Unveiling the approach of campesterol: Its application and circular bio-economy

Campesterol is a naturally occurring phytosterol found in the plant cell membranes, and it shows medicinal uses in nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals due to its strong biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Several extraction methods exist, i.e. docking, chromatographic, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, subcritical fluid extraction, cold-pressed, Soxhlet, mechanical shaking, silica solid-phase and microwave-assisted; however, silica solid-phase extraction method is a highly efficient approach for isolating campesterol from plant cells. Campesterol is also used for enhancing the nutritional value and functional qualities of food such as margarine, dairy products, including milk, yoghurt, and cheese, salad dressings and beverages like soy milk, almond milk, peanut milk, and oat milk. It also plays an important role in cosmetics products (moisturizing lotions, lipsticks, and shampoos) and biomaterials (gelatin, chitin, silk sericin, chitosan, and alginate). Valorization of underutilized horticultural crops (green and yellow vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, fruits, and grains) and fruit waste peel, pulp, and seed as a source of campesterol directly shows impact on circular bio-economy. This review focuses on campsterol’s bioactivity, extraction, and sustainable applications in food and pharma industries.