Phytosterols (also called plant sterols) are a group of steroid alcohols, phytochemicals naturally occurring in plants. They are white powders with mild, characteristic odor, insoluble in water and soluble in alcohols. They have many applications as food additives, and in medicine and cosmetics. Specific phytosterols The molecule shown at the top of the page is β-sitosterol. By removing carbon 242, campesterol is obtained. By removing carbons 241 and 242, cholesterol is obtained. Rem… (More on Phytosterol)