Bulk Plant-Derived Cholesterol Powder Manufacturer in China
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Buck Plant-based Cholesterol Powder
| Product Name | Plant-Derived Cholesterol Powder |
| Other Names | plant-origin cholesterol, Vegan Cholesterol Powder, Vegetarian Cholesterol, Non-Animal Origin Cholesterol, Plant-Based Cholesterol, Animal-Free Cholesterol, Non-GMO Soybean-Derived Cholesterol |
| Source | NON-GMO Soybean |
| Appearance | White plate crystal |
| Testing Standard | Enterprise Standard |
| Applications | animal feed, supplements |
| Manufacturing Capability | 600 tons annually |
| OEM services | Custom formulation, capsules, tablets, blends, contract manufacturing, softgels |
| Bulk Packaging | 20kg Vacuum Sealed Foil Bags, 25kg/drum, or custom bulk packaging |
Henan Unicorns Biotechnology Co., Ltd. is a wholesale Plant-Derived Cholesterol Powder manufacturer and supplier in China. We supply non-animal origin cholesterol to pharmaceutical companies, cosmetic manufacturers, biotechnology firms, lipid formulators, research suppliers, vitamin producers, ingredient distributors, and contract manufacturers.
Our plant-based cholesterol starts from non-GMO soybean phytosterols. It does not use lanolin, fish oil, animal tissue, or other animal-derived starting materials. The product is suitable for buyers who need a vegan source, clear raw-material traceability, and TSE/BSE-free documentation.
Unicorns Biotechnology supports annual production and export capacity of up to 600 tons across cholesterol and related sterol ingredients. Available services include custom purity, particle size, packaging, private labels, testing, and export documentation. Related ingredients include Cholesterol Powder, Plant-Derived 7-Dehydrocholesterol, 7-Dehydrocholesterol Powder, Bile Acids Powder, Bilirubin Powder, Ox Bile Extract, and TUDCA.
What Is Plant-Derived Cholesterol?
Plant-Derived Cholesterol is purified cholesterol made from plant phytosterol starting materials. It is also called Vegan Cholesterol, Plant-Based Cholesterol, Animal-Free Cholesterol, or Non-Animal Origin Cholesterol.
Plants mainly contain phytosterols such as beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol. They do not provide large commercial amounts of cholesterol through simple extraction. Plant sterols must first be isolated and then converted into cholesterol through a controlled manufacturing process.
The final ingredient is real cholesterol, not a phytosterol blend. It has the same chemical formula and CAS number as purified cholesterol from lanolin or fish oil. Commercial plant-based routes use chemical or biocatalytic conversion steps followed by purification and crystallization.
Other Names
Plant-Derived Cholesterol Powder may appear under the following names:
- Vegan Cholesterol Powder
- Plant-Based Cholesterol
- Vegetarian Cholesterol
- Non-Animal Origin Cholesterol
- Animal-Free Cholesterol
- Soybean-Derived Cholesterol
- Soy Phytosterol-Derived Cholesterol
- Synthetic Plant Cholesterol
- Cholesterin
- Cholesteryl Alcohol
- 5-Cholesten-3β-ol
- Cholest-5-en-3β-ol
“Plant-derived” is the preferred B2B term because it describes the source route clearly. “Vegan cholesterol” is useful for marketing but may require extra certification.
PubChem identifies cholesterol as C₂₇H₄₆O with a molecular weight of about 386.7 g/mol. The CAS number is 57-88-5.
Is It Naturally Extracted from Soybean?
No. Soybeans mainly provide phytosterols, not large amounts of cholesterol.
The process starts by isolating soybean phytosterols. These plant sterols are converted into cholesterol through controlled reaction or bioconversion steps. The material is then purified, crystallized, dried, and milled.
The term “soybean-derived” describes the starting material. It does not mean that cholesterol is pressed or directly extracted from soybeans.
Is Plant-Derived Cholesterol Still Cholesterol?
Yes. The finished molecule is cholesterol with CAS number 57-88-5.
Its plant origin does not turn it into a phytosterol. It also does not give the finished ingredient the cholesterol-lowering properties associated with some phytosterols.
Plant-Derived Cholesterol should not be marketed as an ingredient that lowers blood cholesterol.
Solubility and Formulation Behavior
Plant-Derived Cholesterol is practically insoluble in water. It dissolves more readily in selected organic solvents, including chloroform, ether, and acetone. It has slight solubility in alcohol.
