Phytosterols: Physiological Functions and Potential Application

Dietary intake of natural substances to regulate physiological functions is currently regarded as a potential way of promoting health. As one of the recommended dietary ingredients, phytosterols that are natural bioactive compounds distributed in plants have received increasing attention for their health effects. Phytosterols have attracted great attention from scientists because of many physiological functions, for example, cholesterol-lowering, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects. In addition, the physiological functions of phytosterols, the purification, structure analysis, synthesis, and food application of phytosterols have been widely studied. Nowadays, many bioactivities of phytosterols have been assessed in vivo and in vitro. However, the mechanisms of their pharmacological activities are not yet fully understood, and in-depth investigation of the relationship between structure and function is crucial. Therefore, a contemporaneous overview of the extraction, beneficial properties, and the mechanisms, as well as the current states of phytosterol application, in the food field of phytosterols is provided in this review.

• Publication year

  2024

• Venue

  Foods

• Publication date

  2024-06-01

• Fields of study

  Agricultural and Food Sciences, Medicine

• Identifiers
  DOI 10.3390/foods13111754PMID 38890982PMCID 11171835
• External record

  Open on Semantic Scholar

• Source metadata

  Semantic Scholar, PubMed

• No claims are published for this paper.

• No concepts are published for this paper.

• A narrative review on extraction techniques of phytosterols and their applications in food industry

  2023cited by this paper
• Phytosterols in rice bran and their health benefits

  2023cited by this paper
• Effects of food formulation on bioavailability of phytosterols: phytosterol structures, delivery carriers, and food matrices.

  2023cited by this paper
• β-Sitosterol as a Promising Anticancer Agent for Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy: Mechanisms of Action and Future Prospects

  2023cited by this paper
• Effect of Gut Microbiota on Blood Cholesterol: A Review on Mechanisms

  2023cited by this paper
• Production, Characterization, Delivery, and Cholesterol-Lowering Mechanism of Phytosterols: A Review.

  2022cited by this paper
• Stigmasterol attenuates inflammatory response of microglia via NF-κB and NLRP3 signaling by AMPK activation.

  2022cited by this paper
• Light cream cheese spread of goat milk enriched with phytosterols: Physicochemical, rheological, and microbiological characterization

  2022cited by this paper
• Cylindropuntia cholla aqueous root rich in phytosterols enhanced immune response and antimicrobial activity in tilapia Oreochromis niloticus leukocytes.

  2022cited by this paper
• LXRs/ABCA1 activation contribute to the anti-inflammatory role of phytosterols on LPS-induced acute lung injury

  2022cited by this paper
• Simultaneous extraction of sunflower oil and active compounds from olive leaves using pressurized propane

  2022cited by this paper
• Techniques for extraction, characterization, and application of oil from sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) seed: a review

  2022cited by this paper
• Health Benefits and Pharmacological Properties of Stigmasterol

  2022cited by this paper
• Regulation of cholesterol homeostasis in health and diseases: from mechanisms to targeted therapeutics

  2022cited by this paper
• Multiomic Analyses Reveal the Effects of Supplementing Phytosterols on the Metabolic Function of the Rumen Microbiota in Perinatal Cows

  2022cited by this paper
• Phytosterol: nutritional significance, health benefits, and its uses in poultry and livestock nutrition

  2022cited by this paper
• Anti-inflammatory effect of lentil hull (Lens culinaris) extract via MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways and effects of digestive products on intestinal barrier and inflammation in Caco-2 and Raw264.7 co-culture

  2022cited by this paper
• Anti-diabetic Potential of a Stigmasterol From the Seaweed Gelidium spinosum and Its Application in the Formulation of Nanoemulsion Conjugate for the Development of Functional Biscuits

  2021cited by this paper
• Three phytosterols from sweet potato inhibit MCF7-xenograft-tumor growth through modulating gut microbiota homeostasis and SCFAs secretion.

  2021cited by this paper
• Phytosterols, Cholesterol Control, and Cardiovascular Disease

  2021cited by this paper
• Independent and opposing associations of dietary phytosterols intake and PLCE1 rs2274223 polymorphisms on esophageal squamous cell carcinoma risk

  2021cited by this paper
• Transeterification of a Mixture of Vegetable Fats with the Addition of Phytosterols

  2021influential reference
• Phytosterols in edible oil: Distribution, analysis and variation during processing

  2021cited by this paper
• Molecular docking of phytosterols in Stenochlaena palustris as anti-breast cancer

  2021cited by this paper
• Phytosterols: Potential Metabolic Modulators in Neurodegenerative Diseases

  2021cited by this paper
• Biological and pharmacological effects and nutritional impact of phytosterols: A comprehensive review

  2021cited by this paper
• The dopaminergic neuroprotective effects of different phytosterols identified in rice bran and rice bran oil.

