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Phytotherapy Research : PTR Dec 2022Various studies have proven that phytosterols and phytostanols (PS) are lipid-lowering agents. These compounds play a role in regulating high-density lipoprotein... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The effects of phytosterol and phytostanol supplementation on the lipid profile in postmenopausal women: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Various studies have proven that phytosterols and phytostanols (PS) are lipid-lowering agents. These compounds play a role in regulating high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) metabolism. Although various drugs are available and are currently used to treat dyslipidemia, the management of lipid abnormalities during the postmenopausal period remains a challenge. Thus, scientists are trying to develop new strategies to reduce serum lipids concentrations using natural products. However, the impact of PS administration on serum lipids in postmenopausal women remains unclear. Hence, the purpose of this study was to assess the effect of PS supplementation on the lipid profile in postmenopausal women based on a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science were searched to identify suitable papers published until January 18, 2022. We combined the effect sizes with the DerSimonian and Laird method using a random effects model. PS supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in TC (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -16.73 mg/dl) and LDL-C (WMD: -10.06 mg/dl) levels. No effect of PS supplementation on TG (WMD: -1.14 mg/dl) or HDL-C (WMD: -0.29 mg/dl) concentrations was detected. In the stratified analysis, there was a notable reduction in TC and LDL-C levels when the PS dose was ≥2 g/day (TC: -22.22 mg/dl and LDL-C: -10.14 mg/dl) and when PS were administered to participants with a body mass index ≥25 kg/m (TC: -20.22 mg/dl and LDL-C: -14.85 mg/dl). PS administration can decrease TC and LDL-C, particularly if the dose of administration is ≥2 g/day and if the participants are overweight or obese. Further high-quality studies are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of PS usage in postmenopausal females.
Topics: Humans; Female; Phytosterols; Cholesterol, LDL; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36180973
DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7646 -
Food & Function Jun 2023Daily intake of phytosterols (PSs) as a diet supplement can lower blood-cholesterol levels and reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases. However, the high... (Review)
Review
Daily intake of phytosterols (PSs) as a diet supplement can lower blood-cholesterol levels and reduce the risks of cardiovascular diseases. However, the high crystallinity, low water solubility, easy oxidizability, and other characteristics of PSs restrict their application and bioavailability in food products. The formulation parameters including the structures of PSs, delivery carriers, and food matrices may play an important role in the release, dissolution, transport, and absorption of PSs in functional foods. In this paper, the effects of formulation parameters, including phytosterol structures, delivery carriers, and food matrices, on the bioavailability of phytosterols are summarized and suggestions are provided for the formulation design of functional foods. The side chain and hydroxyl esterification group of PSs may significantly affect their lipid or water solubilities and micellization capacities, which in turn affect the bioavailability of PSs. Selecting suitable delivery carriers based on the characteristics of the food system can reduce the crystallinity and oxidation of PSs and control the release of PSs, thereby improving the PS stability and delivery efficiency. Moreover, the ingredients of the carriers or food products would also influence the release, solubility, transport, and absorption of PSs in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).
Topics: Phytosterols; Biological Availability; Dietary Supplements; Functional Food; Water
PubMed: 37232095
DOI: 10.1039/d3fo00566f -
Critical Reviews in Food Science and... Jun 2017Phytosterols and phytostanols (PAP) compete with cholesterol absorption in the intestine, resulting in a 5-15%-reduction in plasma total and LDL cholesterol. An... (Review)
Review
Influence of phytosterol and phytostanol food supplementation on plasma liposoluble vitamins and provitamin A carotenoid levels in humans: An updated review of the evidence.
Phytosterols and phytostanols (PAP) compete with cholesterol absorption in the intestine, resulting in a 5-15%-reduction in plasma total and LDL cholesterol. An important issue is the PAP potential to reduce the plasma concentrations of fat-soluble vitamins and provitamin A carotenoids. Here, an update of the scientific evidence is reviewed to evaluate plant PAP-enriched foods impact on plasma fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoid levels, and to discuss potential implications in terms of cardiovascular risk. Based on 49 human interventional and 3 bioavailability studies, results showed that regular consumption, particularly over the long term, of foods fortified with PAP as recommended in labeling does not significantly impact plasma vitamins A, D, and K concentration. A 10% significant median reduction was observed for α-tocopherol. Concerning carotenoids, while 13 studies did not demonstrate statistically significant plasma β-carotene reduction, 20 studies showed significant reductions, with median effect size of -24%. This decline can be mitigated or offset by increased fruits and vegetables consumption. Furthermore, higher cardiovascular risk was observed for differences in plasma β-carotene concentration of the same magnitude as the estimated average decrease by PAP consumption. These results are supported by the only study of β-carotene bioavailability showing decrease in absorption by phytosterols daily intake.
