Plant Squalene And Phytosterols Complex
Also known as: Phytosterols, Plant sterols, Plant stanols, Squalene, Triterpene hydrocarbon, β-sitosterol, Campesterol, Stigmasterol
Overview
Plant Squalene and Phytosterols Complex combines two lipid-based bioactive compounds: squalene and phytosterols. Phytosterols, including β-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol, are plant-derived sterols structurally similar to cholesterol. They are found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes. Phytosterols are primarily used to lower blood cholesterol levels, especially LDL cholesterol, to reduce cardiovascular risk by competitively inhibiting intestinal cholesterol absorption. Squalene, a natural triterpene hydrocarbon found in shark liver oil, olive oil, and amaranth oil, is studied for its antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory effects, as well as its role as a precursor in cholesterol biosynthesis. While phytosterols have a well-established evidence base for cholesterol management, research on squalene's clinical benefits is more preliminary.
Benefits
Phytosterols significantly reduce total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in individuals with hypercholesterolemia. Meta-analyses show a weighted mean difference of approximately -0.37 mmol/L for TC and LDL-C with phytosterol intake, without affecting HDL-C or triglycerides. This LDL-C reduction is clinically meaningful, potentially reducing cardiovascular risk. Benefits typically manifest within weeks to months of consistent intake. Phytosterols also exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and potential anticancer effects in preclinical studies, including induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in various cancer cell lines. Squalene has antioxidant properties and may support skin health and immune function, though clinical data are limited.
How it works
Phytosterols reduce intestinal cholesterol absorption by competing with dietary and biliary cholesterol for incorporation into micelles, leading to decreased cholesterol uptake and increased excretion. They primarily act in the gastrointestinal tract but influence systemic lipid profiles by targeting cholesterol transporters and micelle formation in enterocytes. Squalene is an intermediate in the mevalonate pathway, leading to cholesterol and other sterol synthesis. It may exert antioxidant effects systemically and modulate cellular oxidative stress. Phytosterols have low systemic absorption (<2%), acting mainly locally in the gut, while squalene is absorbed and distributed but rapidly metabolized.
Side effects
Phytosterols are generally safe and well-tolerated at recommended doses (1.5–3 g/day). Common side effects include mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating or diarrhea. Rare side effects include allergic reactions. Some concerns exist regarding potential vascular toxicity at very high serum phytosterol levels, primarily from animal studies, but these are rare. No major drug interactions have been reported, though phytosterols may modestly affect the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Individuals with sitosterolemia, a rare genetic disorder causing phytosterol accumulation, should avoid phytosterol supplementation. Safety in pregnancy and lactation is not well established. In vitro studies suggest potential cytotoxicity in endothelial cells at high concentrations, but the clinical relevance is unclear.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of phytosterols is approximately 1.5 grams per day to achieve cholesterol-lowering effects. The typical dosage range for lipid management is 1.5 to 3 grams per day. Doses up to 3 grams per day are considered safe; higher doses have not been well studied. Phytosterols are best taken with meals to maximize interference with dietary cholesterol absorption. They are available in fortified foods, capsules, and tablets; efficacy is similar across forms if the dose is consistent. Fat-containing meals enhance phytosterol efficacy. No specific cofactors are required, but a balanced diet is recommended.
FAQs
Are phytosterols safe for long-term use?
Yes, long-term use up to 3 g/day is generally safe in healthy individuals without sitosterolemia.
How quickly do phytosterols lower cholesterol?
Effects can be seen within 2–3 weeks, stabilizing after several months of consistent intake.
Can phytosterols replace statins?
They are adjuncts, not replacements, especially in high-risk patients needing aggressive lipid lowering.
Do phytosterols affect HDL or triglycerides?
No significant effect on HDL cholesterol or triglycerides has been consistently observed in studies.
Is squalene effective for cholesterol lowering?
Squalene is not established as a cholesterol-lowering agent; its role is more in antioxidant and skin health contexts.
Research Sources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36891733/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs on phytosterols in hypercholesterolemia patients found significant reductions in total cholesterol and LDL-C with no effect on HDL-C or triglycerides. The high-quality evidence with low heterogeneity supports phytosterols as effective lipid-lowering agents.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/4/828 – This systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed the lipid-lowering effects of phytosterols and explored genetic factors influencing their metabolism. It highlighted potential benefits but also noted variability in individual responses to phytosterol supplementation.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.599959/full – This preclinical and mechanistic review demonstrated that phytosterols induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in cancer cell lines, suggesting chemopreventive potential. The authors note that clinical relevance requires further RCTs to confirm these findings in human populations.
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/30/4/404/413866 – This article discusses potential vascular cytotoxicity at high phytosterol levels based on in vitro and animal studies. However, it also notes that human clinical data do not confirm this risk, and regulatory agencies generally consider phytosterols safe at recommended doses.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1537/plant-sterols – This WebMD page provides general information about plant sterols, including their uses, effectiveness, and safety. It serves as a basic overview of plant sterols for the general public.
