Publications
Hetherington M, and Steck W. Phytosterols from Canadian Plants: Uses and Sources. Canadian Chemical News. May 1999. 20-21.
This review focuses on the uses and sources of phytosterols, or plant sterols, which are ubiquitous in nature and have very diverse practical applications. Uses of phytosterols include starting materials and intermediates for steroid production; industrial applications such as additives or components of resins used in the manufacture of tires and rubber materials; a variety of medicinal applications including cholesterol lowering and treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia; and skin care applications to maintain the integrity of the skin barrier and prevent water loss. Sources of major phytosterols include coniferous tress, soybeans and yams, while other sources such as canola are contenders as a source of future Canadian phytosterol production.
