Plant sterols are chemically related to animal steroids and consist of a basic 4 ring structure. Plant sterols are synthesised by plants and some show good bioavailability in humans and animals. One of the most researched effects of plant sterols is their ability to lower blood cholesterol levels. Although the mechanism by which this is achieved is not known, a number of possible mechanisms have been described including the ability of plant sterols to interfere with the absorption of dietary cholesterol through an inhibitory action in the gut. However, it is known that plant sterols are able to cross the blood brain barrier, something which circulating cholesterol cannot do. Cholesterol needed for brain development is synthesised in situ in neurones, but plant sterols are free to cross into the brain where they may affect the central nervous system. This may explain the reason that plants containing sterols are able to affect mood and may be beneficial at treating mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
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