Process for preparing a phytosterol composition

摘要

A universal process for purifying phytosterols from a wood or plant derived source comprises extracting from the source a concentrated extract comprising phytosterols and a hydrocarbon; complexing the extract so formed with a metal salt; separating the phytosterol/metal salt complex from the hydrocarbon; washing the complex with a solvent mixture comprising one or both of a hydrocarbon and a ketone; hydrolysing the washed complex so formed and finally separating the phytosterols therefrom. A novel composition comprises beta-sitosterol, campesterol, campestanol, sitostanol and optionally brassicasterol and brassicastanol.