  2021cited by this paper
• A review on chemical and physical modifications of phytosterols and their influence on bioavailability and safety

  2021influential reference
• Stigmasterol Simultaneously Induces Apoptosis and Protective Autophagy by Inhibiting Akt/mTOR Pathway in Gastric Cancer Cells

  2021cited by this paper
• Dammarane triterpenes and phytosterols from Dysoxylum tpongense Pierre and their anti-inflammatory activity against liver X receptors and NF-κB activation.

  2021cited by this paper
• Flaxseed-derived peptide, IPPF, inhibits intestinal cholesterol absorption in Caco-2 cells and hepatic cholesterol synthesis in HepG2 cells.

  2021cited by this paper
• On the peroxyl radical scavenging ability of β‐sitosterol in lipid media: A theoretical study

  2020cited by this paper
• Stigmasterol Causes Ovarian Cancer Cell Apoptosis by Inducing Endoplasmic Reticulum and Mitochondrial Dysfunction

  2020cited by this paper
• Spent coffee grounds: A potential commercial source of phytosterols.

  2020influential reference
• Phytosterols of marine algae: Insights into the potential health benefits and molecular pharmacology.

  2020cited by this paper
• Differences between phytosterols with different structures in regulating cholesterol synthesis, transport and metabolism in Caco-2 cells

  2020cited by this paper
• Phytosterols and phytostanols and the hallmarks of cancer in model organisms: A systematic review and meta-analysis

  2020cited by this paper
• Nanostructured lipid carriers loaded with free phytosterols for food applications.

  2019cited by this paper
• In Vitro Bioaccessibility of Low-Crystallinity Phytosterol Nanoparticles Generated Using Nanoporous Starch Bioaerogels.

  2019cited by this paper
• Dietary supplementation of soybean-derived sterols regulates cholesterol metabolism and intestinal microbiota in hamsters

  2019cited by this paper
• Recovery of sterols from vegetable oil distillate by enzymatic and non-enzymatic processes

  2019cited by this paper
• The Role of the Antioxidant Response in Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Degenerative Diseases: Cross-Talk between Antioxidant Defense, Autophagy, and Apoptosis

  2019cited by this paper
• Controlled release and macrophage polarizing activity of cold-pressed rice bran oil in a niosome system.

  2019cited by this paper
• Optimization of the condition of phytosterol extraction conditions from microalgae nannochloropsis using ethanol of different purity levels

  2019cited by this paper
• A novel phytosterol isolated from Datura inoxia, RinoxiaB is a potential cure colon cancer agent by targeting BAX/Bcl2 pathway.

  2019cited by this paper
• Phytosterols and inflammation.

  2019cited by this paper
• The impact of phytosterols on the healthy and diseased brain.

  2019cited by this paper
• Phytosterols Suppress Phagocytosis and Inhibit Inflammatory Mediators via ERK Pathway on LPS-Triggered Inflammatory Responses in RAW264.7 Macrophages and the Correlation with Their Structure

  2019cited by this paper
• Phytosterol Contents of Edible Oils and Their Contributions to Estimated Phytosterol Intake in the Chinese Diet

  2019cited by this paper
• Effect of cold-press and soxhlet extraction on fatty acids, tocopherols and sterol contents of the Moringa seed oils

  2019cited by this paper
• The Protective Effect of Dietary Phytosterols on Cancer Risk: A Systematic Meta-Analysis

  2019cited by this paper
• Carboxylated phytosterol derivative-introduced liposomes for skin environment-responsive transdermal drug delivery system

  2018cited by this paper
• Phytosterols and their derivatives: Structural diversity, distribution, metabolism, analysis, and health-promoting uses.

