Exploring the Antifertility Potential of Stigmasterol: Evidence from a Systematic Review

Stigmasterol, a plant-derived phytosterol, has gained attention for its potential antifertility properties, yet no systematic synthesis has been conducted. This review analyzed bibliometric trends, experimental and contextual evidence, biological mechanisms, and research gaps using PRISMA 2020 guidelines and a Scopus search for “stigmasterol AND antifertility.” Twenty-five articles were classified as Direct (n=3), Indirect (n=2), and Contextual (n=20) evidence. Findings indicate a shift from sterol profiling to targeted reproductive pharmacology. Direct studies confirmed antifertility effects in animal models, while indirect and contextual works linked stigmasterol to ethnomedicinal plants and diverse pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and phytoestrogenic effects. Mechanisms involve endocrine modulation, apoptosis, and receptor interactions. Despite promising potential, stigmasterol remains underexplored; future research should focus on purified compound assays, standardized in vivo methods, clinical validation, and safety assessment to advance its development as a natural contraceptive.