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Supplements With Plant Sterols & Flavonoids

Plant sterols and flavanoids are chemical compounds known to be nutritionally beneficial. Supplements have been formulated to maximize their benefits and offset a low-plant diet. Most of the effects of sterols and flavanoids are cardiovascular. Plant sterols help to reduce high cholesterol and flavanoids improve circulation, according to thenutritionreporter.com. Other uses for these supplements include treating attention deficit disorder, diabetes and heart disease.

  1. Natur-Leaf

    • Natur-Leaf is a blend of tree bark, African potato root and natural plant sprouts. All of the plants used in the preparation of this supplement are grown organically and immediately freeze dried for maximum nutrient retention. Natur-Leaf is used to treat high cholesterol and auto-immune disorder. It is high in plant sterols, vitamins, minerals and specialized enzymes. According to Natur-Leaf.com the standard dosage is 350 milligrams per day in capsule form.

    Enzogenol

    • This supplement is a flavanoid formulation of antioxidants and bioflavonoids as described by Herbal Remedies.com. Enzogenol is the extract of the New Zealand pine and is often enhanced with grape seed extract for antioxidants. The supplement is used to support cardiovascular health. According to manufacturers, one to four 60 milligram capsules are the recommended dosage per day.

    Beta Sitosterol

    • Beta sitosterol is a plant sterol derived from nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables. It is most commonly used as a dietary supplement for lowering cholesterol and is often found in margarine spreads. The Federal Food and Drug Administration does allow the makers of these spreads to claim that they lower the risk of heart disease. Doses of 20 to 30 milligrams taken three times a day are recommended for positive effects.

    Pycnogenol

    • Pycnogenol is considered a premium flavonoid supplement. It is a water extract of the French maritime pine tree bark. The supplement contains oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OTCs) and bioflavins as well as a range of vitamins. It is listed by the U.S. Library of Medicine as being used to help treat asthma, attention deficit disorder, muscular pain, diabetes, and high cholesterol among other things. This supplement is not recommended for children. For adults 18 years or older, a dosage of 25 to 360 milligrams per day in divided quantities is recommended.

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