What are PhytoSterols and Sterolins?

Plant sterols and sterolins are plant "fats" (cholesterol) present in all fruits and vegetables. They are biologically active molecules isolated from plants called "phytochemicals" that have been clinically proven to significantly modulate the effects of the immune system. Without this plant cholesterol in our diet, the immune system may become too stressed to produce enough invader-fighting T-cells or may over-produce cells responsible for the auto-immune response.

Why Do We Need PhytoSterols and Sterolins in Supplement Form?

Just eating more fruits, vegetables and seeds will not address our chronic deficiency. Because sterolins are dissipated within 8 hours after harvesting, our foods today have little or no sterolin (glucoside) content left in them. Even organic store produce is usually out of the ground for longer than 8 hours. Tragically, modern food processing techniques remove sterols and sterolins from most foods in an effort to improve the appearance or shelf life of the products. Our home food preparation techniques such as freezing (which releases glucoside-destroying enzymes) and boiling also wipe out these beneficial substances. Lastly, because in their natural state, sterols and sterolins are hard to digest even with perfectly functioning digestive systems, we need supplementation in a highly absorbable form to get the true benefit of these remarkable plant cholesterols. Clinical Studies* Prove PhytoSterols and Sterolins Boost Immunity In nature, the function of Plant Cholesterol is to bolster an under-active immune system and, at the same time, turn off an overactive immune system. When both sterols and sterolins are taken in the ratio naturally occurring in plants, it helps to balance the cells of the immune system to function optimally. Scientists have long been searching for a drug that could effectively balance the T-cells, strengthening the immune system against disease yet controlling the autoimmune reaction. The answer, as always, has been provided by nature. By enhancing only the function of the TH1 cells and not the TH2 helper cells, PhytoSterols/Sterolins provide that crucial balance.

Immune Enhancement:

PhytoSterols/Sterolins modulate the function of T-cells that specialize in fighting viruses and certain bacteria living inside the cells. Prof. Patrick Bouic, head of immunology at the University of Stellenbosch medical school in Cape Town, South Africa, says research has definitively proved PhytoSterols/Sterolins enhance the T-cells - white blood cells produced by the Thymus gland that keep the cellular immune system functioning.

One type of T-cell, the Helper Cells, excretes proteins that regulate the immune system; they are divided into two types, Type I and Type 2. These cells must be in balance at all times to retain health. TH-1 CD-4 (Type 1) cells govern the intra-cellular process, help control other T-cells (CD8 positive cell) and produce important immune regulatory chemicals called "Lymphokines". Critically, lymphokines regulate the activity of CD8 positive or "Suppressor" Cells, the last line of defense inside the cell walls against pathogens that have managed to get by the extra-cellular "infantry" antibodies produced by B-cells. When the TH-1 cells are deficient, infection, chronic inflammation and ultimately tissue-damaging disease will result. In over 133 double-blind clinical studies to date, sterolins have been shown to significantly enhance the proliferation of the CD4 TH1 cells and to increase the production of the immune chemicals or "lymphokines" (Interleukin 2 [IL2], Gamma-interferon [IFN-g and IFN-y).*

Reducing Auto-Immune Response:

Our body's immune system is like a production line in a factory. Every step in the process is dependent on every other step. Illness, viruses and infections create an imbalance by suppressing our TH-1 cells. TH-1 cells control the TH-2 (Type 2 Helper) cells release of chemicals (IL4, IL6 and IL10) that enhance the activity of B-cells. B-cells produce antibodies that attack invaders outside the cell walls. Therefore, a drastic reduction of the TH-1 immune chemicals (lymphokines) will allow the TH-2 cells to overproduce their chemicals that will, in turn, create too many B-cells or antibodies. Too many antibodies can cause an auto-immune reaction. Uncontrolled overactivity of B-cells is thought to be responsible for debilitating or chronic autoimmune disorders such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Myasthenia Gravis (MG)) and many others.* Even many allergies and asthma have an autoimmune response factor.

Studies have shown that the pro-inflammatory IL6 and TNF-a chemicals produced by the TH-2 cells are "switched off" when the cells are cultured in the PhytoSterols/Sterolins. According to Dr. Bouic, "It appears the plant fats offer effective anti-inflammatory activity at sites of chronic inflammation by switching off the very factors which initiate the process".*

PhytoSterols and Sterolins Effective in Women's Health

Dr. Joseph Pizzorono and Dr. Michael T. Murray of John Bastyr College in Seattle are enthusiastic about the use of plant-based sterols as opposed to conventional drug estrogens for hormone replacement. The PhytoSterols/Sterolins have absolutely no side effects and can help balance the estrogen dominance occurring in females of all ages. John Lee, a leading researcher into women's health issues, states: "Phyto-hormones are gentle compounds which can be substituted for the body's estrogens. They tend to protect a woman from the xenoestrogens (pesticides and herbicides that occupy the same receptor sites as natural estrogen) doing damage. I consider them a very benign and helpful source of hormones".

Symptoms Responding to PhytoSterols and Sterolins*

Studies show response by patients with a number of immune dysfunctions including chronic fatigue syndrome, MS, and diabetes. Anecdotal reports as well as some on-going studies indicate PhytoSterols/Sterolins also benefit those suffering from allergies, viruses, fibromyalgia, tumors and BPH, lupus, TB, psoriasis, and some tumors. Plant fats can protect bone marrow that may be damaged by chemo-therapy. Sterolins are precursors to pregnenolone and then DHEA: according to Dr. Bouic, supplementation with the substance will increase DHEA levels to the optimum over the longer term.*

PhytoSterols and Sterolins may block the development of tumors in colon, breast and prostate glands by altering cell membrane transfer in tumor growth. Studies indicate after 5 days, breast cancer cell cultures supplemented with b-sitosterol had 66% fewer breast cancer cells than controls. Another study showed a 28% inhibition of prostate-cancer cell growth after being exposed to B-sitosterol for five days in vitro. "When we treated prostate-cancer cells with phytosterols, cell proliferation was inhibited. We found the same effect in vitro with breast and colon-cancer cells" (University at Buffalo Press Release 4/29/99 (breast) and 10/25/98 prostate)

Anti-Inflammatory:

PhytoSterols/Sterolins have been shown effective in carrying out anti-inflammatory activity at sites where chronic inflammation is present. By blocking the abnormal production of the inflammatory proteins, plant fats can inhibit inflammatory conditions. They decrease the blood levels of Cortisol. Studies show significant reduction of inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis sufferers. Trials are continuing on RA.

Tuberculosis:

Dr. Bouic began with clinical trials of 50 TB patients. After six months, the 25 who had received Sterols and Sterolins, as well as regular therapy, had gained considerably more weight than those who had not. The supplement had also boosted their immune systems (from study done at Tygerberg Hospital South Africa)

HIV:

After 10 years of clinical trials on HIV sufferers, Prof. Patrick Bouic has discovered that PhytoSterols/Sterolins boost the immune system so well they halt the deadly decline of virus-fighting T-cells in immune-compromised patients. "I want to emphasize that this is not a cure but rather a strategy, so individuals can maintain their immune responses to the AIDS virus," he states. The development has so impressed the discoverer of HIV, Luc Montagnier, that he now advocates the use of PhytoSterols/Sterolins in conjunction with antiviral treatments. (AIDS Analysis Africa, Vol 7, No. 4, Dec 96/Jan 97)

An inherent anti-inflammatory property of the PhytoSterols/Sterolins can help prevent discomfort associated with strenuous exercise and activity.

PhytoSterols and Sterolins help block excess animal cholesterol absorption (University at Buffalo).