ANTI-NUTRITIONAL CONSTITUENT OF COLOCASIA ESCULENTA ...

C.1.2.3
respoDSlble for transport of beta-sitosterol to other tissues in the body. Some beta­
sitosterol is glueoronidated in the liver and a portion is also metabolized to cholic acid
and chenodeoxycholic acid (Marteau et al., 1980). Excretion is mainly via the biliary
route.
In an attempt to improve sterol solubility, plant sterols have been esterified with fatty
acids in order to prodoce oil-soluble plant sterol esters (Mattson, 1964, U.S. Patent No.
5,502,045).
Biological activities
Beta-sitosterol offers a remarkable display ofscientifically recognized benefits for major
areas ofhea1th. Health benefits include:
• lowering cholesterol (Farquhar et al., 1956; Lees et ai, 1977);
• anti-diabetic properties (Ivorra, 1988);
• anti-tumor activities (Romero and Lichtenberger, 1990; Janezic and Rao, 1992);
• anti-bacterial properties (Hess et al., 1995; Padmaja etaI., 1993);
• anti-fungal abilities (Smania et al., 2003);
• anti-inflammatory predilection (Bouic et al., 2001);
• anti-atherogenecity activities (Moghadasian et aI., 1997);
• anti-ulcer properties(Jayaraj et al., 2003); and
• preventing cardiovascular events (Miettinen et al., 1990; Gylling and Miettinen,
1997).
Human research already includes the treatment ofhypercholesterolemia, benign prostatic
hypertrophy (BPH) and rheumatoid arthritis with beta-sitosterol (pegel, 1997). Success in
these areas, particularly with regard to cardiovascular diseases, may be attributed to the
cholesterol-lowering effects ofplant sterols (Drexel et at., 1981; Miettinen et at., 2000).
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