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What Herbs Have Beta Sitosterols?

Aug 23, 2011 | By Lexa W. Lee

Beta sitosterols belong to a group of compounds called sterols, which are substances that are part of cell membranes. Beta sitosterol represents the most common sterol in plants, and it has a structure similar to that of cholesterol, according to Drugs.com. However, while your body absorbs cholesterol from animal sources, it absorbs very little beta sitosterol.

Sources

Good natural sources of beta sitosterol include herbs such as saw palmetto berries and amaranth. Other plant sources include the South African star grass pygeum or the African plum tree, various species of pine and spruce trees, peanuts, soybeans, fava beans, pistachios, almonds, pecans, walnuts, hazel nuts and avocado. Beta sitosterol is most abundant in vegetable oils made from corn, canola and soy. It is also commonly added to margarine.

Health Effects

Beta sitosterol has attracted attention from researchers because it has some beneficial health effects. For example, it can lower your cholesterol levels. The presence of plant sterols in the gut reduces your absorption of cholesterol by about 50 percent. Studies show that reductions in LDL, or "bad," cholesterol appear to be greater in older patients. Beta sitosterol may also control chronic inflammation and stimulate some functions of your immune system that involve different white blood cells.

Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

Beta sitosterol can ease mild to moderate symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH, a common prostate enlargement in older men. Beta sitosterol appears to decrease inflammation of the prostate gland and improve the flow of urine. The herbs saw palmetto, nettle root and pygeum are commonly used as alternatives to drugs in treating BPH because they have fewer side effects, according to the website Medical News Today. In addition, lab studies indicate that beta sitosterol can inhibit the growth of prostate, colon and breast cancer cells.

Additional Information

Beta sitosterol and other plant sterols are generally considered to be safe. However, along with reducing the absorption of cholesterol, they also reduce your ability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as E, beta-carotene, and alpha-carotene. Herbal supplements containing beta sitosterol are widely available in different dosages and different herbal combinations. You should check with your doctor if you want to use them for specific health conditions. The FDA does not regulate herbal supplements as closely as it does drugs.

References

Article reviewed by TimDog Last updated on: Aug 23, 2011

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