Physical approach for a quantitative analysis of the phytosterols in free phytosterol-oil blends by X-ray Rietveld method

The Lack of Standardization and Pharmacological Effect Limits the Potential Clinical Usefulness of Phytosterols in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

The prevalence of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) markedly increases with age. Phytotherapeutic approaches have been developed over time owing to the adverse side effects of conventional medications such as 5-reductase inhibitors and α1-adrenergic receptor antagonists. Therefore, dietary supplements (DS) containing active compounds that benefit BPH are widely available. Phytosterols (PSs) are well recognized for their role in maintaining blood cholesterol levels; however, their potential in BPH treatment remains unexplored. This review aims to provide a general overview of the available data regarding the clinical evidence and a good understanding of the detailed pharmacological roles of PSs-induced activities at a molecular level in BPH. Furthermore, we will explore the authenticity of PSs content in DS used by patients with BPH compared to the current legislation and appropriate analytical methods for tracking DS containing PSs. The results showed that PSs might be a useful pharmacological treatment option for men with mild to moderate BPH, but the lack of standardized extracts linked with the regulation of DS containing PSs and experimental evidence to elucidate the mechanisms of action limit the use of PSs in BPH. Moreover, the results suggest multiple research directions in this field.

Synthesis, Physical Properties, and In Vitro-Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion of Hydrophilic β-Sitosterol Sugar Esters

Hydrophilic β-sitosterol sugar esters were synthesized by a two-step biocatalytic approach using β-sitosterol vinyl adipate as an intermediate. The maximum conversion (above 90%) of β-sitosterol vinyl adipate was achieved using the saccharides glucose, sucrose, and raffinose. The chemical structure of the synthesized esters was confirmed by various techniques. The investigation of physical properties revealed that β-sitosterol sugar esters had enhanced water solubility (3.0-8.0 mM at 35 °C), reduced crystallinity, and high wettability. Their lyotropic liquid crystal properties were observed by polarized light microscopy. Furthermore, β-sitosterol sugar esters could be hydrolyzed into β-sitosterol adipate under simulated intestinal conditions at a low rate (2.83-18.14%). Most β-sitosterol sugar esters probably entered into intestinal bile salt micelles with ester bonds intact and showed up to 10-fold higher in vitro bioaccessibility than free β-sitosterol in non-fat systems. The excellent physical and functional characteristics of β-sitosterol sugar esters suggested their great potential application in the food industry.

Dispersive solid phase extraction combined with solidification of floating organic drop-liquid-liquid microextraction using in situ formation of deep eutectic solvent for extraction of phytosterols from edible oil samples

In this study, a dispersive solid phase extraction method was combined with solidification of floating organic drop-liquid-liquid microextraction based on in situ synthesis of deep eutectic solvent. It was used for the extraction of some phytosterols from edible oil samples. The extracted analytes were quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. In this procedure, the sample lipids are saponified with sodium hydroxide and then the analytes are adsorbed onto an octadecylsilane sorbent. After that the analytes are desorbed from the sorbent with ethanol as an elution solvent and the eluant is diluted with deionized water to obtain a homogenous solution. Then, a few amounts of choline chloride and n-butyric acid are dissolved in the solution and transferred into a water batch adjusted at 75 ⁰C for 5 min. During this period Choline chloride and n-butyric acid form a deep eutectic solvent (extraction solvent) dispersed in whole parts of the solution. The obtained cloudy solution is placed into an ice bath. The extraction solvent is collected and solidified on the top of the solution. Finally, it is removed and allows melted at room temperature and an aliquat of the solution is injected into the separation system. Validation of the method showed that limits of detection and quantification were in the ranges of 0.52-1.6 and 1.7-5.6 ng mL-1, respectively. Enrichment factors and extraction recoveries of the analytes ranged from 312 to 375 and 75-90%, respectively. The method had a proper percision with relative standard deviations less than ≤8.2% for intra- (n = 6) and inter-day (n = 6) precisions at a concentration of 15 ng mL-1 of each analyte. Finally the method was successfully used for determination of the analytes in some edible oil samples.

Milk fat crystal network as a strategy for delivering vegetable oils high in omega-9, -6, and -3 fatty acids

As an alternative to the strategies currently used to deliver unsaturated fatty acids, especially, the essentials omega-6 and 3- fatty acids, the aim of this work was to investigate the effect of the incorporation of 25 e 50% (w/w) of olive, corn and linseed oil into the crystal structure of anhydrous milk fat (AMF). Fatty acid composition, atherogenicity (AI), and thrombogenicity (TI) index, crystallization kinetics, polymorphism by Rietveld method (RM), microstructure, thermal behavior, solid fat content, and lipid compatibility was evaluated. The addition of vegetable oils reduced the saturated fatty acids, and the AI and TI indices of AMF, and increased the concentration of unsaturated, specifically omega-6 and -3 fatty acids. Although vegetable oils caused changes in nucleation and crystallization kinetics, the spherulitic and crystalline morphology and the β' polymorphism of AMF were maintained. The study demonstrated the possibility of using the crystal structure of AMF as a vehicle for unsaturated fatty acids in food formulations, as an alternative to nutritional supplementation. In addition, studies on the use of RM in blends made with AMF and vegetable oil have not been found in literature, thus demonstrating the relevance of the present study.