Its low water solubility affects dispersion, absorption, and processing. Formulators may use oils, phospholipids, emulsifiers, solvents, or lipid carriers depending on the application.
Particle size can also affect blending and dispersion. Standard 80-mesh material and custom particle sizes can be supplied for qualified projects.
Plant-Derived Cholesterol Composition
Plant-Derived Cholesterol Powder is a defined chemical ingredient, not a multi-nutrient plant extract. Its composition should be described by cholesterol assay, related sterols, moisture, ignition residue, and process-related impurities.
Cholesterol Assay
The standard Unicorns Biotechnology grade contains at least 97.0% cholesterol. The remaining portion may include related sterols, trace moisture, and controlled process residues.
The attached specification confirms an assay of ≥97.0%. It also sets loss on drying at ≤0.3% and residue on ignition at ≤0.1%.
High-Purity Grades
Product background information also refers to Plant-Derived Cholesterol with purity of at least 99%. This can be treated as a separate high-purity option rather than the standard grade.
Buyers should confirm the following before ordering a ≥99% grade:
- Assay method
- Related sterol limits
- Individual impurity limits
- Total impurity limit
- Residual solvent limits
- Elemental impurity limits
- Microbial requirements
- Endotoxin requirements
- Intended use
- Applicable pharmacopoeial standard
A claim such as USP-NF or Ph. Eur. compliance should only appear on a grade covered by the matching specification and batch COA.
No Added Carrier
The attached standard specification describes a purified crystalline ingredient. It does not list calcium carbonate, silica, maltodextrin, or another carrier.
Any carrier, antioxidant, stabilizer, or flow agent should be declared in the formulation and on the batch documents.
Plant-Derived Cholesterol Powder Specifications
Unicorns Biotechnology supplies standard Plant-Derived Cholesterol with an assay of at least 97.0%. The product is made from non-GMO soybean material and tested under an enterprise standard.
It appears as white plate-like crystals. The melting range is 147°C to 150°C, and specific rotation ranges from -34° to -38°. Loss on drying is limited to 0.3%, while residue on ignition is limited to 0.1%.
The product is soluble in ether, chloroform, and acetone. It is slightly soluble in alcohol and insoluble in water. Standard packaging is 25 kg per drum.
Standard Specification Table
| Test Item | Standard Specification |
| Product name | Plant-Derived Cholesterol |
| Source | Non-GMO soybean |
| Testing standard | Enterprise standard |
| Appearance | White plate-like crystals |
| Melting range | 147°C to 150°C |
| Specific rotation | -34° to -38° |
| Solution clarity | No sediment or turbidity |
| Loss on drying | ≤0.3% |
| Residue on ignition | ≤0.1% |
| Acidity | ≤0.3 |
| Assay | ≥97.0% |
| Water solubility | Insoluble |
| Country of origin | China |
| Packaging | 25 kg/drum |
The figures above come from the attached formal product specification.
USP-NF and High-Purity Requirements
The USP-NF cholesterol monograph defines cholesterol as a steroid alcohol containing 95.0% to 102.0% cholest-5-en-3β-ol on the dried basis. It may contain suitable antioxidants.
Meeting the assay range alone does not prove full USP-NF compliance. Identification, impurities, analytical methods, and all other monograph requirements must also pass.
For this reason, the standard ≥97% enterprise grade should not be described as USP-NF grade unless a complete batch test confirms compliance.
Heavy Metals and Residual Solvents
The attached specification does not state numerical limits for heavy metals or residual solvents. Buyers should add these limits to the agreed purchase specification when required.
Common testing requests include:
| Test Category | Common Test Method |
| Cholesterol assay | HPLC or GC |
| Related sterols | HPLC or GC |
| Residual solvents | Headspace GC |
| Lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury | ICP-MS or AAS |
| Water or moisture | Loss on drying or Karl Fischer |
| Identification | IR, HPLC, GC, or melting range |
| Microbiological quality | Pharmacopeial or buyer-approved methods |
| Bacterial endotoxins | Required for qualified parenteral projects |
The exact methods and limits should be confirmed before production. A general industrial grade is not automatically suitable for injection, cell therapy, vaccines, or parenteral lipid nanoparticles.
