Beta sitosterol is a plant-derived sterol, also known as a phytosterol. Plant sterols or phytosterols are common components of plant foods, especially plant oils, seeds and nuts, cereals and legumes.

Which are the common phytosterols?
The most common phytosterols are beta sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol. Beta sitosterol is found in high amounts in nuts and amaranth.

Phytosterol Compex, Beta Sitosterol
Developed by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Phytosterols are natural components of many vegetables and grains. Preliminary scientific evidence suggests that plant phytosterols may help to maintain cholesterol levels already within the normal range when consumed as part of a low cholesterol dietary program. The three main phytosterols in phytosterol complex are beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol. They are natural, safe and derived entirely from plant sources. This phytosterol complex is derived from soy.

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Beta Sitosterol Supplement Facts:
Phytosterol Complex 350 mg *
   Yielding:
   Beta-Sitosterol - 140 mg *
   Campesterol - 70 mg *
   Stigmasterol - 60 mg *
   Brassicasterol - 5 mg *

Suggested Use: One capsule phytosterol complex with beta sitosterol a few times a week with breakfast.

* Phytosterol and beta sitosterol daily value not established.

Prostate Power Rx with Beta Sitosterol
Formulated by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

With Saw Palmetto, Pygeum, Beta-Sitosterol, Stinging Nettle, Quercetin, & Key Ingredients for support of normal prostate size

Prostate Power Rx is carefully formulated with important herbs and nutrients to provide optimal prostate health.

Saw Palmetto extract    (standardized to contain 45% fatty acids - serenoa repens fruit)
Stinging Nettle 4:1 extract (urtica diocia root)
Quercetin
Rosemary 4:1 extract (Rosemarinus officinales leaf)
Beta Sitosterol for prostate - Beta Sitosterol is promote for prostate health
Pygeum 4:1 bark extract (Pygeum Africanum)
Daidzein (standardized to contain 40% isoflavones)
Genistein (standardized to contain 40% isoflavones)
Lycopene (Lycoperscion escatatum fruit)

Click the above Beta Sitosterol link for Prostate Power Rx

Recent testimonial sent to us by email:
Thanks Dr. Ray Sahelian, M.D.
For about nine months I had mixed results using another product that contained Beta-Sitesterol, 600mg plus a number of minerals such as, Zinc, Copper, Manganese, etc. etc.. I replaced the aforementioned supplement with your product and within two to three weeks I experienced a truly significant improvement in my condition. Now after about six weeks of use I am a very happy camper. I now only get up during the night ,one or two times as opposed to three, four and sometimes five times. Also, during the day I have very much more control over my need to find a men's room. I highly recommend Prostate Power RX. JB, Hollister, California

Beta Sitosterol and Prostate
One study shows the combination of beta-sitosterol, saw palmetto, and stinging nettle was helpful in prostate enlargement. A laboratory study shows beta sitosterol may inhibit 5-alpha reductase in prostate tissue.

Beta Sitosterol and Lipids
Beta sitosterol may help maintain healthy cholesterol levels when used as a supplement.

Beta Sitosterol side effects
High doses could lead to nausea and a feeling of unease. Long term studies with beta sitosterol supplementation in humans are not available so we don't know the full range of potential side effects with beta sitosterol use.

