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What is a Beta-Sitosterol?

S. Gadd
S. Gadd

Beta-sitosterol is a naturally occurring compound found in plants and in various fruits and nuts. The chemical makeup of beta-sitosterol is very similar to cholesterol. This substance has many medical benefits, including a clinically proven ability to lower bad cholesterol levels. Other benefits may include anti-inflammatory properties, strengthening the immune system, relieving symptoms of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), and possibly even preventing hair loss.

The ability of this compound to lower bad cholesterol levels is due to its structural similarity to cholesterol. After eating a meal, fats and cholesterol are packaged into protein complexes in the intestines so they can be circulated throughout the body. Because beta-sitosterol is so similar to cholesterol, it is often packaged into these protein complexes in place of cholesterol, resulting in more cholesterol being excreted and less being absorbed by the body. Due to the fact that the cholesterol-lowering ability of this substance has been shown in various laboratories, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) permits foods that contain this substance to be advertised as foods or drinks that have the potential to prevent heart disease.

Treating an enlarged prostate is one of the benefits of beta-sitosterol.
Treating an enlarged prostate is one of the benefits of beta-sitosterol.

Sterols like cholesterol and beta-sitosterol have chemical structures that are insoluble in water and tend to form thick and waxy solids at normal room temperature. Applying beta-sitosterol to the skin is often soothing to wounds or to burns, and for this reason many homeopathic creams contain this compound as one of the main ingredients. These creams may also help chronic inflammatory skin conditions. In addition, athletes sometimes use these creams for their anti-inflammatory properties to reduce swelling after intense workouts.

Beta-sitosterol may be used as a homeopathic treatment for male pattern baldness.
Beta-sitosterol may be used as a homeopathic treatment for male pattern baldness.

Beta-sitosterol is also used as a homeopathic remedy for certain male-associated problems that result from male hormones, including BPH and male pattern baldness. The mechanism for these positive effects appears to be the ability of this substance to lower circulating levels of certain male hormones. One drawback to the lower hormone levels, however, is that the side effects of large doses of this substance may include a lack of interest in sexual activity and may even contribute to the development of erectile dysfunction (ED).

Pregnant women should not use beta-sitosterol.
Pregnant women should not use beta-sitosterol.

Some other side effects of high doses of beta-sitosterol may include upset stomach or diarrhea. Because of its established effects on hormone levels, it is recommended that pregnant and breast-feeding women avoid supplementation. In addition, a rare disorder known as sitosterolemia causes people to store too much cholesterol and often results in the onset of premature heart disease. These people should also avoid beta-sitosterol supplementation because it can make their symptoms much worse.

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    • Treating an enlarged prostate is one of the benefits of beta-sitosterol.
      By: peterjunaidy
      Treating an enlarged prostate is one of the benefits of beta-sitosterol.
    • Beta-sitosterol may be used as a homeopathic treatment for male pattern baldness.
      By: dambuster
      Beta-sitosterol may be used as a homeopathic treatment for male pattern baldness.
    • Pregnant women should not use beta-sitosterol.
      By: adam121
      Pregnant women should not use beta-sitosterol.
    • Because it has established effects on hormone levels, breastfeeding moms should not use beta-sitosterol supplements.
      By: doble.d
      Because it has established effects on hormone levels, breastfeeding moms should not use beta-sitosterol supplements.
    • Side effects of beta-sitosterol may include a decreased interest in sexual activity.
      By: Irina Karlova
      Side effects of beta-sitosterol may include a decreased interest in sexual activity.
    • Beta-sitosterol creams may help reduce swelling after an intense workout.
      By: Mat Hayward
      Beta-sitosterol creams may help reduce swelling after an intense workout.
    • Many homeopathic creams contain beta-sitosterol.
      By: GVictoria
      Many homeopathic creams contain beta-sitosterol.
    • Beta-sitosterol has many medical benefits, including the proven ability to lower bad cholesterol levels.
      By: blueringmedia
      Beta-sitosterol has many medical benefits, including the proven ability to lower bad cholesterol levels.