Beta-sitosterol, found in plants, fruits, and nuts, can lower bad cholesterol levels, has anti-inflammatory properties, and may relieve BPH symptoms and prevent hair loss. It is also used in homeopathic remedies for men’s health issues, but high doses can cause side effects such as a lack of interest in sexual activity and stomach pain. Pregnant and breastfeeding women and those with sitosterolaemia should avoid supplementation.
Beta-sitosterol is a naturally occurring compound found in plants and various fruits and nuts. The chemical composition 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, boosting the immune system, relieving symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and possibly even preventing hair loss.
This compound’s ability to lower bad cholesterol levels is due to its structural similarity to cholesterol. After you eat a meal, fats and cholesterol are packaged into protein complexes in your intestines so they can circulate throughout your body. Because beta-sitosterol is so similar to cholesterol, it is often packaged in these protein complexes instead of cholesterol, resulting in more cholesterol excretion and less absorption by the body. Because the cholesterol-lowering ability of this substance has been demonstrated in various laboratories, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows foods that contain this substance to be advertised as foods or beverages that have the potential to prevent heart disease.
Sterols such as cholesterol and beta-sitosterol have chemical structures that are insoluble in water and tend to form thick, waxy solids at normal room temperatures. Applying beta-sitosterol to the skin is often soothing for wounds or burns, and for this reason many homeopathic creams contain this compound as one of the main ingredients. These creams can also help chronic inflammatory skin conditions. Also, athletes sometimes use these creams for their anti-inflammatory properties to reduce swelling after intense workouts.
Beta-sitosterol is also used as a homeopathic remedy for some problems associated with men that result from male hormones, including BPH and male pattern baldness. The mechanism of these positive effects seems to be the ability of this substance to lower the circulating levels of some male hormones. A disadvantage of lower hormone levels, however, is that side effects of large doses of this substance can include a lack of interest in sexual activity and can even contribute to the development of erectile dysfunction (ED).
Some other side effects of high doses of beta-sitosterol can include stomach pain or diarrhea. Due to its proven effects on hormone levels, it is recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women avoid supplementation. Additionally, a rare disease known as sitosterolaemia causes people to store too much cholesterol and often results in premature heart disease. These people should also avoid beta-sitosterol supplementation because it can make their symptoms much worse.
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