Numerous plants contain cholesterol-like compounds called sitosterols and their close relatives sitosterolins. A special mixture of these called beta-sitosterol is used for the treatment of ]]>benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)]]> .

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What Is Beta-Sitosterol Used for Today?

Some conditions are luckier than others. For some mysterious reason, there seem to be more useful herbal treatments for BPH than almost any other disease. Beta-sitosterol joins saw palmetto]]> , ]]>pygeum]]> , ]]>nettle]]> , and ]]>grass pollen]]> as a moderately well-documented treatment for BPH.

Based on highly preliminary evidence, it has been suggested that sitosterols may also help ]]>strengthen the immune system]]> . ]]>2]]> In particular, one study suggests that beta-sitosterol can help prevent the temporary immune weakness that typically occurs during ]]>recovery from endurance exercise]]> , and can lead to a post-race infection. ]]>3]]>

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What Is the Scientific Evidence for Beta-Sitosterol?

A review of the literature, published in 1999, found a total of four double-blind placebo-controlled studies]]> on beta-sitosterol for BPH, enrolling a total of 519 men. ]]>4-7]]> All but one of these studies found significant benefits in both perceived symptoms and objective measurements, such as urine flow rate.

The largest study followed 200 men with BPH for a period of 6 months. ]]>8]]> After the trial was completed, many of the participants were followed for an additional year, during which the benefits continued. ]]>9]]> Similar results were seen in a 6-month, double-blind trial of 177 individuals. ]]>10]]>

Beta-sitosterol binds to prostate tissue and affects the metabolism of prostaglandins, substances found in the body that affect pain and inflammation. ]]>1]]> However, it is not clear whether this is the correct explanation for how beta-sitosterol might help in BPH.

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Dosage

The daily dosage of beta-sitosterol is 60 to 135 mg. Effects usually take 4 weeks to develop.

Safety Issues

Although detailed safety studies have not been performed, beta-sitosterol is believed to be safe. No significant side effects or drug interactions have been reported. 11]]>