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Quantitation of beta-sitosterol in bourbon
E R Rosenblum1, D H Van Thiel, I M Campbell
1Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA 15261.
Alcoholism, Clinical and Experimental Research
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Researchers quantified beta-sitosterol, a phytoestrogen in bourbon, using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. This study establishes baseline levels for future estrogenicity research on alcoholic beverages.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Alcoholic beverages contain four identified phytoestrogens.
- Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds with estrogenic activity.
- Accurate quantification is needed to determine doses for estrogenicity studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify beta-sitosterol, a prevalent phytoestrogen in bourbon.
- To assess the variability of beta-sitosterol content across bourbon brands and batches.
- To establish a foundation for future estrogenicity evaluations.
Main Methods:
- Combined gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was employed for quantitation.
- A simplified extraction procedure was developed for bourbon samples.
- Analysis focused on beta-sitosterol due to its high abundance.
Main Results:
- Beta-sitosterol was detected in bourbon at microgram/deciliter concentrations.
- Significant variability in beta-sitosterol content was observed between different bourbon brands and lots.
- The developed GC/MS method allowed for precise quantitation.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully quantified beta-sitosterol in bourbon.
- Variability in beta-sitosterol levels necessitates careful dose selection for future research.
- This work provides essential data for investigating the estrogenic potential of phytoestrogens in alcoholic beverages.