Available Quality Documents
Documents can be prepared according to the selected grade and order:
- Batch-specific COA
- SDS or MSDS
- Product specification
- Non-GMO statement
- Plant-source declaration
- No-animal-origin statement
- TSE/BSE statement
- Allergen statement
- Country-of-origin statement
- Manufacturing flow chart
- Residual solvent report
- Heavy metal report
- Microbiological report
- Stability or shelf-life statement
- Third-party laboratory report
- Packing list and export documents
Plant-Derived Cholesterol vs Animal-Derived Cholesterol
Plant-derived and animal-derived cholesterol have the same core molecular identity after proper purification. Both are cholesterol with CAS number 57-88-5.
The main differences are the starting material, production route, traceability, impurity profile, market positioning, and documentation.
Detailed Comparison
| Comparison | Plant-Derived Cholesterol | Animal-Derived Cholesterol |
| Starting material | Plant phytosterols, often from soybean | Lanolin, fish oil, or animal tissue |
| Final chemical | Cholesterol | Cholesterol |
| CAS number | 57-88-5 | 57-88-5 |
| Molecular formula | C₂₇H₄₆O | C₂₇H₄₆O |
| Production route | Conversion of plant phytosterols, followed by purification | Separation and purification of animal sterol fractions |
| Lanolin used | No | Yes, for lanolin grades |
| Fish oil used | No | Yes, for marine grades |
| Animal tissues used | No | Possible in some traditional routes |
| Vegan positioning | Possible with full process verification | No |
| TSE/BSE status | Not applicable to plant feedstock | Requires source review when relevant |
| Species traceability | Not required | May require sheep, fish, or other species records |
| Fish allergen review | Not required for the plant source | May be required for fish oil grades |
| Non-GMO option | Available from qualified soybean material | Usually not a relevant source claim |
| Batch consistency | Based on controlled phytosterol feedstock and conversion | Based on animal-source sterol quality and refining |
| Supply positioning | Vegan, non-animal, biotech, cosmetics, premium pharma | Conventional pharma, vitamin D3, steroids, feed, and industrial uses |
| Cost | Often higher | Often lower |
| Religious or ethical acceptance | Broader when fully animal-free | Depends on source and certification |
| Main documents | Non-GMO, plant source, no-animal-origin, TSE/BSE statement | Species source, allergen, TSE/BSE, origin statement |
| Final performance | Depends on purity and formulation | Depends on purity and formulation |
Are the Finished Molecules Different?
No. Purified cholesterol has the same molecular structure regardless of the starting source.
A laboratory cannot confirm vegan status from the chemical name alone. Source status depends on manufacturing records, raw-material declarations, processing aids, and cross-contamination controls.
Why Choose a Plant Source?
Plant-derived material removes the need for lanolin, fish oil, and animal tissue. It fits products that require a non-animal supply chain.
It also makes source documentation easier for vegan cosmetics, non-animal pharmaceutical development, and customers with animal-origin restrictions.
Commercial non-animal cholesterol has been developed for pharmaceutical lipid systems and other source-sensitive applications. Plant-based production starts from plant materials and avoids animal-origin starting materials.
Does Plant-Derived Mean Safer?
Not automatically. Safety depends on purity, impurities, residual solvents, microbial quality, dosage, and intended use.
Plant-derived cholesterol avoids animal-source concerns. It does not remove the need for full quality testing.
Animal-derived cholesterol can also be safe when it is purified, tested, traceable, and suitable for the intended application.
When Is Animal-Derived Cholesterol Preferred?
Lanolin cholesterol is widely used for conventional vitamin D3 and steroid manufacturing. Fish oil and lanolin grades are also common in aquaculture feed.
Animal-derived cholesterol may cost less and have wider industrial availability. It remains a practical choice when source restrictions do not apply.
Plant-Derived Cholesterol vs Phytosterols
Plant-Derived Cholesterol and phytosterols are not the same ingredient.
| Item | Plant-Derived Cholesterol | Phytosterols |
| Main identity | Cholesterol | Beta-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, and related plant sterols |
| CAS number | 57-88-5 | Varies by sterol |
| Manufacturing role | Finished cholesterol molecule | Starting material for conversion |
| Main applications | Lipid systems, pharma, cosmetics, synthesis | Foods, supplements, cosmetics, and sterol intermediates |
| Cholesterol-lowering positioning | No | Some phytosterol products are used for this purpose |
| Molecular structure | Cholesterol structure | Similar but not identical to cholesterol |
A product made from phytosterols is not still a phytosterol after full conversion into cholesterol. It should not carry the same nutrition claims as the original plant sterols.
Functional Roles of Cholesterol
Cholesterol is an essential biological lipid. The roles below explain why the molecule is used in research and formulation. They are not a recommendation for general cholesterol supplementation.
