Definition:

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Pctoplant®Soybean sterols Health Benefits:

Pctoplant®Soybean sterols are a type of plant sterol that occurs naturally in soybeans and soy products, such as soybean oil, soybean meal, and tofu. Pctoplant®Soybean sterols are an important component of plant cell membranes. Although they have a structure similar to cholesterol in animals, they perform different physiological functions in the human body.

Particularities of Pctoplant®Soybean sterols:

Product Specifications:

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Product quality standards:

● GRAS, Novel food, Food grade, In-house

▶ Lowering blood cholesterol

Pctoplant®Soybean sterols Applications:

Pctoplant®Soybean sterols have a structure similar to cholesterol. In the intestines, they bind competitively to cholesterol from dietary sources (such as animal-based foods) and to cholesterol secreted by the liver into bile. This forms mixed micelles, which are necessary for absorbing cholesterol into the bloodstream. Since sterols have a similar structure to cholesterol but a much lower absorption rate (human absorption of plant sterols is generally below 5%, while cholesterol absorption is approximately 50%-60%), they "occupy" positions in the micelles, which significantly impairs cholesterol absorption in the intestines. Authoritative institutions such as the US FDA, European EFSA, and China National Health Commission have extensively studied and confirmed that regular intake of sufficient amounts of soy sterols (or other plant sterols) effectively lowers total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the blood while typically having minimal or neutral effects on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides. To achieve cholesterol-lowering effects, it is generally recommended to consume 1.3-3 grams of plant sterols daily.

■ Source

In 1769, French chemist François Poulletier de la Salle first isolated cholesterol, then known as "bile wax," from gallstones. It was the first sterol identified by humans. In 1889, German chemist Oswald Schmiedeberg clearly isolated a crystalline substance from rapeseed oil that was distinct from cholesterol and named it phytosterin. This marked the formal birth of the concept of "plant sterols." The primary substance he isolated was campesterol. In 1922, American chemist Julius Lifschütz and his team successfully isolated and named soy sterol from soybean oil for the first time. By analyzing the "unsaponifiable" components of soybean oil, they isolated a sterol mixture with a melting point of approximately 137°C and recognized that its composition differed from that of previously known plant sterols, such as rapeseed sterol. In the 1940s, β-sitosterol was identified as the primary component of soy sterols, typically accounting for over 50%. Campesterol was also confirmed as an important component of soy sterols during this time.

Pctoplant®Soybean sterols is available in the following specification and contents:

☑  Pctoplant®Soybean sterols powder 95%

Pctoplant®Soybean sterols are a natural functional ingredient commonly added to dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, as well as plant-based protein beverages, margarine, bread, and biscuits. They enhance the health benefits of these foods, help consumers supplement their sterol intake, and assist in regulating blood lipids. Soy sterols can also be used as antioxidants during the refining process of vegetable oils to slow down oxidation and rancidity, thereby extending the shelf life of foods. They can also improve the texture and stability of oils. The primary use of soy sterols in health supplements is to regulate blood lipids. Many supplements that claim to lower cholesterol and protect cardiovascular health contain soy sterols as a core ingredient. Consumers typically take these supplements in capsule or tablet form, and they are suitable for individuals with elevated blood lipid levels. Some health supplements combine soy sterols with other nutrients (such as vitamins, dietary fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids) to provide comprehensive health benefits, such as antioxidant properties and immune system enhancement.

Although soybean sterols cannot replace drugs, they can be used as medical-grade raw materials to develop preparations that help regulate blood lipids. When used with statin drugs, soy sterols can enhance the cholesterol-lowering effect and reduce the dosage and side effects of the drugs. Potoplant®Soybean sterols have antioxidant and moisturizing properties that help the skin resist free radical damage, delay aging, and strengthen the skin barrier, improving issues such as dryness and roughness. For this reason, they are often added to skincare products. Soy sterols can also be used as feed additives. Studies have shown that soy sterols can enhance the immunity of livestock and poultry, improve growth performance, and improve meat quality. Thus, they have certain application value in the livestock industry.

■ Structural Characteristics

Pctoplant®Soybean sterols are sterol compounds with a basic structure consisting of a four-ring sterol nucleus and a side chain. Soybeans primarily contain several types of sterols. β-Sitosterol is the most abundant, followed by campesterol and stigmasterol. Small amounts of brassicasterol and other sterols are also present. Sometimes, "soy sterols" refers to this mixture.

Pctoplant®Soybean sterols help lower blood lipids and reduce cholesterol deposits on blood vessel walls. They also slow the onset and progression of atherosclerosis and lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease and stroke.

▶ Cardiovascular health

Ingredients:

● Soybean sterols and does not contain any other additives.

Pctoplant®Soybean sterols have antioxidant properties that help eliminate free radicals in the body, reduce damage to cells and tissues caused by free radicals, and slow down the aging process of cells. Soy sterols also benefit skin health by maintaining skin elasticity and radiance. In the body, soy sterols can reduce inflammation by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators and the activation of inflammatory signaling pathways. This could potentially improve certain chronic inflammatory conditions.

▶ Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant

☑  Pctoplant®Soybean sterols granular 90%

■ Technical characteristics

Soybeans and soybean products are the richest natural sources of Pctoplant®Soybean sterols. The deodorized distillate from the soybean oil refining process is the main industrial raw material used to extract high-purity soybean sterols. While other vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits also contain plant sterols, their content is generally lower than that of soybeans.

The production of Pctoplant®Soybean sterols involves the efficient extraction, separation, and purification of high-purity plant sterols (primarily β-sitosterol, as well as soybean and rapeseed sterols) from soybean oil refining byproducts while complying with food safety standards. During the deodorization stage of soybean oil refining, the distillate is typically subjected to methylation or hydrolysis. These processes convert glycerides into fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) or free fatty acids (FFA). This facilitates the separation of sterols and vitamin E in subsequent processes. Richtek uses multi-stage molecular distillation to take advantage of the differences in the molecular weights and boiling points of the mixture's components under an extremely high vacuum and relatively low temperatures. The concentrated distillate can be crystallized with a solvent to remove soluble impurities and enhance sterol purity. Sterols and vitamin E are separated using solvent extraction. First, dissolve the crude sterols in hot organic solvents. Then, cool and crystallize repeatedly to remove residual pigments, trace fatty acids/esters, hydrocarbons, and other impurities. Add activated carbon or white clay adsorbents during solvent dissolution or crystallization to remove colored substances. Wash the crystallized product with an appropriate solvent (e.g., alcohol or water) to remove impurities adsorbed to the surface. Finally, dry the product in a vacuum drying oven at a low temperature to remove residual solvent, yielding free soy sterol powder or granules.