Topics: Carotenoids; Dietary Supplements; Food Analysis; Humans; Phytosterols; Vitamins
PubMed: 26193046
DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2015.1033611 -
Food Chemistry Oct 2024Oleogels are innovative structured fat systems that can replace detrimental lipids and saturated fats. Among the various gelators used to construct oleogels,... (Review)
Review
Oleogels are innovative structured fat systems that can replace detrimental lipids and saturated fats. Among the various gelators used to construct oleogels, phytosterols are regarded as potential oleogelators due to ability to lower blood cholesterol levels and protect patients from cardiovascular illnesses, although little research has been conducted on phytosterols. This article examines the formation, characterization, and application of phytosterol-based oleogels in detail. The oleogelation behaviors of phytosterol-based oleogels are affected by their formulation, which includes phytosterol type, combined oleogelator, proportion, concentration and oil type. These oleogels exhibit potential applications as solid fat substitutes without affecting the texture or sensory properties of food products or as effective delivery vehicles. To encourage the research and implementation of phytosterol-based oleogels, we will ultimately not only highlight problems related to their use in food processing, but also provide a few viewpoints, with the goal of providing fresh insights for advancing trends.
Topics: Phytosterols; Organic Chemicals; Humans; Fat Substitutes
PubMed: 38815329
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.139821 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2004Current progress on the mechanism and substrate recognition by sterol methyl transferase (SMT), the role of mechanism-based inactivators, other inhibitors of SMT action... (Review)
Review
Current progress on the mechanism and substrate recognition by sterol methyl transferase (SMT), the role of mechanism-based inactivators, other inhibitors of SMT action to probe catalysis and phytosterol synthesis is reported. SMT is a membrane-bound enzyme which catalyzes the coupled C-methylation-deprotonation reaction of sterol acceptor molecules generating the 24-alkyl sterol side chains of fungal ergosterol and plant sitosterol. This C-methylation step can be rate-limiting in the post-lanosterol (fungal) or post-cycloartenol (plant) pathways. A series of sterol analogs designed to impair SMT activity irreversibly have provided deep insight into the C-methylation reaction and topography of the SMT active site and as reviewed provide leads for the development of antifungal agents.
Topics: Binding Sites; Catalysis; Cell Membrane; Enzyme Inhibitors; Fungal Proteins; Isoenzymes; Methyltransferases; Molecular Conformation; Molecular Structure; Phytosterols; Plant Proteins; Structure-Activity Relationship; Substrate Specificity
PubMed: 18007423
DOI: 10.3390/90400185 -
Food Chemistry Dec 2023Structuring liquid oils into edible oleogels from natural and abundant plant ingredients has great significance in fields ranging from foods to pharmaceuticals but has...
Structuring liquid oils into edible oleogels from natural and abundant plant ingredients has great significance in fields ranging from foods to pharmaceuticals but has proven challenging. Herein, novel bicomponent phytosterol-based oleogels were developed with natural phenolics. Investigating diverse natural phenolics, cinnamic acid (CA) and ethyl ferulate (EF) successfully formed oleogels in combination with phytosterols (PS), where a synergistic effect on the oleogelation and crystallization was observed compared to the corresponding single component formulations. FTIR and UV-vis spectra showed that the gel network was primarily driven by hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking. Furthermore, oscillatory shear demonstrated oleogels featured higher elastic and network structure deformation at molar ratio of 5:5 and 3:7. Moreover, the bicomponent phytosterol-based oleogels displayed partially reversible shear deformation and a reversible solid-liquid transition. Such information was useful for engineering the functional properties of oleogel-based lipidic materials, providing significance for the application in foods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals industries.
Topics: Phytosterols; Organic Chemicals; Phenols; Pharmaceutical Preparations
PubMed: 37487391
DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2023.136895 -
Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders Jun 2021Hypercaloric diets induce oxidative stress, and consequently induce hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Thus, oxidative stress is significantly increased...
Hypercaloric diets induce oxidative stress, and consequently induce hyperglycemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Thus, oxidative stress is significantly increased in T2DM, leading to oxidative damage to brain, which might contribute to cognitive deficits and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, reducing the oxidative stress is important to preserving cognitive functions, and it has been suggested that phytosterols may reduce the oxidative stress. The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of phytosterols derived from corn on oxidative damage in the cerebellum, frontal cortex, and hippocampus of diabetic mice. A phytosterol extract was isolated from yellow corn () and 100 mg/kg of the extract was administrated daily to diabetic mice for 8 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, tissues were isolated to determine the levels of oxidized lipid and protein. The phytosterol treatment increased body weight in diabetic mice, but this treatment did not have any effects on body weight in wild-type mice. Moreover, the phytosterol treatment decreased levels of oxidized lipids in the cerebellum, frontal cortex, and hippocampus, and also decreased the levels of oxidized proteins in the cerebellum and frontal cortex in diabetic mice. These important results show that phytosterol treatment can reduce oxidative damage in the brains of diabetic mice.
