Phytosterols in human health: Biochemical mechanisms of action and disease-modulating effects

Figure 2 Integrated effects of phytosterols in cardiometabolic health. Dietary phytosterols derived from plant-based foods act across multiple target tissues, including the liver, intestine, adipose tissue, skeletal muscle, and immune cells, to exert coordinated metabolic effects. These actions lead to reduced intestinal cholesterol absorption, decreased hepatic lipid accumulation, improved insulin sensitivity, enhanced glucose utilization, and attenuation of systemic inflammation. Collectively, these integrated physiological and clinical outcomes contribute to improved cardiometabolic health and reduced risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. LDL-C: Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.