Description
Phytosphingosine is a sphingolipid with a hydroxyl group at the C4 position that is found mainly in fungi and plants but also in animals, including humans. It is metabolized to odd-numbered fatty acids with 2-hydroxy palmitic acid as an intermediate. Phytosphingosine dose-dependently induces cell death of CHO cells and inhibits carbachol-induced activation of phospholipase D (PLD) in CHO cells transfected with
C. elegans muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. It is essential in the heat stress response in
S. cerevisiae. [Matreya, LLC. Catalog No. 1330]
Chemical Properties
Off-White Solid
Uses
Phytosphingosine is a natural anti-microbial compound and it is involved in several cellular processes such as cell differentiation and anti-inflammation.
Uses
phytosphingosine is a sphingolipid that can improve the overall condition of skin and hair. Some sources site anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Research indicates similar activity to retinoic acid, in which case it may be particularly beneficial for aging and photo-aging skin.
Definition
ChEBI: Phytosphingosine is a sphingoid, an amino alcohol and a triol. It has a role as a Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite and a mouse metabolite. It is functionally related to a N-acyl-beta-D-galactosylphytosphingosine and a sphinganine. It is a conjugate base of a phytosphingosine(1+).
Origin
In 1884, chemist J.L.W coined the word phytosphingosine, which was taken from the term “sphingoid”, a major component in all biological membranes. There are four types of sphingoid bases and phytosphingosine is one of them. Phytosphingosine is a widely distributed natural sphingoid base and found in fungi, plants, and animals.
Flammability and Explosibility
Not classified
Veterinary Drugs and Treatments
Phytosphingosine is a unique topical antiseborrheic compound. It is in a class called ceramides which are waxy materials meant to meant
to mimic the normal lipid composition of the stratum corneum. It may also have some antiinflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
References
[1] CAROL L FISCHER. Antibacterial activity of sphingoid bases and fatty acids against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.[J]. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 2012: 1157-1161. DOI:
10.1128/aac.05151-11[2] C L FISCHER. Sphingoid bases are taken up by Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and induce ultrastructural damage.[J]. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2013, 26 1: 36-44. DOI:
10.1159/000343175