Cell Membrane Structure
Cholesterol is a natural part of animal cell membranes. It helps control membrane fluidity, elasticity, permeability, and structural packing.
These properties also explain why purified cholesterol is used in model membranes, liposomes, and some lipid delivery systems.
Liposome and Lipid Bilayer Stability
Cholesterol can fit between phospholipid molecules within a lipid bilayer. This can make the membrane more rigid and reduce unwanted permeability.
Plant-based pharmaceutical cholesterol is available for lipid-based drug-delivery research and manufacturing. The required purity depends on the dosage form and route of administration.
Steroid Hormone Precursor
In living organisms, cholesterol acts as a starting molecule for steroid hormone synthesis. These hormones include cortisol, aldosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.
Industrial steroid manufacturing may also use cholesterol or related sterols as upstream chemical materials.
Bile Acid Precursor
The body converts cholesterol into bile acids through a series of enzyme-controlled steps. Bile acids support the digestion and absorption of dietary fats.
This biological role is different from using Plant-Derived Cholesterol as an industrial raw material.
Vitamin D3 Production Route
Cholesterol can serve as an upstream sterol for vitamin D3 manufacturing. It is first converted into 7-Dehydrocholesterol.
The 7-Dehydrocholesterol then undergoes controlled ultraviolet and thermal processing to produce vitamin D3. Plant-derived starting sterols can support a non-animal production route when every step meets the required source standard.
Plant-Derived Cholesterol Manufacturing Process
The process begins with qualified non-GMO soybean phytosterols. The aim is to convert plant sterols into cholesterol and remove unwanted reaction by-products.
1. Soybean Phytosterol Selection
The manufacturer selects a plant sterol raw material with a defined sterol profile. The supplier verifies soybean origin, non-GMO status, and traceability.
2. Phytosterol Isolation and Refining
The phytosterol fraction is separated and refined. This stage removes oils, pigments, moisture, and non-sterol material.
3. Sterol Conversion
The purified phytosterols pass through controlled chemical, biological, or combined conversion steps. The route changes the plant sterol structure into cholesterol.
The exact catalysts, enzymes, solvents, temperatures, and reaction times form part of the manufacturer’s controlled process.
4. Separation and Purification
After conversion, the cholesterol-rich fraction is separated from solvents, catalysts, unreacted phytosterols, and reaction by-products.
Repeated refining may be used to reach the required assay and impurity limits.
5. Crystallization
The purified cholesterol is crystallized under controlled conditions. Crystallization helps separate the target molecule from related sterols and other impurities.
6. Washing and Drying
The crystals are washed and dried to reduce process residues and moisture. Drying continues until the product meets the loss-on-drying requirement.
7. Milling and Sieving
The dried crystals are milled and sieved to the requested particle size. A typical commercial option is 80 mesh, although custom sizes can be prepared.
8. Quality Testing and Packaging
Each batch is tested against the approved specification. The product is then sealed in an inner bag and packed into a fiber drum.
The attached standard packaging is 25 kg per drum.
Plant-Derived Cholesterol Powder Applications
Plant-Derived Cholesterol serves markets that need the function of cholesterol without an animal-origin supply chain. The grade must match the final application.
A standard ≥97% enterprise grade is suitable for general industrial development. Injectable, parenteral, vaccine, and advanced cell applications need tighter controls.
Pharmaceutical Excipients and Lipid Delivery Systems
Vitamin D3 and Steroid Intermediate Production
Cell Culture and Biomedical Research
Cosmetics and Personal Care Products
Custom Specifications and OEM Services
Unicorns Biotechnology supports custom projects for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, cosmetic, and industrial buyers.
| Custom Item | Available Options |
| Source | Non-GMO soybean phytosterols |
| Assay | Standard ≥97% or custom high-purity grade |
| Particle size | 80 mesh or customized |
| Impurity controls | Buyer-defined related sterol limits |
| Residual solvents | Custom limits and third-party testing |
| Heavy metals | Buyer-defined limits |
| Microbiology | Custom requirements |
| Endotoxins | Project-specific testing |
| Packaging | 25 kg drum, smaller packs, or custom |
| Labels | Neutral label or private label |
| Documents | COA, SDS, source, non-GMO, TSE/BSE, and flow chart |
| OEM services | Blending, repacking, formulation support, and export documents |
Capsules, tablets, sachets, and finished nutrition products are not standard formats for this raw material. Finished dosage projects require a separate review of legal status, dosage, claims, and safety requirements.