  2018cited by this paper
• ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF β-SITOSTEROL FROM ELAEAGNUS ANGUSTIFOLIA CULTIVATED IN IRAQ

  2018cited by this paper
• Techniques for the extraction of phytosterols and their benefits in human health: a review

  2018influential reference
• Structural Related Effects of Natural Steroid Molecules on Cholesterol Crystallization in Model Bile and Ethanol

  2018cited by this paper
• Molecular Pathways Underlying Cholesterol Homeostasis

  2018cited by this paper
• Antibacterial and antifungal activity of phytosterols and methyl dehydroabietate of Norway spruce bark extracts.

  2018cited by this paper
• Apoptotic effect of a phytosterol-ingredient and its main phytosterol (β-sitosterol) in human cancer cell lines

  2018cited by this paper
• Ergosterol peroxide from marine fungus Phoma sp. induces ROS-dependent apoptosis and autophagy in human lung adenocarcinoma cells

  2018cited by this paper
• Plant Sterols: Chemical and Enzymatic Structural Modifications and Effects on Their Cholesterol-Lowering Activity.

  2018cited by this paper
• Retrospective on Cholesterol Homeostasis: The Central Role of Scap.

  2018cited by this paper
• Mass Spectrometric Approaches for the Analysis of Phytosterols in Biological Samples.

  2017cited by this paper
• Safe intake of a plant sterol-enriched beverage with milk fat globule membrane: Bioaccessibility of sterol oxides during storage

  2017cited by this paper
• Phytosterols as a natural anticancer agent: Current status and future perspective.

  2017cited by this paper
• The effects of phytosterols on the sexual behavior and reproductive function in the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

  2017cited by this paper
• Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction-linked neurodegenerative disorders

  2017cited by this paper
• The Lipid-lowering Effects and Associated Mechanisms of Dietary Phytosterol Supplementation.

  2017cited by this paper
• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Fluorescence Detection for Simultaneous Analysis of Phytosterols (Stigmasterol, β-Sitosterol, Campesterol, Ergosterol, and Fucosterol) and Cholesterol in Plant Foods

  2017cited by this paper
• High Cholesterol/Low Cholesterol: Effects in Biological Membranes: A Review

  2017cited by this paper
• Antiproliferative effect of plant sterols at colonic concentrations on Caco-2 cells

  2017cited by this paper
• Plant Sterol Esters in Extruded Food Model Inhibits Colon Carcinogenesis by Suppressing Inflammation and Stimulating Apoptosis

  2017cited by this paper
• Functional analysis of the MAPK pathways in fungi.

  2017cited by this paper
• Thermal stability of plant sterols and formation of their oxidation products in vegetable oils and margarines upon controlled heating.

  2017cited by this paper
• Inhibition of cholesterol transport in an intestine cell model by pine-derived phytosterols.

  2016cited by this paper
• Obesity and inflammation: the linking mechanism and the complications

  2016cited by this paper
• Revisiting Human Cholesterol Synthesis and Absorption: The Reciprocity Paradigm and its Key Regulators

  2016cited by this paper
• Effect of Transition Metal Ions on the B Ring Oxidation of Sterols and their Kinetics in Oil-in-Water Emulsions

  2016cited by this paper
• Single frequency intake of α-linolenic acid rich phytosterol esters attenuates atherosclerosis risk factors in hamsters fed a high fat diet

  2016cited by this paper
• Phytosterol oxidation products (POP) in foods with added phytosterols and estimation of their daily intake: A literature review

  2016cited by this paper
• Unsaturated lipid matrices protect plant sterols from degradation during heating treatment.

  2016cited by this paper
• Effects of phytosterols on markers of inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

  2016cited by this paper
• Bioactivity of Phytosterols and Their Production in Plant in Vitro Cultures.

  2016cited by this paper
• In vitro modulation of the innate immune response and phagocytosis by three Hypoxis spp. and their phytosterols

  2016cited by this paper
• Antioxidant activities of novel galloyl phytosterols evaluated by human erythrocytes with the aid of confocal microscopy imaging

  2016cited by this paper
• Phytosterol nanoparticles with reduced crystallinity generated using nanoporous starch aerogels

  2016cited by this paper
• Structures of Phytosterols and Triterpenoids with Potential Anti-Cancer Activity in Bran of Black Non-Glutinous Rice

  2015cited by this paper
• An acute intake of plant stanol esters alters immune-related pathways in the jejunum of healthy volunteers.

  2015cited by this paper
• Folate mediated self-assembled phytosterol-alginate nanoparticles for targeted intracellular anticancer drug delivery.

