Pine Phytosterols for Autoimmune Diseases

Phytosterols are essentially sterols that are derived from plants. These are compounds that are extremely effective in modulating the immune system. Phytosterols have been known to be able to treat the symptoms caused by many different autoimmune diseases. The phytosterols enhance the activity of some specific cells in the body and also help inhibit the activity of specific cells in the immune system, thereby treating autoimmune diseases without compromising the overall immunity of the body.

Pine Phytosterols for Ulcerative Colitis

While there have not been any significant studies linking the action of sterols and sterolins with ulcerative colitis, lab tests have suggested that these chemicals can help control the damage done to the mucosal surface by the immune system. Phytosterols tend to decrease the pace of inflammation by decreasing release of inflammatory factors. They can also regulate the useful T cells to increase the balance of immune response in the body. Further, the phytosterols can help kick in recovery mechanisms too.

Pine Phytosterols for Hyperthyroidism

When the immune system begins to attack the thyroid gland, there can be many serious effects on the growth of the body. Pine phytosterols tend to decrease the specific immune factor, also known as interleukin 6, which is primarily responsible for the triggering off of the autoimmune reaction. Thyroid function is allowed to resume to the normal when the autoimmune responses are triggered off.

Pine Phytosterols for Lupus

Lupus is a condition that stems from the over-production of auto antibodies. These auto antibodies, when released into the body, cause significant damage to the body by destroying healthy organs. Pine phytosterols specifically target the T cells that tend to inhibit the formation of antibodies. The fat of the plant also balances the synthesis of the body's immune factor so that the virus, which is triggering release of auto antibodies, can be destroyed and removed from the body.

Pine Phytosterols for Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that damages the small intestines, causing malabsorption of nutrients. Phytosterols have the ability to inhibit production of specific immune cells while allowing other immune cells to continue their normal functioning. In this way, the auto antibodies, which attack the intestinal walls and cause the damage and the inflammation to the organ, can be controlled. Meanwhile, the body remains immune to further attacks from bacteria and viruses, because phytosterols allow immune factor to continue functioning.

Considerations

There are many plants and fruits from which phytosterols can be extracted, but pine trees have more amounts of fats and phytosterols than most other plants from which these chemicals are extracted. However, the extraction processes need to be optimum for the phytosterols to be effective against autoimmune disorders. If manufactured and administered correctly, phytosterols can also help in repairing any damage that has been caused due to the autoimmune disorders.

References

• The Analyst: Plant Sterols / Sterolins (Phytosterols)
• NOW Foods: Review Shows Two Ways Phytosterols Maintain Cell Health