Lanosterol
Headline: High-Purity Lanosterol Manufacturer | Cataract Research Grade (CAS: 79-63-0) Sub-info: Assay: 60% - 98% (HPLC) | Source: Lanolin Extraction / Synthesis | Appearance: White Crystalline Powder USP: Key Sterol Intermediate • Supports Lens Clarity • Bulk Supply for Synthesis
Introduction

Lanosterol is a tetracyclic triterpenoid and the first sterol formed in the biosynthesis of cholesterol. It is extracted from lanolin (wool grease) or synthesized via the squalene pathway.
While traditionally used as a pharmaceutical intermediate for synthesizing steroidal drugs, recent breakthrough studies (published in Nature) have highlighted Lanosterol's potential in dissolving protein aggregates in the crystalline lens, making it a "star ingredient" for non-surgical cataract research and eye drop formulations.
Category:
Keywords:
hemoglobin
powder
source
Functions
1. Cataract Management (Lens Clarity)
Research indicates that Lanosterol can redissolve amyloid-like protein aggregates in the lens, which are the cause of cataracts. It stabilizes chaperone proteins and improves lens transparency, offering a potential non-invasive treatment for cataracts in pets and humans.
2. Steroid Biosynthesis Precursor
Lanosterol is the metabolic precursor for all steroids in the body, including cholesterol and steroid hormones. It is a critical starting material for the chemical synthesis of Vitamin D3, steroid hormones, and emulsifiers.
3. Cosmetics (Emollient)
Due to its sterol structure, it possesses excellent emollient properties, helping to repair the skin barrier and retain moisture. It is used in high-end pharmaceutical creams and lip care products.

Applications
Ophthalmic Research & Formulations:
• Eye Drops: Active ingredient in experimental drops for reversing lens opacity (Cataracts) in dogs and elderly patients.
Pharmaceutical Intermediates:
• Synthesis: Starting material for producing lanolin alcohol, cholesterol, and other steroidal APIs.
Cosmetics:
• Skin Repair: Used in barrier repair creams for eczema and dry skin.

Flow Chart

Raw Material (Wool Grease / Lanolin) → Saponification → Extraction → Solvent Fractionation → Crude Lanosterol → Column Chromatography (Purification) → Crystallization → Centrifugation → Vacuum Drying → Milling → Quality Control → Packaging
Note: Our purification technology effectively separates Lanosterol from structurally similar dihydrolanosterol, ensuring high specificity.
Quality Standard of Lactoferrin
Item | Specification | Result |
Appearance | White powder | White powder |
Melting point | 137.0~137.8°C | 137.2~137.6°C |
Loss on drying | ≤1.0% | 0.53% |
Acid value | ≤0.5mg KOH/g | 0.16mg KOH/g |
Ash | ≤0.15% | 0.05% |
Purity (GC) | ≥60.0% | 60.5% |
Conclusion: | The product complies with Enterprise Standard. | |
Method of Analysis of Lactoferrin
We use Gas Chromatography (GC) or HPLC to quantify Lanosterol content.
• Important Note: Commercial "Lanosterol" often contains significant amounts of Dihydrolanosterol (~40%). We offer both Standard Grade (approx. 60% Lanosterol + 40% Dihydrolanosterol) and High Purity Grade (>90% Lanosterol). Please specify your requirement.
Reference Chromatogram of Lactoferrin Reference Substance

The chromatogram separates the Lanosterol peak from the Dihydrolanosterol peak. For our High Purity grade, the Lanosterol peak area is dominant (>98%), with minimal impurities.
Stability and Safety
Stability Studies
• Shelf Life: 24 months.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from light. Oxidation can occur upon prolonged exposure to air; keep containers tightly sealed.
• Temperature: Stable at room temperature, but 2-8°C storage is recommended for the high-purity research grade to maintain maximum activity.
Safety & Handling (MSDS Summary)
• Classification: Non-hazardous substance.
• Safety: Non-toxic. Derived from natural wool grease or bio-synthesis.
• Handling: Avoid inhalation of dust.
Customer Comments
R&D Director, Pet Pharma Startup (USA)
2026.02.04
★★★★★
Process Chemist, Indian Pharma Manufacturer
2026.02.04
★★★★★
Our Certificates
Our Clients
Exhibitions
• CPhI Worldwide (Active Ingredients)
• ARVO Annual Meeting (Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology)
• SupplySide West (Las Vegas)
CPHI & PMEC China 2025
CAC 24th
CAC Shanghai
CPHI & PMEC 2024
CPHI & PMEC China Shanghai
CPHI 2025
CPHI 2024
CPHI 2023
FIC 2022
FIC 2023
Vitafoods Europe (Geneva)
CPhI Worldwide
FIC Shanghai
FIC2024
CPHI Korea
SupplySideWEST Las Vegas
SupplySideWEST 2023
Vitafoods Europe Switzerland
Wagri Guangzhou
In-Cosmetics Global
SupplySide West (Las Vegas)
SupplySide West (Las Vegas)
FAQ
What is the difference between Lanosterol and Cholesterol?
Lanosterol is the precursor to Cholesterol. It retains the methyl groups at C-4 and C-14, which are removed during the conversion to Cholesterol. Lanosterol has unique properties for lens protein solubility that Cholesterol does not have.
Why is the price range so wide?
It depends on purity. Standard Grade (~60%) is co-crystallized with dihydrolanosterol and is cheaper, used for industrial synthesis. Research Grade (>98%) requires extensive chromatographic purification, making it significantly more expensive but necessary for cataract research.
Is it vegan?
Traditional Lanosterol is extracted from Sheep's Wool (Lanolin), so it is not vegan (though it is cruelty-free). If you require a vegan source (synthetic or yeast-derived), please contact us for custom synthesis options.
References
1.Zhao, L., et al. "Lanosterol reverses protein aggregation in cataracts." Nature (2015). (The landmark study).
2.Shanmugam, P. M., et al. "Effect of lanosterol on human cataract nucleus." Indian Journal of Ophthalmology (2015).
3.Babizhayev, M. A. "Mitochondria-induced oxidative stress, cataract and aging: role of lanosterol." Current Drug Delivery.
4.Bloch, K. "The biological synthesis of cholesterol." Science.
5.Makley, L. N., et al. "Pharmacological chaperone for alpha-crystallin partially restores transparency in cataract models." Science (Contextual).
Related Products