CHOLESTEROL-LOWERING MECHANISMS OF PHYTOCHEMICALS: A REVIEW

Phytochemicals have attracted attention due to their substantial cholesterol-lowering properties. This review focuses on studies conducted with phytochemicals and discusses the probable mechanisms for serum cholesterol reduction. The cholesterol-lowering effects of phytochemicals were associated with phytosterol phenolics, saponins, alkaloids, organic sulfides and lectins. Phytochemicals were shown to be able to reduce food intake and auto-synthesis of cholesterol inhibit emulsification and esterification of cholesterol, and promote excretion of bile acid or transfer of cholesterol. Different phytochemicals can contribute to one or more of these mechanisms. Phytosterols may also exert their effects by suppressing the formation of dietary mixed micelles (DMM) and expression of Niemann-Pick C1-Likel (NPC1L1) to inhibit absorption of cholesterol. Polyphenols may regulate the activity of cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) to accelerate transportation of cholesterol. Finally, these findings make it possible to use phytochemicals to guide the creation of a beneficial diet.