High Quality products formulated by a medical doctor
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Beta Sitosterol Research Update
Efficacy and safety of beta sitosterol in the management of blood cholesterol levels.
Cardiovasc Drug Rev. 2005 Spring;23(1):57-70. Fernandez ML, Vega-Lopez S.
University of Connecticut, Department of Nutritional Sciences, Storrs, CT
Elevated levels of plasma LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) represent a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Treatments aimed at reducing levels of circulating LDL are regarded, therefore, as cardioprotective. The cholesterol lowering properties of plant sterols have been known for some time and many clinical studies have confirmed the efficacy of beta sitosterol in lowering plasma LDL-C concentrations. Animal studies have also shown reductions in LDL by beta sitosterol. The use of animal models has been useful in facilitating the elucidation of specific mechanisms by which beta sitosterol exerts its hypocholesterolemic action. It is well known that plant sterols compete with cholesterol for space within bile salt micelles in the intestinal lumen thereby reducing cholesterol absorption. The understanding of the function of plant sterols in impeding cholesterol absorption has been clarified with the discovery of the adenosine binding cassette transporters, ABCG5/8, involved in the regulation of sterol absorption and secretion into the enterocyte and hepatocyte. Compared to cholesterol and other sterols, beta sitosterol is preferentially pumped out to the intestinal lumen by the ABCG5/8 transporters. This selective binding of beta sitosterol to the transporters ultimately results in significant lowering of plasma cholesterol. However, some findings support the hypothesis that plant sterols might be an additional risk factor for coronary heart disease. From the review of these studies, it is apparent that beta sitosterol is a useful dietary supplement for the lowering of plasma cholesterol. Nevertheless, beta sitosterol should be used with caution in certain individuals who have a higher absorption rate of beta sitosterol.

Randomized trial of a combination of natural products (cernitin, saw palmetto, Beta sitosterol, vitamin E) on symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Preuss HG. Int Urol Nephrol 2001;33(2):217-25. Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC
Because benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is relatively common, it is important to discover safe and effective means to treat this often debilitating perturbation. Accordingly, we examined the effectiveness of a combination of natural products (cernitin, saw palmetto, beta sitosterol, vitamin E) in treating symptoms of BPH. We undertook a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Patients received either placebo or the combined natural products for 3 months. Nocturia showed a markedly significant decrease in severity in patients receiving cernitin, saw palmetto and beta sitosterol compared to those taking placebo. Daytime frequency was also lessened significantly. PSA measurements, maximal and average urinary flow rates, and residual volumes showed no statistically significant differences. When taken for 3 months, a combination of natural products (cernitin, saw palmetto, Beta sitosterol, vitamin E) compared to placebo can significantly lessen nocturia and frequency and diminish overall symptomatology of BPH as indicated by an improvement in the total AUA Symptom Index score. The combination of natural products caused no significant adverse side effects.

Beta Sitosterol, beta Sitosterol Glucoside, and a Mixture of beta Sitosterol and beta Sitosterol Glucoside Modulate the Growth of Estrogen-Responsive Breast Cancer Cells In Vitro and in Ovariectomized Athymic Mice.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
J Nutr. 2004 May;134(5):1145-51.
We hypothesized that the phytosterols beta sitosterol, beta sitosterol glucoside, and Moducare could modulate the growth of estrogen-dependent human breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The present study evaluated the estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects of beta sitosterol, beta sitosterol glucoside, and Moducare on the proliferation of Michigan Cancer Foundation 7 (MCF-7) cells in vitro. Both beta sitosterol and MC increased MCF-7 cell proliferation. Treatment with 150 micro mol/L of beta sitosterol and MC increased cell growth by 2.4 and 1.5 times, respectively, compared to the negative control (NC) group. However, beta sitosterol glucoside had no effect at the concentrations tested. The effects of dietary beta sitosterol, beta sitosterol glucoside, and MC on the growth of MCF-7 cells implanted in ovariectomized athymic mice were also evaluated. Estrogenic effects of the phytosterols were evaluated in the NC, beta sitosterol, beta sitosterol glucoside, and MC treatment groups, and anti-estrogenic effects were evaluated in the 17 beta estradiol (E(2)), E(2) + BSS, E(2) + beta sitosterol glucoside, and E(2) + MC treatment groups. Mice were treated with dietary beta-sitosterol, beta-sitosterol glucoside, or MC for 11 wk. Dietary beta sitosterol, beta sitosterol glucoside, and MC did not stimulate MCF-7 tumor growth. However, dietary beta sitosterol, beta sitosterol glucoside, and MC reduced E(2)-induced MCF-7 tumor growth by 38%, 31%), and 42%, respectively. The dietary phytosterols lowered serum E(2) levels by 35, 30, and 36% in the E(2) + beta sitosterol, E(2) + beta sitosterol glucoside, and E(2) + MC groups, respectively, compared to that of the E(2) treatment group. In summary, beta sitosterol and MC stimulated MCF-7 cell growth in vitro. Although beta sitosterol glucoside comprises only 1% of MC, beta sitosterol glucoside made MC less estrogenic than beta sitosterol alone in vitro. However, dietary beta sitosterol and MC protected against E(2)-stimulated MCF-7 tumor growth and lowered circulating E(2) levels.

