What is the application of plant-based cholesterol?

Plant-derived cholesterol, often referred to as plant sterols (such as beta-sitosterol), has a wide range of applications in multiple industries. Here are some of the major industries and their applications:

1. Pharmaceutical Industry
Drug Raw Materials: Plant sterols can be used to prepare drugs, including cholesterol-lowering drugs and other drugs for cardiovascular health.
Drug Intermediates: Used to synthesize other active pharmaceutical ingredients.

2. Nutraceuticals and Nutritional Supplements
Cholesterol Regulation: Plant sterols help lower cholesterol levels in the blood and are often used to make cholesterol-lowering health products.
Immune System Support: Plant sterols are believed to have some support for the immune system.

3. Food Industry
Functional Foods: Plant sterols are added to certain functional foods, such as fortified butters, margarines, and beverages, to help lower cholesterol levels.
Food Additives: Used to improve the nutritional value of foods.

4. Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
Skin Care: Plant sterols have moisturizing and soothing properties and are often used in creams, lotions, and other skin care products.
Hair Products: They can also be used in some shampoos and conditioners to improve hair health.

5. Biochemistry and scientific research
Research materials: As standard substances in biochemical research, they help study the biological activity and health benefits of phytosterols.

6. Environmental protection and industrial applications
Surfactants: Phytosterol derivatives can be used as environmentally friendly surfactants or detergents.

7. Agriculture
Plant protection agents: Some phytosterol derivatives are studied for plant protection to improve crop disease resistance