Phytosterol composition in seeds of Blepharis sindica and its relation with bottom up, top down and plant metabolites factors

Phytosterols (cholesterol lowering agents) represent a diverse group of natural products and knowledge about their occurrence in various plants and their chemical compositions have largely been studied. In the present study variation in phytosterols composition at various spatial and temporal events within semi arid part of the Indian Thar Desert were quantified. The study revealed that seed of Blepharis sindica possessed higher phytosterols composition during winter (semi-pulse event) season as compared to summer (non pulse event) season. Principal Component Analysis revealed the significant relationship between phytosterols composition and various bottom up, top down and plant primary and secondary metabolites. Path analysis suggest that soil nitrogen linearly enhance its concentration (P<0.05), while plant protein (P<0.01), iron (P<0.05) and evenness (P<0.01) of community suppressed it. An interesting inter-conversion between phytosterols and steroidal saponin was also observed.