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The University of Murcia patented a process for producing plant compounds that reduce blood cholesterol (26/04/2013)

Murcia University has patented a method based on stimulation of crop plants for the production of phytosterols and other bioactive compounds with beneficial health effects, such as reducing blood cholesterol levels.

Stimulation is based on the use of cyclodextrins (which are obtained from the degradation of starch) and causes beneficial natural compounds accumulate and reach higher levels than those found in the parent plant when it is grown in the field .

Other natural compounds used for the production of these bioactive compounds is methyl jasmonate, a derivative of the essence of jasmine.

The patent has been developed by researchers Ana Belén Sabater-Jara, Lorena Almagro and Maria Angeles Pedroza, University of Murcia, and Roque Bru, University of Alicante.

"This procedure is an alternative biotechnological novel and innovative compared to conventional extraction techniques made from vegetable raw materials or by conventional chemical synthesis which these bioactive compounds are obtained, since it is a stable production system, independent of seasonal and climatic and geographical factors on which they depend plants grown in the field, "said Professor Maria Angeles Pedreño.

Previous research on the result that phytosterols (present in almost all vegetables) have on human health, have revealed their hypocholesterolemic effect (reduction of blood cholesterol levels), so that its intake prevents the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases.

Currently there are other studies that indicate that phytosterols possess immunomodulatory properties that could be beneficial for the prevention of colon cancer, breast and control of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

This patent has been licensed to begin the study of the use of phytosterols in fruit drinks by the company AMC Food Group SA, through a research contract led by Dr. Pedroza and innovation department of the company.

In addition, research is being funded by the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI), which has generated a close collaboration between the University of Murcia and the company.

Source: Universidad de Murcia

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