Amaranth as a rich dietary source of beta sitosterol and other phytosterols.
Plant Foods Hum Nutr. 2003;58(3):207-11.
The analysis of 4 commonly available amaranth varieties revealed the presence of all three major phytosterols (beta sitosterol, campesterol, stigmas-terol) with a total sterol content being several fold higher than those found in other studied plants. Substantial differences in total phytosterol content and beta-sitosterol content were found between the amaranth varieties.

A plant food-based diet modifies the serum beta-sitosterol concentration in hyperandrogenic postmenopausal women.
University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
J Nutr. 2003 Dec;133(12):4252-5.
Plant sterols or phytosterols are common components of plant foods, especially plant oils, seeds and nuts, cereals and legumes. The most common phytosterols are campesterol, beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol. Phytosterols have anti-carcinogenic properties. Previous studies have suggested that populations with low breast cancer incidence often consume diets high in phytosterols. The present study evaluated whether consumption of a plant food-based diet, low in animal fat, may increase serum phytosterol levels in postmenopausal women. One hundred and four women volunteers were randomized to dietary intervention or control groups. The dietary intervention included intensive dietary counseling to replace animal products with plant-based foods. Subjects in the dietary intervention group participated twice a week for 18 wk in workshops about the preparation and consumption of a plant food-based diet. The absolute change in serum total phytosterol concentration was greater in the dietary intervention group than in the control group. The percent change tended to differ between groups. However, only for beta-sitosterol did the absolute and percent changes within a group differ significantly between groups. The decrease in serum total cholesterol in the dietary intervention group (-14%) was greater than that in the control group (-4%). The results of this study show that circulating levels of phytosterols can be affected by dietary modification. These findings indicate that phytosterols, in particular beta-sitosterol, can be used as biomarkers of exposure in observational studies or as compliance indicators in dietary intervention studies of cancer prevention.

Antioxidant effects of phytosterol and its components.
J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2003 Aug;49(4):277-80.
Phytosterol contained in vegetable oils is known to exert a hypocholesterolemic function. In the present study, the antioxidant effects of phytosterol and its components, beta sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol, against lipid peroxidation were examined. Taken together, the present study shows that phytosterol chemically acts as an antioxidant, a modest radical scavenger, and physically as a stabilizer in the membranes.

Effects of a new soy / beta-sitosterol supplement on plasma lipids in moderately hypercholesterolemic subjects. Cicero AF. University of Bologna, Italy.
J Am Diet Assoc 2002 Dec;102(12):1807-11.
Our aim was to test the hypocholesterolemic effect of a low-dose formulation of soy proteins supplemented with isolated beta sitosterol in a ratio of 4:1 in 20 moderately hypercholesterolemic subjects. The study has been divided in three different periods of forty days each: a stabilization diet period, then a treatment period during which all subjects assumed 10 g one time a day of the tested product and, finally, a wash out period. From the end of the stabilization diet period to the end of the soy protein added in beta sitosterol supplementation we observed a decrease in LDL-C, TG and apoB levels, associated with a mean increase respectively in HDL-C and apoA plasma concentrations. According to this recommends, low doses of soy protein added in beta sitosterol seems to be a practical and safe alternative for patients seeking modest reductions in LDL-C (< 15%). beta sitosterol
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Beta Sitosterol and Hair - DHT
Effect of beta sitosterol as inhibitor of 5 alpha-reductase in hamster prostate.
Proc West Pharmacol Soc. 2003;46:153-5.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of botanically derived inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
 J Altern Complement Med. 2002 Apr;8(2):143-52. Prager N, Bickett K, French N, Marcovici G.
Clinical Research and Development Network, Aurora, CO, USA.
The conversion of testosterone (T) to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) via the enzyme 5-alpha reductase (5AR) contributes to hair loss. Here, we report the first example of a placebo-controlled, double-blind study undertaken in order to examine the benefit of these botanical substances in the treatment of androgenic alopecia. OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to test botanically derived 5AR inhibitors, specifically the liposterolic extract of Serenoa repens (LSESr) and beta-sitosterol, in the treatment of AGA. Subjects: Included in this study were males between the ages of 23 and 64 years of age, in good health, with mild to moderate AGA. RESULTS: The results of this pilot study showed a highly positive response to treatment. The blinded investigative staff assessment report showed that 60% of (6/10) study subjects dosed with the active study formulation were rated as improved at the final visit. CONCLUSIONS: This study establishes the effectiveness of naturally occurring 5AR inhibitors such as beta sitosterol and saw palmetto against AGA for the first time.

