Beta-Sitosterol (SKF 14463) has recently been shown to induce G2/M arrest, endoreduplication, and apoptosis through the Bcl-2 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Beta-Sitosterol (SKF 14463) , a main dietary phytosterol found in plants, may have the potential for prevention and therapy for human cancer. Although the exact mechanism of action of Beta-Sitosterol (SKF 14463) is unknown, it may be related to cholesterol metabolism or anti-inflammatory effects (via interference with prostaglandin metabolism). Beta-Sitosterol (SKF 14463) induces apoptosis and activates key caspases in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells.

Bioactivity-guided isolation from the hexane fraction of E. indica yielded Beta-Sitosterol (β-sitosterol), Stigmasterol, and Lutein. Beta-Sitosterol and Stigmasterol displayed minimal PPL inhibition, with 2.99±0.80% and 2.68±0.38% at 100 μg/mL (242-243 μM) respectively, compared to higher inhibition by Curcumin (IC50=4.92±0.21 μg/mL) and Quercetin (IC50=18.60±0.86 μg/mL). These compounds showed weaker inhibition than literature values (50% PPL inhibition at 100 μg/mL). Beta-Sitosterol, also extracted from Aloe vera, inhibits the growth of L. donovani promastigotes, implicated in visceral leishmaniasis.

Beta-sitosterol (β-sitosterol) treatment significantly reduced immobility times in mice across all doses tested (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg) in both the Forced Swim Test (FST) and Tail Suspension Test (TST), indicating a notable antidepressant effect. At 30 mg/kg, β-sitosterol's efficacy was comparable to fluoxetine (20 mg/kg) with the most robust effect against the control group (P < 0.001). The percentage decreases in immobility (DID) for FST were 39.27%, 51.23%, and 57.48% for 10, 20, and 30 mg/kg respectively, and for TST were 31.63%, 43.95%, and 53.38% for the same doses, confirming the dose-dependent antidepressant activity of Beta-sitosterol in animal models.