Beta-sitosterol is a substance found in plants. Chemists call it a “phytosterol ester.” It is found in fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. It is used to make medicine.
Beta-sitosterol is used for heart disease and high cholesterol. It is also used to boost the immune system and to prevent colon cancer, as well as for gallstones, the common cold, the flu (influenza), swine flu, HIV / AIDS, rheumatic arthritis, tuberculosis, psoriasis, allergies, cervical cancer, fibromyalgia, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), asthma, hair loss, bronchitis, migraine headache and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Some men use beta-sitosterol for an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH). Some women use it for menopausal symptoms.
It is also used to improve sexual activity.
Marathon runners sometimes use beta-sitosterol to decrease pain and swelling after a race.
Some people apply beta-sitosterol to the skin to treat wounds and burns.
In foods, beta-sitosterol is added to some margarines (for example, Take Control) that are designed to be used as part of a cholesterol-lowering diet and to prevent heart disease. Foods that contain phytosterol esters, such as beta-sitosterol, are claimed by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease (CD). This standard is based on the FDA’s conclusion that phytosterol esters can lower the risk of CD by lowering cholesterol levels. Although there is considerable evidence that beta-sitosterol lowers cholesterol levels, there is no evidence that long-term use actually decreases the risk of developing CD.
Do not confuse beta-sitosterol with sitostanol, a similar substance contained in Benecol. Both sitostanol and beta-sitosterol are used to lower cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol and appear to be equally effective.
How effective is it ?:
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database ranks the efficacy, based on scientific evidence, according to the following scale: Effective, Probably Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Probably Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence for Make a Determination.
The effectiveness ratings for this product are as follows:
- Problems urinating from an enlarged prostate or “benign prostatic hyperplasia” (BPH). Taking 60-130 mg of beta-statosterol daily helps improve symptoms of BPH, but does not decrease the size of the prostate. Taking beta-statosterol in much smaller doses does not decrease symptoms.
- High cholesterol. Taking beta-sitosterol alone or together with soy or cholestyramine can lower levels of total cholesterol and low-density “bad” lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, but does not increase levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. “good”.
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How does it work?:
Beta-sitosterol comes from a plant and is a substance very similar to cholesterol. It could help lower cholesterol levels by limiting the amount of cholesterol that can be absorbed by the body. They also help decrease swelling (inflammation) in the prostate and other tissues.
Is there concern for the safety of its use?:
Beta-sitosterol is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth. It can cause some side effects, such as nausea, indigestion, gas, diarrhea, or constipation. Betasitosterol has also been linked to reports of erectile dysfunction (ED), loss of interest in sex, and worsening acne.
Beta-sitosterol is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin.
Special warnings and precautions:
Pregnancy and Lactation : There is not enough information on the use of beta-sitosterol during pregnancy and lactation. Be cautious and avoid using it.
Sitosterolemia, a rare inherited fat storage disease : People with this condition have a lot of beta-sitosterol and fats in their blood and tissues. They have a predisposition to heart disease at an early age. Taking beta-sitosterol worsens this affliction. If you have sitosterolemia do not take beta-sitosterol.
Are there interactions with medications ?:
Ezetimibe (Zetia)
Taking ezetimibe (Zetia) can decrease the amount of beta-sitosterol that is absorbed by the body. This could decrease the effectiveness of beta-sitosterol.
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Interaction degree: Moderate
Be careful with this combination
Talk to your healthcare provider.
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Pravastatin (Pravachol)
Taking pravastatin (Pravachol) may decrease the amount of beta-sitosterol present in the body. This could decrease the effectiveness of beta-sitosterol.
Interaction degree: Minors
Pay attention to this combination
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Talk to your healthcare provider.
Are there interactions with herbs and supplements?:
Carotene
Beta-sitosterol can decrease the amount of carotene that is absorbed by the body.
Vitamin E
Beta-sitosterol may decrease the amount of vitamin E that is absorbed by the body.
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Are there interactions with food ?:
Beta-sitosterol can decrease the amount of carotene that is absorbed by the body.
Beta-sitosterol may decrease the amount of vitamin E that is absorbed by the body.
What dose is used ?:
The following dose has been studied in scientific research:
ADULTS
BY ORAL ROUTE :
- For benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): 60-130 mg of beta-sitosterol was used divided into 2 or 3 daily doses.
- For high cholesterol: The use of 0.65-1.5 grams betasitosterol 2 times per day was reported. Betasitosterol is often used in conjunction with a reduced fat diet. A combination product containing 2.5 grams of beta-statosterol and 8 grams of cholestyramine was used every day for 12 weeks. A combination product containing 8 grams of soy protein and 2 grams of beta-statosterol was used every day for 40 days.
- Decreased cholesterol levels in people with an inherited tendency to have high cholesterol (familial hypercholesterolemia): 2.5-21.1 grams of beta-statosterol was used daily in divided doses, usually before meals. Some research suggests that betatasitosterol is most effective when ingested in doses of 6 grams per day. High doses don’t seem to work better.
CHILDREN
BY MOUTH :
- Decreased cholesterol levels in children with an inherited tendency to have high cholesterol (familial hypercholesterolemia): 2-4 grams of beta-statosterol was used 3 times daily for 3 months in children and adolescents. In addition, 1 gram of beta-statosterol was used 3 times per day, every day, along with the drug bezafibrate for 24 months. Beta-sitosterol is generally taken in conjunction with a low-fat diet.
Beta-sitosterol is generally taken in conjunction with a low-fat diet.
Other names:
Angelicin, Angélicine, B-Sitosterol 3-BD-glucoside, B-Sitosterolin, Beta Sitosterin, Bêta-sitostérine, Beta Sitosterol, Bêta-Sitostérol, Beta-Sitosterol Glucoside, Beta-Sitosterol Glycoside, Campesterol, Campestérol, Cinchol, Cupreol, Ester de Stérol Végétal, Esters de Phytostérol, Esters de Stérol Dérivés d’huile Végétale, Glucoside de Bêta-Sitostérol, Phytosterol, Phytostérol, Phytosterol Esters, Phytosterols, Phytostérols, Plant Sterol Esters, Plant Sterols, Plant Sterols Sitosterol, Sitosterolins, Sterinol, Stérolines, Stérolines Végétales, Sterolins, Stérols Végétaux, Stigmasterol, Stigmastérol, Vegetable Oil Sterol Esters, 3-beta-stigmast-5-en-3-ol, 22-23-dihydrostigmasterol, 24-beta-ethyl -delta-5-cholesten-3beta-ol, 24-ethyl-cholesterol.
Natural Standard Bottom Line Monograph, Copyright © 2010 ( www . Naturalstandard . Com ). Commercial distribution is prohibited. This monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified medical provider before making decisions regarding therapies and / or health conditions.
However, certain complementary and alternative techniques have been scientifically studied, for most therapies there is limitation or controversy regarding high-quality data regarding safety, efficacy and mechanism of action. It is recommended, to the maximum extent possible, that practitioners hold licenses issued by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before initiating a new technique or hiring a practitioner, it is recommended that patients consult with their primary medical provider (s). The potential benefits and risks (including financial costs) as well as alternatives should be carefully considered. The following monograph is designed to provide a history and summary of clinical-oriented research,
