NAVIGATION
Sterols are ringed lipids which base on perhydrocyclopentanophenanthrene. The tetracyclic structure is uniquely compact and rigid. The unesterified molecule has only one polar site, the hydroxyl on the number 3 carbon. When it is esterified to an acyl group, usually oleic acid, the cholesteryl ester is extremely hydrophobic. The free hydroxyl enables the cholesterol molecule to orient in membranes, a major function of cholesterol.
Figure 1. Basic structure of sterol
Sterols are found in almost all living organisms. They are present in vertebrates, invertebrates, green plants, fungi and yeasts and they have been identified in very small amounts in some bacteria.
For people with high cholesterol, phytosterols can promote cholesterol alienation, inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis in the liver, and inhibit cholesterol absorption in the intestinal tract. Cholesterol is also an important component of cell membranes and is involved in the transport of lipids in the blood.
Figure 2. Application in preventing cardiovascular diseases
Phytosterols have the function of blocking carcinogens to induce the formation of cancer cells. β-sitosterols and other plant sterols have a certain degree of inhibition on the occurrence of colorectal cancer, skin cancer and cervical cancer.
Figure 3. Application in cancer inhibiting
Adrenal glucocorticoids can raise blood sugar levels. And some sterols can promote the absorption of calcium and phosphorus in human and animal intestines.
Figure 4. Application in metabolism promotion
Phytosterols can show certain hormone activity in the body, but they have no side effects of hormones. When the human hormone level is higher than the normal value, the phytosterol will "work", showing its effect of hindering the absorption of bile hormones and reducing the level of human hormones, When the level of human hormones is lower than the normal value.
Figure 5. Application in balancing hormone
Alfa Chemistry offers a variety of sterols for customers to choose from.