Topics: Animals; Brain; Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental; Mice; Oxidative Stress; Phytosterols; Plant Extracts
PubMed: 33646054
DOI: 10.1089/met.2020.0081 -
Critical Reviews in Biochemistry and... 1999
Review
Topics: Kinetics; Microsomes; Models, Biological; Phytosterols; Plant Proteins; S-Adenosylmethionine; Stigmasterol; Time Factors; Transferases; Triterpenes
PubMed: 10333386
DOI: 10.1080/10409239991209219 -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Nov 2020Phytosterols are bioactive compounds that are naturally present in plant cell membranes with chemical structure similar to the mammalian cell- derived cholesterol. They... (Review)
Review
Phytosterols are bioactive compounds that are naturally present in plant cell membranes with chemical structure similar to the mammalian cell- derived cholesterol. They are highly present in lipid-rich plant foods such as nuts, seed, legumes and olive oil. Among various phytosterols, β-sitosterol (SIT) is the major compound, found plentiful in plants. It has been evidenced in many in-vitro and in-vivo studies that SIT possesses various biological actions such as anxiolytic & sedative effects, analgesic, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti - inflammatory, lipid lowering effect, hepatoprotective, protective effect against NAFLD and respiratory diseases, wound healing effect, antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities. In this review, in order to compile the sources, characterization, biosynthesis, pharmacokinetics, antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities of SIT, classical and online-literature were studied which includes the electronic search (Sci Finder, Pubmed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science etc) and books on photochemistry. The experimental studies on SIT gives a clear evidence that the potential phytosterol can be used as supplements to fight against life threatening diseases. High potential of this compound, classifies it as the notable drug of the future. Therefore, immense researches regarding its action at molecular level on life threatening diseases in humans are highly endorsed.
Topics: Animals; Antioxidants; Diabetes Mellitus; Dietary Supplements; Humans; Sitosterols
PubMed: 32882583
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110702 -
The American Journal of Clinical... Feb 2024Phytosterols are structurally similar to cholesterol and partially inhibit intestinal absorption of cholesterol, although their impact on coronary artery disease (CAD)...
BACKGROUND
Phytosterols are structurally similar to cholesterol and partially inhibit intestinal absorption of cholesterol, although their impact on coronary artery disease (CAD) risk remains to be elucidated.
OBJECTIVES
This study aimed to prospectively assess the associations between total and individual phytosterol intake and CAD risk in United States health professionals.
METHODS
The analysis included 213,992 participants from 3 prospective cohorts-the Nurses' Health Study (NHS), NHSII, and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study-without cardiovascular disease or cancer at baseline. Diet was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire every 2-4 y since baseline. Associations between phytosterol intake and the risk of CAD, such as nonfatal myocardial infarction and fatal CAD, were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression models.
RESULTS
More than 5,517,993 person-years, 8725 cases with CAD were documented. Comparing extreme quintiles, pooled hazard ratios (95% CIs) of CAD were 0.93 (0.86, 1.01; P-trend = 0.16) for total phytosterols, 0.89 (0.82, 0.96; P-trend = 0.05) for campesterol, 0.95 (0.88, 1.02; P-trend = 0.10) for stigmasterol, and 0.92 (0.85, 1.00; P-trend = 0.09) for β-sitosterol. Nonlinear associations were observed for total phytosterols, campesterol, and β-sitosterol: the risk reduction plateaued at intakes above ∼180, 30, and 130 mg/d, respectively (P-nonlinearity < 0.001). In a subset of participants (N range between 11,983 and 22,039), phytosterol intake was inversely associated with plasma concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and IL-6 and positively associated with adiponectin, whereas no significant associations were observed for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol or C-reactive protein concentrations.
CONCLUSIONS
Higher long-term intake of total and major subtypes of phytosterols may be associated with a modest reduction in CAD risk, displaying a nonlinear relationship that plateau at moderate intake levels. The role of phytosterols in preventing CAD warrants further investigation.
Topics: Humans; Coronary Artery Disease; Prospective Studies; Follow-Up Studies; Phytosterols; Cholesterol
PubMed: 38042410
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.11.020