  2015cited by this paper
• Plasma cholesterol-raising potency of dietary free cholesterol versus cholesteryl ester and effect of β-sitosterol.

  2015cited by this paper
• Cholesterol and stigmasterol within a sunflower oil matrix: Thermal degradation and oxysterols formation.

  2015cited by this paper
• Acute Intake of Plant Stanol Esters Induces Changes in Lipid and Lipoprotein Metabolism-Related Gene Expression in the Liver and Intestines of Mice

  2015cited by this paper
• Role of Phytosterols in Cancer Prevention and Treatment.

  2015cited by this paper
• Effect of Microwave Heating on Phytosterol Oxidation.

  2015cited by this paper
• Anti-proliferative effect of main dietary phytosterols and β-cryptoxanthin alone or combined in human colon cancer Caco-2 cells through cytosolic Ca+2 – and oxidative stress-induced apoptosis

  2015cited by this paper
• Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease: From Pathogenesis to Therapeutic Target

  2014cited by this paper
• β‐Sitosterol Enhances Cellular Glutathione Redox Cycling by Reactive Oxygen Species Generated From Mitochondrial Respiration: Protection Against Oxidant Injury in H9c2 Cells and Rat Hearts

  2014cited by this paper
• 24-Branched Δ5 sterols from Laurencia papillosa red seaweed with antibacterial activity against human pathogenic bacteria.

  2014cited by this paper
• Biological activities of Schottenol and Spinasterol, two natural phytosterols present in argan oil and in cactus pear seed oil, on murine miroglial BV2 cells.

  2014cited by this paper
• Algal sterols are as effective as β-sitosterol in reducing plasma cholesterol concentration.

  2014cited by this paper

• Ultrasound-assisted ethanol extraction of lipids and functional compounds from Portuguese Hass avocado by-products for biotechnological applications

  2026cites this paper
• Amelioration of salt stress in broccoli seeds by an innovative biostimulant based on orange carrot cell cultures

  2026cites this paper
• Natural sources of bioactive compounds: recent advances in isolation, functionalization, and health benefits.

  2026cites this paper
• Phytochemicals from corn plant as Anti-Inflammatory Agents: Molecular Insights and Therapeutic Perspectives

  2026cites this paper
• Phytochemical Analysis of Cassia fistula L. Leaf Extract

  2026cites this paper
• Anticancer Molecular Mechanisms of Phytosterols: An Updated Review on Clinical Trials.

  2026cites this paper
• In-vitro and in-silico anti-staphylococcal effects of the Mayan medicinal plant Krugiodendron ferreum (Vahl) Urb. (X-chintok): Disarming its resistance mechanisms and virulence factors.

  2026cites this paper
• Herbal Immunostimulants and Their Phytochemicals: Exploring Morinda citrifolia, Echinacea purpurea, and Phyllanthus niruri

  2025cites this paper
• Synergistic effects of copper oxide-stigmasterol nanoparticles: a novel therapeutic strategy for oral pathogen biofilms and oral cancer

  2025cites this paper
• β-sitosterol suppresses fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor receptors to induce apoptosis and inhibit migration in lung cancer: an in vitro study.

  2025cites this paper
• Extraction of Oil from Allium iranicum Seed and Evaluation of Its Composition and Quality Characteristics

  2025cites this paper
• Gluten-Free Snacks with Micronized and Freeze-Dried Red Potatoes: Nutritional and Pro-Health Values

  2025cites this paper
• Fruit and Fruit-Derived Products of Selected Sambucus Plants as a Source of Phytosterols and Triterpenoids

  2025cites this paper
• Synergistic Antimicrobial Effects of Coffee Green Extract and Oil Microemulsions Enhanced by Photodynamic Therapy: A Strategy Against Antibiotic Resistance

  2025cites this paper
• Comprehensive analysis of phytochemicals in Aporosa cardiosperma (Gaertn.) Merr root: chromatographic techniques and experimental insights.

  2025cites this paper
• Phytosterols: Extraction Methods, Analytical Techniques, and Biological Activity

  2025cites this paper
• Enhancing Doxorubicin Efficacy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Multi-Target Role of Muscari comosum Extract

  2025cites this paper
• Composite egg yolk proteins-stabilized high internal phase Pickering emulsions via ultrasonic treatment for phytosterol ester delivery

  2025cites this paper
• Nano-Encapsulated Phytosterols Ameliorate Hypercholesterolemia in Mice via Dual Modulation of Cholesterol Metabolism Pathways

  2025cites this paper
• Extraction of apricot kernel skin oil and analysis of its nutritional composition

  2025cites this paper
• Unveiling the approach of campesterol: Its application and circular bio-economy

  2025cites this paper
• Phytosterols as modulators of gut-brain axis and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease: A novel therapeutic avenue in aging research.

