of oil, and 2.4 mg sterols in one g of dry sprouts.  The contents of individual phytosterols (μg per g of oil) in canola sprouts were 1162 brassicasterol, 3799 campesterol, 34 stigmasterol, 5359 β-sitosterol, 201 Δ⁵-avenasterol, and 97 Δ⁷-stigmastenol. Canola lines had significant effects on contents of oil, brassicasterol, and campesterol.  Locations had significant effects on oil, UNSAP, total sterols, brassicasterol, stigmasterol, and β-sitosterol. The oil content in canola sprouts was positively correlated with total sterols and Δ⁵-avenasterol, whereas oil content was negatively correlated with brassicasterol content.  In general, the contents of campesterol and β-sitosterol increased with an increase in total sterol content.  The concentrations of sterols were in the following decreasing order: β-sitosterol > campesterol > brassicasterol > Δ⁵-avenasterol > Δ⁷-stigmastenol > stigmasterol.  These results indicate that canola sprouts may have the potential as a natural source of dietary sterols and might be desirable for human nutrition.