Beta-Sitosterol
You likely stumbled upon this while googling or talking among friends. This substance is prevalent in many supplements and has been touted as a treatment for everything from BPH to cancer - Ben’s Natural Health
HWN Suggests
Beta-sitosterol For Prostate Health, Does It Work?
Beta-sitosterol is a cholesterol-like substance derived from plants (a phytosterol; found in saw palmetto, pecans, soybeans, pumpkin seeds) that does not act like cholesterol. Instead, it mimics the actions of the prescription drug finasteride (Proscar), which inhibits the activity of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase and is used to manage symptoms associated with BPH, such as urinary frequency, urinary urgency, and flow problems associated with an enlarged prostate. You also may see beta-sitosterol advertised as a supplement for lowering cholesterol. High doses of this supplement, along with other sterols, can reduce total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels,…
Articles of Interest
Avocado Fruit is a Rich Source of Beta-Sitosterol
Avocados clearly provide more beta-sitosterol than any of the other fruits with known values. On an ounce-per-ounce basis, avocados contain more than four times the beta-sitosterol of oranges, which had previously been reported as the richest known fruit source of beta-sitosterol.
Anticancer Potential Of β-Sitosterol
It is now clear that β-sitosterol affects many metabolic systems in the body. However, despite its clearly beneficial role as an anticancer agent, two main factors are in the way of the use of β-sitosterol in cancer therapy: 1) Its relatively low activity; and 2) similarity to cholesterol with its presence in daily diet. The ability of β-sitosterol to affect the cholesterol-related processes possibly overlaps with its anti-cancer actions. Additional elucidations of the role of β-sitosterol in human organism may contribute towards its recognition as a beneficial substance or agent that benefits some specific patients’ groups, such as breast or colon cancer patients at least in the form of a diet supplement.
Beta‐sitosterols for benign prostatic hyperplasia
References to studies included in this review.
Can Beta-Sitosterol Treat An Enlarged Prostate?
Flomax and other common prostate drugs were designed to mimic the way beta-sitosterol works. In fact, these drugs are called 5-alpha-reductase-inhibitor drugs because of it! However, although they can provide symptomatic relief, they have widely documented side effects
Herbal medicines containing beta-sitosterols may help to relieve the urinary symptoms and urinary flow problems caused by an enlarged prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
The evidence suggests non-glucosidic B-sitosterols improve urinary symptoms and flow measures. Their long term effectiveness, safety and ability to prevent BPH complications are not known.
Identification and Characterization of β-Sitosterol Target Proteins
β-Sitosterol is the most abundant plant sterol in the human diet. It is also the major component of several traditional medicines, including saw palmetto and devil’s claw. Although β-sitosterol is effective against enlarged prostate in human clinical trials and has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities, the mechanisms of action are poorly understood.
