Phytosterols: Beneficial effects

Abstract

Phytosterols (PS) are plant sterols and stanols widely distributed in plant sources that resemble cholesterol in terms of structure and physiological functions. The cholesterol-lowering capacity of PS is well documented in animal and human studies. However, recent studies suggest that the beneficial effects of PS are not only limited to their hypocholesterolemic capacity as they can also act as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic agents. Further, there is a growing body of evidence which supports that they play an important role in the prevention of other diseases such as cancer and atherosclerosis. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which PS exert their beneficial functions, the physiological relevance of PS, and their potential adverse effects are not yet fully understood. Therefore, the main aim of this chapter is to provide a contemporaneous overview of the beneficial properties of PS, their mechanism of action, and safety.