Researchers tested two plant-based compounds—phytosterols and phospholipids—to see if they could help people with high cholesterol. In a study with 82 people, those who took both compounds together for two months had better results than those taking just one or a placebo. Their cholesterol levels dropped, their bodies produced less harmful cell-damaging molecules, and their antioxidant protection improved. The findings suggest these natural compounds working together might be a safe way to help manage borderline high cholesterol without medication.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether two plant compounds—phytosterols (found in nuts and seeds) and phospholipids (found in soy and eggs)—could lower cholesterol and reduce harmful cell damage when taken together
  • Who participated: 82 adults with borderline high cholesterol who were divided into three groups: one taking phytosterols alone, one taking both compounds together, and one taking a placebo (fake pill)
  • Key finding: People taking both compounds together saw their cholesterol drop by a meaningful amount and their body’s natural protection against cell damage improve significantly more than those taking just one compound or a placebo
  • What it means for you: If you have borderline high cholesterol, these plant compounds may help you manage it naturally, but talk to your doctor first. This is one study, so more research is needed before making it a standard recommendation

The Research Details

This research had two parts. First, scientists tested the compounds on rats eating a high-fat diet for 8 weeks to see how they worked. Then, they tested them on 82 real people with borderline high cholesterol in a carefully controlled study. The human study lasted 2 months, and people didn’t know which pill they were taking (phytosterols alone, both compounds, or placebo) to avoid bias. The researchers measured cholesterol levels, liver health, and markers of cell damage before and after treatment.

The study design is strong because it used a placebo group for comparison and kept participants blinded to their treatment. This helps prove the compounds actually work rather than people just feeling better because they think they’re taking something helpful.

Testing compounds in both animals and humans strengthens the findings because it shows the effects happen in living systems, not just in test tubes. The triple-blind design (where participants, researchers, and analysts didn’t know who got what) reduces the chance of bias affecting results. This approach gives us more confidence that the improvements were real.

The study is well-designed with a reasonable sample size and proper controls. However, 2 months is relatively short-term, so we don’t know if benefits last longer. The study focused on people with borderline high cholesterol, so results may not apply to everyone. More research with larger groups and longer follow-up would strengthen these findings.

What the Results Show

In the human study, both groups taking the plant compounds (whether alone or together) significantly lowered their total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the ‘bad’ kind). The group taking both compounds together had the best results overall.

The combination group also showed improvements in liver health markers and reduced levels of harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species—basically, cell-damaging particles your body produces naturally. Their antioxidant enzymes (your body’s natural defense system) became more active and effective.

The combination group had additional benefits that the single-compound group didn’t show, including lower apolipoprotein B (a protein linked to heart disease risk) and lactate dehydrogenase (a marker of cell stress). This suggests the two compounds work better together than separately.

In the rat study, the combination of both compounds reduced body weight and improved how liver and fat tissues looked under a microscope. The compounds appeared to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in multiple body systems. These animal results support what happened in the human study, suggesting the mechanism works across different living systems.

Previous research showed that phytosterols alone can help lower cholesterol, but this is one of the first studies showing that combining them with phospholipids produces better results. The findings align with the growing understanding that plant compounds often work better together than alone, a concept called synergy. This study adds solid evidence to that idea.

The study only lasted 2 months, so we don’t know if benefits continue or fade over time. The sample size of 82 people is moderate—larger studies would be more convincing. The study focused on people with borderline high cholesterol, so results may not apply to those with very high cholesterol or those already taking cholesterol medications. We also don’t know the best doses or which specific types of phytosterols and phospholipids work best.

The Bottom Line

If you have borderline high cholesterol and want to try natural approaches, phytosterols and phospholipids combined may help (moderate confidence based on this one study). Good sources include nuts, seeds, whole grains, soy products, and eggs. However, this should not replace medical advice—talk to your doctor before starting any supplement, especially if you take cholesterol medications. Eating a healthy diet with these foods is safer than relying on supplements alone.

People with borderline high cholesterol who want to try natural approaches should pay attention to this research. Those with very high cholesterol or existing heart disease should work with their doctor rather than relying on these compounds alone. People taking cholesterol medications should ask their doctor before adding supplements, as there could be interactions.

In this study, improvements appeared within 2 months. However, you shouldn’t expect overnight results—give dietary changes at least 4-8 weeks to show effects. Some benefits may take longer to develop, and long-term consistency matters more than quick fixes.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily intake of phytosterol-rich foods (nuts, seeds, whole grains) and phospholipid sources (soy, eggs, fish) using a food log. Aim for at least one serving of each category daily and monitor how you feel over 8 weeks.
  • Add one phytosterol-rich snack (handful of almonds or sunflower seeds) and one phospholipid-rich food (egg or soy product) to your daily routine. Start with breakfast and a snack to make it easier to remember.
  • Check in every 2 weeks to track consistency with eating these foods. After 8 weeks, work with your doctor to recheck cholesterol levels to see if dietary changes are working. Keep notes on energy levels and how you feel as secondary indicators of improvement.

This research is promising but represents one study in humans lasting only 2 months. These findings should not replace medical treatment or advice from your healthcare provider. If you have high cholesterol, are taking cholesterol medications, or have heart disease, consult your doctor before making dietary changes or taking supplements. Plant compounds may interact with medications. This information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.