Physiological function and application of phytosterol

Phytosterol, as a bioactive substance, reduced blood cholesterol and the risk of cardiovascular disease except with other physiological functions such as growth regulation, promotion of protein synthesis, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, immune regulation and hormone-like effects. Phytosterol did not show any toxicity to human and animals,and it is a new functional feed additive and has been approved by the Ministry of Agriculture of China. This article generally reviewed the aspects of the physiological function of phytosterol like the regulation of cholesterol metabolism, antioxidation, hormone-like effects and application on animal production like hypolipidemic and improving the dairy animals’ milk composition. The further research in animal feed additive was suggesed.