Chemicals and Drugs

Steroids

A group of polycyclic compounds closely related biochemically to TERPENES. They include cholesterol, numerous hormones, precursors of certain vitamins, bile acids, alcohols (STEROLS), and certain natural drugs and poisons. Steroids have a common nucleus, a fused, reduced 17-carbon atom ring system, cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene. Most steroids also have two methyl groups and an aliphatic side-chain attached to the nucleus. (From Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, 11th ed)

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

A group of polycyclic compounds closely related biochemically to TERPENES. They include cholesterol, numerous hormones, precursors of certain vitamins, bile acids, alcohols (STEROLS), and certain natural drugs and poisons. Steroids have a common nucleus, a fused, reduced 17-carbon atom ring system, cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene. Most steroids also have two methyl groups and an aliphatic side-chain attached to the nucleus. (From Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, 11th ed)

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Classification

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See Also

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Synonyms

3 entry terms
  • Steroid
  • Catatoxic Steroids
  • Steroids, Catatoxic

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Aspects Covered

26 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings administration & dosage, adverse effects, agonists, analysis, antagonists & inhibitors, biosynthesis, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, chemical synthesis, chemistry, classification, economics, history, immunology, isolation & purification, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, physiology, poisoning, radiation effects, standards, supply & distribution, therapeutic use, toxicity, urine.

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Indexing Annotation

general or unspecified; prefer specific steroid groups or specific steroids; PLANT STEROIDS see PHYTOSTEROLS is also available

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History Note

1963; CATATOXIC STEROIDS was heading 1974-95

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AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Steroids. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D013256. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D013256
  2. Steroids. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steroid
  3. Steroids. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q177911