Beta Sitosterol emails
Q. Does beta sitosterol help with hair loss? I have read that beta sitosterol block DHT formation.
   A. It's quite possible that beta sitosterol could help with hair loss, but we need several studies evaluating the role of beta sitosterol and hair loss before coming to conclusions. See the research study listed above.

Q. Can beta sitosterol and saw palmetto be taken together? I am hoping the combination of beta sitosterol and saw palmetto can help my prostate enlargement.
   A. They can, but it would be best not to take large amounts of each for prolonged periods without breaks.

Q. I used to take a saw palmetto formula for my BHP but I now use Beta Sitosterol, Soy Flavones, Zinc and Selenium without Saw Palmetto. I changed because my own personal research on the internet, which I know is not always reliable, suggested that Beta Sitosterol is the key active agent in Saw Palmetto and was therefore very much more powerful. As a lay person I have no evidence to back this up apart from what I read on the internet. I would be pleased if you could kindly enlighten me on this question as I respect what I read on your website.
     A. It's difficult to say. Saw palmetto has:
1)Free fatty acids. Quite a number of fatty acids are present in saw palmetto. The ones in highest concentration include oleic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid and palmitic acid.
2) Phytosterols (plant sterols). These plant sterols (phyto means plant) have a chemical structure similar to cholesterol. The most commonly found phytosterols in saw palmetto are beta-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol and cycloartenol.
3) Free fatty alcohols. These are usually made up of fatty acids joined to an alcohol molecule.
4) Monoglycerides, which are single fatty acids attached to a three-carbon glycerol molecule.

     We don't know yet whether beta sitosterol by itself is good enough or other compounds in saw palmetto could be helpful. Also, every person has a diffeent diet and metabolism, or taking various other supplements or medicines. For some people beta sitosterol may be good enough while others may benefit from saw palmetto alone, and still others may require a whole blend of prostate herbs such as those found in Prostate Power Rx. It's difficult to know for sure, the whole topic is very complicated with too many variables.

Q. I heard a radio show where sitosterol beta for prostate, I think the product was called beta prostate or sitosterol beta prostate. is being promoted as the best supplement for prostate with hundreds of research articles. Does beta sitosterol help prostate gland like the radio advertisement say?
   A. Many herbs and nutrients influence the prostate gland, and beta sitosterol is only one of many. There have been only a handful of studies with beta sitosterol and prostate, not hundreds. The ideal dosage of beta sitosterol and potential long term side effects are not known.

Q. I would appreciate any help you can give me regarding beta sitosterol. I was using beta sitosterol to bring down my cholesterol and then went on vacation. I take no other medication except Viagra every now and then. But to my horror the Viagra did not work like it used actually it was totally ineffective. I couldn't understand what was wrong until i stopped using beta sitosterol. Viagra worked perfectly. I took beta sitosterol again and Viagra does not work with it. I don't understand why that would be. The beta sitosterol is amazing in that it enhances my immune system like nothing else. I felt amazing while on it and had no other side effects. I was so disappointed. I would appreciate it if you would let me know if you have heard anyone else have the same complaint.
   A. We have not heard of this side effect of beta sitosterol before, but it is possible. Perhaps beta sitosterol, when used daily, can influence hormone levels or can influence nitric oxide production. It's often a good idea to take breaks from the long term use of a particular supplement and substitute others.