Advances and Challenges in Plant Sterol Research: Fundamentals, Analysis, Applications and Production

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2023

Authors

Evtyugin, DD (Author) Other; Evtuguin, DV (Author) Other; Susana Casal (Author) FFUP; Domingues, MR (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Molecules

Vol. 28 No. 3

Final page: 6526

ISSN: 1420-3049

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Z-0RQ

DOI: 10.3390/molecules28186526

Abstract (EN): Plant sterols (PS) are cholesterol-like terpenoids widely spread in the kingdom Plantae. Being the target of extensive research for more than a century, PS have topped with evidence of having beneficial effects in healthy subjects and applications in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. However, many gaps in several fields of PS's research still hinder their widespread practical applications. In fact, many of the mechanisms associated with PS supplementation and their health benefits are still not fully elucidated. Furthermore, compared to cholesterol data, many complex PS chemical structures still need to be fully characterized, especially in oxidized PS. On the other hand, PS molecules have also been the focus of structural modifications for applications in diverse areas, including not only the above-mentioned but also in e.g., drug delivery systems or alternative matrixes for functional foods and fats. All the identified drawbacks are also superimposed by the need of new PS sources and technologies for their isolation and purification, taking into account increased environmental and sustainability concerns. Accordingly, current and future trends in PS research warrant discussion.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 45