Triterpene Alcohols and Sterols in the Seeds of Brassica napus

Abstract Nine triterpene alcohols, sixteen 4α‐methylsterols and ten 4‐desmethylsterols were identified in the unsaponifiable matter of the seed oil of Brassica napus (Cruciferae). The occurrence of three Δ8‐lanostane triterpenes, which are unusual in higher plants, i.e., lanost‐8‐en‐3β‐ol, lanosterol and 24‐methylenelanost‐8‐en‐3α‐ol, besides the corresponding 9β,19‐cyclopropyl isomers, is of significance.