![]() When discussing the role of phytosterols in diet, several fundamental aspects affecting their clinical efficiency are considered, including factors associated with the delivery of phytosterols, food matrix, dosage, frequency of intake, and chemical forms of these compounds, i.e., sterols or stanols. Most studies about the supplement of phytosterols are devoted to their efficacy in lowering of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The latter makes them structurally similar to pregnenolone, which is a fundamental molecule for all 17-ketosteroids generation. Sterols are chemical compounds based on 1,2-cyclopentaneperhydrophenantrene and are characterized by hydroxyl moiety at the 3C position and the side chain at the 17C position. Plant sterols are inherent compounds of many nutritional supplements and food additives. However, the world of plant sterols is significantly wider if we consider the thousands of publications released over the past 10 years. Most of our knowledge is limited to their cholesterol-lowering influence and protective effect against cardiovascular disease. We encounter plant sterols everywhere: in food, in pharmacy, in cosmetics, but still know little about their diverse properties and, hence, their exact impact on our life. ![]() Some investigations and reports warn about anabolic effect of sterols, however, there are many researchers who are reluctant to believe in and have strong opposing arguments. There are also tremendous reports about the natural origination of mammalian steroid hormones in plants and corresponding receptors for their binding. Some products of sterols metabolization are capable to imitate resident human steroids and compete with them for the binding with corresponding receptors, thus affecting endocrine balance and entire physiology condition. However, possible biotransformation to steroids that can be catalyzed by gastro-intestinal microflora, microbial cells in prebiotics or cytochromes system were repeatedly reported. In fact, there are no receptors for binding with sterols in mammalians. ![]() ![]() The way of plant sterols transformation and their benefits for humans is still a question under the massive continuing revision. ![]()
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