Phytosterols (also called plant sterols) are a group of steroid alcohols, phytochemicals naturally occurring in plants. Phytosterols occur naturally in small quantities in vegetable oils, especially sea buckthorn oil, corn oil, and soybean oil.

The FDA has approved the following claim for phytosterols: "Foods containing at least 0.4 gram per serving of plant sterols, eaten twice a day with meals for a daily total intake of at least 0.8 gram, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease."

Action:
1. Phytosterol is known to have anti-inflammation activities, can prevent cholesterol absorption, promote cholesterol metabolism, reduce cholesterol biosynthesis, and is used in the prevention and treatment of arteriosclerosis, canker, skin cancer, and cervical cancer. It also facilitates wound heading, and increases microcirculation. In addition, phytosterol is an important precursor on Vitamin D3 and steroid drug manufacturing.

2. Phytosterol is also a known class of antioxidant, and is widely used as food and feed additives.

Phytosterol has high skin permeability, and may be used as a skin moisturizer. It promotes skin rejuvenation and prevents skin damage caused by exposure to sunlight.