Where to Buy Bulk Plant-Derived Cholesterol Powder
Henan Unicorns Biotechnology Co., Ltd. supplies bulk Plant-Derived Cholesterol Powder from China. Our standard grade uses non-GMO soybean phytosterols and contains at least 97.0% cholesterol.
We work with pharmaceutical manufacturers, lipid companies, cosmetic factories, biotechnology firms, research suppliers, ingredient distributors, and contract manufacturers. Free samples and technical documents are available for qualified B2B projects.
Why Choose Unicorns Biotechnology?
| Advantage | Details |
| Plant starting material | Non-GMO soybean phytosterols |
| Non-animal route | No lanolin, fish oil, or animal tissue |
| Standard purity | ≥97.0% assay |
| High-purity option | Custom grade subject to specification and COA |
| Industrial capacity | Up to 600 tons annually across the ingredient line |
| Factory price | Direct wholesale supply from China |
| Custom production | Assay, mesh, testing, packaging, and labels |
| Quality documents | COA, SDS, source statement, non-GMO, and TSE/BSE |
| Third-party testing | Available according to buyer requirements |
| Free sample | Available for qualified evaluation projects |
| Related products | Cholesterol, plant-derived 7-DHC, bile acids, bilirubin, and TUDCA |
| Export support | Packing list, origin documents, and customs paperwork |
GMP, Halal, Kosher, vegan, or other certificate claims should be confirmed against the current certificate scope for the selected product and production site.
Contact Unicorns Biotechnology for a free sample, current wholesale price, minimum order quantity, COA, specification, third-party test report, production lead time, and plant-source documents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These FAQs cover source, chemical identity, purity, applications, documentation, and the differences between plant-derived and animal-derived cholesterol. They help pharmaceutical, cosmetic, biotechnology, and ingredient buyers select the correct grade.
Is Plant-Derived Cholesterol the same as phytosterols?
No. Phytosterols are the starting materials. They are converted into cholesterol during production.
The final product is cholesterol with CAS number 57-88-5, not beta-sitosterol or a mixed phytosterol powder.
Is Plant-Derived Cholesterol vegan?
It can support vegan product development because it does not use animal-origin starting materials. A formal vegan claim may require review of the full process, processing aids, cross-contamination controls, and certification.
Is lanolin used during production?
No. The stated production route starts from non-GMO soybean phytosterols. It does not use wool grease or lanolin.
Does the product contain fish oil?
No. Fish oil is not used as the cholesterol source.
Is plant-derived cholesterol chemically different from lanolin cholesterol?
No. Both finished products contain the cholesterol molecule with CAS number 57-88-5.
The key differences are source, process, impurity profile, documentation, and market positioning.
Is Plant-Derived Cholesterol TSE/BSE free?
TSE and BSE are animal-source concerns. They do not apply to the non-animal soybean starting material.
A TSE/BSE statement and plant-source declaration can be supplied for buyer review.
Does Plant-Derived Cholesterol lower blood cholesterol?
No. Plant-Derived Cholesterol is still cholesterol.
It should not be confused with phytosterol supplements or medicines designed to lower cholesterol levels.
Does ≥97% assay mean the product is USP-NF grade?
No. Assay is only one part of pharmacopoeial compliance.
A USP-NF claim requires the product to pass all relevant monograph tests, methods, and limits.
Can it be used in lipid nanoparticles?
Cholesterol is used as a component of many lipid nanoparticle and liposome systems. However, the grade must match the intended route of administration.
Parenteral applications need much tighter controls than the standard enterprise grade.
Can it be used to produce vegan vitamin D3?
It can serve as an upstream animal-free sterol for 7-Dehydrocholesterol and vitamin D3 production.
The complete downstream process must also avoid animal-derived materials before the finished vitamin D3 can support a vegan claim.
Can Plant-Derived Cholesterol be used in cosmetics?
Yes, it can be evaluated for creams, emulsions, barrier products, and other lipid-based cosmetic systems.
The formulator must confirm legal status, use level, INCI naming, and finished-product safety.
What is the standard particle size?
An 80-mesh option can be supplied for common industrial needs. Custom particle sizes are available after technical review.
Can I request third-party testing?
Yes. Third-party testing can cover identity, assay, related sterols, heavy metals, residual solvents, or other agreed items.
Is a free sample available?
Yes. Free samples are available for qualified B2B buyers. Shipping terms and sample quantity depend on the destination and testing plan.