  2025cites this paper
• Centella asiatica: Advances in Extraction Technologies, Phytochemistry, and Therapeutic Applications

  2025cites this paper
• Redox Signaling Disruption and Antioxidants in Toxicology: From Precision Therapy to Potential Hazards

  2025cites this paper
• Bioactive Plant-Derived Compounds as Novel Perspectives in Oral Cancer Alternative Therapy

  2025cites this paper
• Decoding the diet-inflammation nexus: ferroptosis as a therapeutic target

  2025cites this paper
• Evaluation of the nutritional qualities of flaxseeds from five main producing areas in China

  2025cites this paper
• Health Benefits of Phytosterols in the Management of Several Non‐Communicable Disorders

  2025influential citation
• Impact of phytosterol supplementation on metabolic syndrome factors: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials

  2025cites this paper
• Phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of the genus Chamaecrista: a systematic review

  2025cites this paper
• Lipidomics-Based Analysis of the Regulatory Effects of Phytosterol Esters on Lactation Performance and Lipid Metabolism in Tarim Bactrian camels

  2025influential citation
• Antioxidant, Neuroprotective, and Antinociceptive Effects of Peruvian Black Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.)

  2025cites this paper
• Anti‐Inflammatory, Antioxidant, Molecular Docking and Pharmacokinetics Properties of Cycloeucalenone Isolated From Musa × paradisiaca L. Fruit Peels

  2025cites this paper
• Divergent Conversion Efficiencies of Mycobacterium sp. 191574 for Various Phytosterols and Their Underlying Mechanisms

  2025cites this paper
• Development of a Mixed-Strain Fermentation Process for Sour Pomegranate: An Analysis of Metabolites and Flavor Compounds

  2025cites this paper
• The Molecular Pharmacology of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): A Review of its Historical Use and Current Understanding

  2025cites this paper
• Mechanism and Potential of Aqueous Enzymatic Extraction for Constructing Green Production System for Lipids and Proteins

  2025cites this paper
• Bioactive metabolites from algae: occurrence, extraction techniques, functional properties, food applications and therapeutic prospects

  2025cites this paper
• Reimagining invasive weeds through a preliminary antibacterial and phytochemical evaluation of Ipomoea purpurea (L.) Roth floral and seed ethereal extracts

  2025cites this paper
• Natural Phytosterols as the Nutraceuticals or Functional Agents: Insights Into Structure-Activity Relationship.

  2025cites this paper
• Therapeutic and cosmetic potential of Rosaceae oils: comparative analysis of Japanese quince seed oil, rosehip oil, and apricot kernel oil

  2025cites this paper
• A systematic review on phytochemical constituents, pharmacological properties and ethnic uses of Ailanthus excelsa Roxb

  2025cites this paper
• Stage-Specific Lipidomes of Gastrodia elata Extracellular Vesicles Modulate Fungal Symbiosis

  2025cites this paper
• Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis): Potential Bioactivity, Extraction Methods, and Microencapsulation Techniques

  2025cites this paper
• Neuroprotective effects of phytochemicals through autophagy modulation in ischemic stroke

  2025cites this paper
• Genomics of sterols biosynthesis in plants: Current status and future prospects.

  2025cites this paper
• Associations of excessive gestational weight gain with changes in components of maternal reverse cholesterol transport and neonatal outcomes

  2025cites this paper
• Exploration of the chemical composition, structural properties and efficient extraction method of Fructus cinnamomi kernel oil: an underexplored natural high lauric acid lipid

  2025cites this paper
• Larvicidal Efficacy of Chloris virgata Extracts Against Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi, and Culex quinquefasciatus with Insights into Mode of Action via Molecular Docking

  2025cites this paper
• Structure–Function Relationships and Health-Promoting Properties of the Main Nutraceuticals of the Cactus Pear (Opuntia spp.) Cladodes: A Review

  2024cites this paper
• Dietary phytosterols induce infertility in female mice via epigenomic modulations

  2024cites this paper