A Review on the Role of Phytosterols: New Insights Into Cardiovascular Risk

Abstract

Phytosterols, which are structurally related to cholesterol, are found in all plant foods with highest concentration occurring in vegetable oils and nuts. Phytosterols are known to reduce serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level without changing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Daily consumption of phytosterols-enriched foods is widely used as a therapeutic option to lower plasma cholesterol and atherosclerotic disease risk. The cholesterol-lowering action of phytosterols is thought to occur, at least in part, through competitive replacement of dietary and biliary cholesterol in mixed micelles, which undermines the absorption of cholesterol. The aim of this review is to provide a general overview of available evidence regarding the effects of phytosterols on cholesterol metabolism and addressing issues related to efficacy as dose, length, frequency of consumption, type of phytosterol (sterols versus stanols) or food matrix. Furthermore, we will explore the factors that influence the response of individuals to phytosterol therapy and evaluate their safety and the possibility that elevated plasma phytosterol concentrations contribute to the development of premature coronary artery disease.

Lipid Lowering Effect ofPunica granatumL. Peel in High Lipid Diet Fed Male Rats

“…These effects could be related to the antioxidant hydrolyzable tannin punicalagin and to the phytosterol β -sitosterol, which are both present in pomegranate [26]. Moreover, phytosterols of pomegranate consumption decreased serum cholesterol levels in dyslipidemic patients, as well as their cardiovascular risk [27, 28]. …”

Efecto de esteroles vegetales en la reducción del colesterol plasmático: ensayo clínico, controlado, aleatorizado, cruzado y doble ciego

“…Parte de la variabilidad de los resultados se debe entre otros motivos al uso de distintos esteroles, a los distintos tiempos de ingesta, distintos niveles basales de colesterol, a la existencia o no de control de dieta complementaria y a cambios de hábitos durante el ensayo, a la matriz usada, el momento de ingesta y a la dosis administrada. Esta variabilidad va desde el 5 al 25% de descenso de LDL-c (22).…”

“…Los fitosteroles son conocidos por reducir el nivel de las LDL-c en suero sin modificar el de las lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL-c) o triglicéridos (TG) (9,10). El consumo diario de alimentos enriquecidos con fitosteroles se utiliza ampliamente como una opción terapéutica para reducir el nivel de LDL-c en plasma y, por tanto, el riesgo de la enfermedad aterosclerótica (9).…”

Therapeutic value of steroidal alkaloids in cancer: Current trends and future perspectives

“…Small molecules containing a steroidal structure possess a wide range of pharmacological activities (e.g., antioxidant, neuroprotective and anti-hypercholesterolemic), irrespective of their highly conserved chemical structures and hormonal action (e.g., glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids and gonadal steroids). 1,2 Various natural products have traditionally been used to treat or cure different diseases. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9] Recently, extensive studies have used natural and synthetically derived compounds to develop novel preventive or therapeutic agents for clinical applications for cancer treatment.…”