Plant polyisoprenoids and control of cholesterol level

Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz). 2014 Feb;62(1):31-9. doi: 10.1007/s00005-013-0253-y. Epub 2013 Aug 31.

Abstract

The ability of plant polyisoprenoids (polyprenols and polyprenyl phosphates) to diminish the levels of serum cholesterol affecting its biosynthetic pathway are highlighted here. Possible mechanism of such process is discussed. It is also noted that polyisoprenoids can prevent toxic injuries of the liver and restore disturbed hepatic functions. The possibility of polyprenyl phosphates to reveal at the same time anti-inflammatory action suppressing lipoxygenase activity and lowering the levels of proinflammatory cytokines will be illustrated. Attention will be focused on the potential usefulness of plant polyisoprenoids in the course of prevention and treatment of hypercholesterolemia. High efficiency for combined use of polyprenyl phosphate and β-sitosterol, which leads to substantial enhancement of the ability to overcome hypercholesterolemia versus the individual constituents will be demonstrated.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / drug therapy*
  • Cholesterol / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypercholesterolemia / drug therapy*
  • Lipoxygenase / metabolism
  • Phytotherapy / trends*
  • Plants / immunology
  • Sitosterols / therapeutic use
  • Terpenes / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Sitosterols
  • Terpenes
  • gamma-sitosterol
  • Cholesterol
  • Lipoxygenase