β-Sitosterol: Predominant Phytosterol of Therapeutic Potential

In plant cell membranes, there is a group of naturally occurring compounds referred to as phytosterols (plant sterol and stanol esters). Phytosterols are structurally similar to cholesterol, occurring in plants and vary in absence or presence of a double bond in carbon side chain. These phytosterols does not produce undesirable side effects and are generally recognized as safe (GRAS). There are around more than 200 sterols, and allied compounds have been identified. The plants exclusively made the most predominant phytosterol that is β-sitosterol, a white waxy powder in its pure form. A deoxyxylulose and mevalonate pathway promotes its biological synthesis. It is majorly found in plant kingdom (nuts and seeds, fruits, fresh vegetables, and higher concentration in unrefined plant oils such as flaxseed, olive, canola, corn, and sesame oil). Some clinical and preclinical studies suggest that β-sitosterol provides many significant health benefits. It lowers the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) and reduces the risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, and atherosclerosis, preventing many types of cancers along with supporting body’s natural recovery process. This review article is aimed at the chemistry of β-sitosterol, biosynthetic pathways, and their metabolism along with wide-range pharmacological and therapeutic applications.