| The most abundant phytosterol in the human diet,
Beta-sitosterol is widely present, as well, in various plants such
as saw palmetto, pumpkin seed, etc. Actually these plants are used
in the herbal treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy. There are
specialists who believe that Beta-sitosterol plays an important
role in the benefits provided by these herbs.
From the chemical point of view, Beta-sitosterol has quite a similar
structure to the one of the cholesterol. Despite the fact that it
does produce effects in improving prostate dysfunctions, the mechanism
used by this substance is actually unknown by specialists. There
are reports, which recommend it as a prostate supplement do to the
fact that it apparently has certain anti-inflammatory effects on
the prostate.
From the overall dose of Beta-sitosterol supplement ingested, approximately
5% is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. This quantity normally
gets to the liver, as it is transported via the portal circulation.
A portion of the Beta-sitosterol is glucuronidated in the liver,
while another portion is metabolized to cholic acid. Beta-sitosterol
is also transported to other tissues of the human body, by means
of the systemic circulation. Most part of the excretion is done
via the biliary route.
Various studies and research have been conducted over the years
in order to gather more relevant information on Beta-sitosterol
effects on the human body. One of the most relevant reviews on this
substance, analyzing four different studies on placebo control and
Beta-sitosterol efficacy in men suffering of benign prostate hyperplasia,
concluded that it considerably contributed to improving the urological
symptoms of the patients. The studies were conducted on a number
of over 500 persons and had a duration of approximately 25 weeks.
However, all the reviews, both the one presenting positive effects,
and the ones presenting less spectacular results, caution that all
the treatments have been performed over rather short periods of
time and, as a consequence, there is no reliable data referring
to extended periods of usage. As a result, the long term effectiveness
and safety, as well as the possible complications, remain unknown.
In what concerns the contraindications that are already known, it
is important to mention that Beta-sitosterol is not recommended
in the case of the persons suffering from genetic disorders, such
as sitosterolemia and cerebrotendinotic xanthomatosis, which are
actually quite rare heath conditions. Moreover, Beta-sitosterol
is totally not recommended for pregnant women and for nursing mothers.
The most commonly reported adverse reactions to Beta-sitosterol
include gastrointestinal dysfunctions, such as, for example gas,
indigestion, constipation and diarrhea.
Beta-sitosterol can be administrated in does ranging from 10 to
65 milligrams, two or three times a day, best during meals. There
have been no overdoses reports, but, however, it is recommended
not to exaggerate or increase the doses without medical approval.
Beta-sitosterol is supplied in the specialized stores in capsules
of 60 mg and in tablets of 300 mg. It is advisable to ask for a
physician’s recommendation before starting a diet with Beta-sitosterol
supplements.
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