Beta sitosterol is a plant sterol -- a chemical found in all plant foods -- that appears to offer a number of health benefits. Even though it naturally occurs in foods, you'd need to eat foods fortified with sterols or use them in supplement form to achieve therapeutic benefit. The amount present in fruits, vegetables and the like is just too small to exert a medicinal effect. Not all purported benefits, however, have strong scientific backing behind them.
Treating High Cholesterol
Beta sitosterol is probably best known as a treatment for high cholesterol. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports several well-designed studies indicate its ability to lower levels of LDL, or "bad" cholesterol. It does not appear to affect levels of HDL, or "good" cholesterol or triglycerides. It works by reducing the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines by about 50 percent, according to Drugs.com. This mechanism of action leads to more being excreted and less circulating in the bloodstream.
Prostate Health
Beta sitosterol has a long history of use in Europe for treating an enlarged prostate. Dr. Stephen B. Strum, who wrote an article regarding the use of this plant sterol for treating this disorder in a June 2005 issue of the "Life Extension" magazine, notes several well-designed studies found beta sitosterol reduced various symptoms of enlarged prostate, such as reduced urinary flow. It appears to work by blocking the production of dihydrotestosterone, which triggers the growth of prostate cells.
He also notes studies showing beta sitosterol reduced the growth and spread of prostate cancer cells and induced apoptosis -- the process where a cancer cell self-destructs. These studies involved animals or isolated prostate cancer cells, however. While promosing, this type of research cannot firmly establish therapeutic benefit in humans.
Other Benefits
Drugs.com notes beta-sitosterol might enhance immune function. EMedTV notes other purported uses do not have enough scientific backing behind them. They include treating colds and flu, asthma, hair loss, gallstones, enhancing sexual function and relieving symptoms of menopause.
Considerations for Use
To lower cholesterol, you require about 2 g daily, according to the Mayoclinic.com. Many foods have been fortified with plant sterols such as margarines, orange juice and yogurt. Two 8-oz. glasses of fortified orange juice, for example, would meet this requirement. You could also use supplements. The aforementioned studies looking at beta sitosterol for enlarged prostate used between 130 mg and 180 mg daily. Talk to your doctor about the appropriate dosage for addressing symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Regular consumption of beta sitosterol could lower levels of carotenes and vitamin E and you might require supplementation.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Hypercholesterolemia;Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; December 2008
- Drugs.com: Complete Beta-Sitosterol Information
- Mayoclinic.com: Cholesterol: Top Five Foods to Lower Your Numbers
- EMedTV; Benefits of Beta Sitosterol;Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD; February 2008
- Life Extension Foundation;Beta-Sitostero and the Aging Prostate Gland;Stephen B. Strum, MD, FACP, and William Faloon; June 2005
