Phytosterols: From Preclinical Evidence to Potential Clinical Applications

Purpose of Review The aim of this review is to summarize the available clinical efficacy and safety data related to the most studied and used lipid-lowering nutraceuticals. Recent Findings A growing number of meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials supports the effectiveness and tolerability of some lipid-lowering nutraceuticals such as red yeast rice, plant sterols and stanols, soluble fibers, berberine, artichoke extracts, bergamot polyphenol fraction, garlic, green tea, and spiruline. No significant safety concern has been raised for the use of such products. Association of more lipid-lowering nutraceuticals and of some nutraceuticals with lipid-lowering drugs has been tested as well. Summary Current evidence suggests that some clinically tested lipid-lowering nutraceuticals could be safely used to improve plasma lipid levels in subjects affected by mild-to-moderate dyslipidaemia with low cardiovascular risk.

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“…Plant sources contain also plant stanols. PS (plant sterols + stanols) average daily intake in a common diet is usually less than 500 mg [10].…”

Section: Plant Sterols and Stanolsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Nutraceuticals in the Management of Dyslipidemia: Which, When, and for Whom? Could Nutraceuticals Help Low-Risk Individuals with Non-optimal Lipid Levels?

Cicero

Fogacci

Stoian

et al. 2021

Curr Atheroscler Rep

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“…The differential plant sterols exhibit different absorption rates, depending on the sterol nucleus and the side chain. The concentration level of sterols in plasma decreases from 0.1 to 0.14% based on the absorption rate [ 29 ]. Dietary supplementation of sterols reduces cholesterol absorption, lowers plasma LDL cholesterol levels, and functions as potent anti-oxidants.…”

Section: Phytosterolsmentioning

confidence: 99%

An Overview on the Therapeutic Function of Foods Enriched with Plant Sterols in Diabetes Management

et al. 2021

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Diabetes is one of the most significant health issues across the world. People identified with diabetes are more vulnerable to various infections and are at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. The plant-based food we consume often contains many sterol-based bioactive compounds. It is well documented that these compounds could effectively manage the processes of insulin metabolism and cholesterol regulation. Insulin resistance followed by hyperglycemia often results in oxidative stress level enhancement and increased reactive oxygen species production. At the molecular level, these changes induce apoptosis in pancreatic cells and hence lead to insulin insufficiency. Studies have proved that plant sterols can lower inflammatory and oxidative stress damage connected with DNA repair mechanisms. The effective forms of phyto compounds are polyphenols, terpenoids, and thiols abundant in vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds. The available conventional drug-based therapies for the prevention and management of diabetes are time-consuming, costly, and with life-threatening side effects. Thereby, the therapeutic management of diabetes with plant sterols available in our daily diet is highly welcome as there are no side effects. This review intends to offer an overview of the present scenario of the anti-diabetic compounds from food ingredients towards the therapeutic beneficial against diabetes.

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“…Phytosterols (PSs), including plant sterols and stanols, are phytosteroids, which are similar to cholesterol in terms of structure and biological function (Piironen et al, 2000; Salehi et al, 2020). They are a group of natural compounds that are found in plant‐cell membranes.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biological and pharmacological effects and nutritional impact of phytosterols: A comprehensive review

Nattagh‐Eshtivani

Barghchi

Pahlavani

et al. 2021

Phytotherapy Research

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Phytosterols (PSs), classified into plant sterols and stanols, are bioactive compounds found in foods of plant origin. PSs have been proposed to exert a wide number of pharmacological properties, including the potential to reduce total and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and thereby decreasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Other health‐promoting effects of PSs include anti‐obesity, anti‐diabetic, anti‐microbial, anti‐inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. Also, anticancer effects have been strongly suggested, as phytosterol‐rich diets may reduce the risk of cancer by 20%. The aim of this review is to provide a general overview of the available evidence regarding the beneficial physiological and pharmacological activities of PSs, with special emphasis on their therapeutic potential for human health and safety. Also, we will explore the factors that influence the physiologic response to PSs.

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Phytosterols: From Preclinical Evidence to Potential Clinical Applications

Cited by 192 publications

References 149 publications

Nutraceuticals in the Management of Dyslipidemia: Which, When, and for Whom? Could Nutraceuticals Help Low-Risk Individuals with Non-optimal Lipid Levels?

Nutraceuticals in the Management of Dyslipidemia: Which, When, and for Whom? Could Nutraceuticals Help Low-Risk Individuals with Non-optimal Lipid Levels?

An Overview on the Therapeutic Function of Foods Enriched with Plant Sterols in Diabetes Management

Biological and pharmacological effects and nutritional impact of phytosterols: A comprehensive review

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