Phytosterols, also known as plant sterols, are a kind of natural organic compounds. They are found only in plant-based foods such as vegetables, nuts, legumes, sunflowers, soybeans and other plants. Phytosterols are not only structural components of plant biological membranes, but play an important role in regulating plant growth and development. They are also precursors for the synthesis of various hormones. Structurally, the molecular structure of phytosterols is very similar to cholesterol, with the basic structure of cyclopentane polyhydrophenanthrene. And based on the presence or absence of aromatic rings, phytosterols are classified into two main types: sterols and stanols. Functionally, phytosterols have effects in the fields of anti-oxidation, anti-tumor, skin care, parahormone synthesis and cholesterol metabolism.
Functions
Phytosterols have many physiological activities, such as lowering blood cholesterol, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer. More importantly, as corticosteroid medicines, phytosterols have an effective effect on lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Therefore, they can be used to treat hypercholesterolemia and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases [1]. And the specific functions of phytosterols are shown below [2].
- High permeability to the skin.
- Maintain moisture on the skin's surface.
- Speed up the skin's metabolism.
- Inhibit inflammation and delay skin aging
- Support hair growth and maintenance.
- Inhibit the intestinal absorption of cholesterol in the human body
- Promote the dissimilation of cholesterol.
- Inhibits cholesterol biosynthesis in the liver.
Due to their various functions, phytosterols are widely used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries. Especially in the food industry, phytosterols are used as ingredients in dietary supplements to help maintain cholesterol levels in the body within the normal range.
Our Product
Alfa Chemistry is a leading supplier of dietary ingredients. We offer a phytosterol with a chemical structure similar to that of cholesterol, called beta-sitosterol. In addition to being consumed through food, beta-sitosterol is also sometimes added to dietary supplements to manage high cholesterol levels. The table to the right of the picture shows detailed information about the product. Please contact us with any concerns.
| Product Name | Beta-Sitosterol |
|---|
| Apearance |
White crystalline powder |
| CAS No. |
83-46-5 |
| Catalog |
DS83465 |
| Specification |
90.0%, 95.0% |
| Stigmasterol |
15.0%-30.0% |
| Brassicasterol |
≤ 5.0% |
| Campesterol |
≥ 20.0% |
| β-Sitosterol |
≥ 40.0% |
| Other sterols |
≤ 3.0% |
| Heavy Mental (As Pb) |
≤ 10 ppm |
| Loss On Drying |
≤ 2.5% |
| Package |
1 kg, 5 kg, 25 kg and customize |
| Storage and Shelf Life |
Store in a cool and dry place. 24 months |
Phytosterol Supplements
In recent years, phytosterols have attracted much attention as dietary supplements. In addition to being widely used as food additives, phytosterols can also be used as the main ingredient in dietary supplements. Eating plant foods that contain phytosterols, or taking phytosterol supplements, can both help lower cholesterol levels. And because the sterol content in fruits, vegetables and grains is very small, more dietary intake is required to meet the daily recommended amount. Taking supplements under the guidance of a professional is a convenient and helpful way to reach nutrition goals when diet alone is not enough.
Recomended Amounts and Precautions
The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), which is supported by the National Institutes of Health, recommends that adults should consume 2 grams (2000 mg) of plant sterols and stanols per day. The commonly used dosage of phytosterol supplements is 1.6-3 g per day orally for adults.
Although phytosterol supplements are generally safe and well tolerated, they may cause some side effects, including constipation, nausea, upset stomach, heartburn, or discoloration of stools. Taking supplements in high doses may increase the risk of these side effects. Therefore, it is best to consult a healthcare provider and have a baseline cholesterol level test to determine the most appropriate dosage before taking phytosterol supplements. Some people with phytosterolemia should not take phytosterol supplements.
References
- Cabra, C. E.; et al. Phytosterols in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Arq Bras Cardiol. 2017, 109(5): 475–482.
- Zhang, L.; et al. Functions of phytosterols and their application in food. Agricultural Biotechnology. 2019, 8(3): 102-104.
Our products and services are for research use only and cannot be used for any clinical purposes.
