Glycosylated sterols assay

Glycosylated sterol analysis quantifies these bioactive compounds resulting from the conjugation of a phytosterol (such as β-sitosterol, campesterol, or stigmasterol) with a sugar. These molecules, found in seeds , vegetable oils, and extracts of medicinal plants , play an important role in cholesterol regulation and cell membrane stability.

The analysis of glycosylated sterols is essential to assess the quality of plant ingredients , determine their nutritional value and their potential cholesterol-lowering effect , particularly in functional foods or food supplements.

This quantification is carried out by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), a reference technique for the separation and precise measurement of sterols and their conjugated derivatives.

Principle and operation of the method

Glycosylated sterols are extracted from plant matrices (oils, powders, seeds, dry extracts) using a mixture of polar and nonpolar solvents HPLC system equipped with a UV or DAD detector.
This method allows for:

• separate free, esterified and glycosylated sterols;
• identify the relative composition of sterols (β-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, etc.);
• quantify the proportion of the glycosylated fraction.

The method guarantees excellent reproducibility and sensitivity adapted to the low concentrations typical of plant matrices.

Analytical performance and related analyses

HPLC analysis offers high precision and good selectivity for complex, lipid-rich matrices. It allows for the differentiation of free and conjugated forms, thus providing a complete sterol profile.

For a more in-depth characterization of lipids and associated compounds, this analysis can be combined with:

• the dosage of total phytosterols,
• the dosage of total fatty acids ,
• the dosage of tocopherols (vitamin E),
• or even the dosage of waxes and triglycerides .

These additional analyses make it possible to obtain an overall lipid profile , useful for the formulation of functional foods, nutraceutical products or oils enriched with bioactive compounds.

Applications and areas of use

Glycosylated sterol assays are applicable to several fields:

• Human nutrition : evaluation of the quality of vegetable oils and phytosterol-rich ingredients used for their effects on cholesterol.
• Nutraceutical : control of the content of glycosylated sterols in plant extracts or enriched formulations.
• Animal nutrition : monitoring of sterolic compound intake in animal feed, in relation to lipid health and metabolic performance.
• Plants and research : study of metabolic pathways and distribution of conjugated sterols in plant tissues.

These analyses help ensure the conformity, safety and value of products based on natural sterolic compounds.

The advantages of the YesWeLab service

YesWeLab relies on a network of partner laboratories accredited to ISO 17025 and COFRAC standards , specializing in the analysis of lipids, sterols, and plant compounds. Each sample is entrusted to the most suitable laboratory based on the matrix and the required analytical method.

Thanks to its digital analysis platform, YesWeLab simplifies request management: sample submission, online tracking, and rapid results delivery. Since 2020, numerous manufacturers, formulators, and distributors have trusted us for the lipid and sterol characterization of their plant and food products.

For any specific request regarding the dosage of glycosylated sterols, contact our scientific team to obtain a personalized quote and tailored support.