Phyto-, phyt- [Gr. phyton].
Combining forms indicating a plant or that which grows.

Steroid -
1. An organic compound containing in its chemical nucleus the perhydrocyclopentanophenanthrene ring. 2. Term applied to any one of a large group of substances chemically related to sterols. Includes sterols, D vitamins, bile acids, certain hormones, saponins, glucosides of digitalis, and certain carcinogenic substances.

Steroidal withdrawal syndrome -
The appearance of symptoms of adrenal insufficiency in persons who discontinue the use of corticosteroids after having been treated with them for a prolonged period. In those patients, adrenal function has been suppressed to such an extent that the adrenal glands do not provide an appropriate response when the patient has a serious infection, surgery, or an accident. This failure to respond to stress may be present for as long as a year after discontinuation of corticosteroid therapy. The syndrome may be prevented by gradual rather than abrupt withdrawal of corticosteroid therapy.

Steroid hormones -
The sex hormones and hormones of the adrenal cortex

Steroid hormone therapy -
Treatment with various steroid hormones, esp. those from
the adrenal cortex. If therapy is continued for more than a few days, the following
general precautions should be observed: low salt diet; high-protein diet; control gastric
acidity; adequate potassium intake; determine need for covering antibiotic such as
isoniazid in sarcoidosis or in those who have a positive tuberculin test; nitrogen balance
(androgen or estrogen therapy may be needed); observe for osteoporosis, particularly in
postmenopausal women.

Sterol - [Gr. stereos, solid, + L. oleum, oil].
One of a group of substances related to fats and belonging to the lipoids. They are alcohols with a cyclic nucleus (cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene) and are found free or esterfied with fatty acids (cholesterides). they are found in animals (zoosterols) or in plants (phytosterols). Generally colorless, crystalline compounds, nonsaponifiable and soluble in certain organic solvents. Ex.: cholesterol.