Phytosterol Complex, Beta Sitosterol
Developed by a medical doctor

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. Take a look at a popular prostate formula with beta sitosterol called Prostate Power Rx.
 

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

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Beta Sitosterol Research Update
Effects of a new soy/beta sitosterol supplement on plasma lipids in moderately hypercholesterolemic subjects. J Am Diet Assoc 2002 Dec;102(12):1807-11. Atherosclerosis and Dysmetabolic Disease Study Center G. Descovich, Clinical Medicine and Applied Biotechnologies D. Campanacci, University of Bologna, Italy.
Our aim was to test the hypocholesterolemic effect of a low-dose formulation of soy proteins supplemented with isolated b-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 an increase 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.

Randomized trial of a combination of natural products (cernitin, saw palmetto, B-sitosterol, vitamin E) on symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Int Urol Nephrol 2001;33(2):217-25. Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
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, B-sitosterol, vitamin E) in treating symptoms of BPH. We undertook a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Patients were enrolled from 3 urological practices in the USA. 144 subjects were randomized for study. 17 subjects eventually withdrew, leaving 70 patients in the test group and 57 in the placebo group to complete the study. Inclusion criteria consisted of a diagnosis of BPH, no evidence of cancer, and a maximal urinary flow rate between 5 and 15 ml/second. Patients received either placebo or the combined natural products for 3 months. Evaluations were performed via the American Urological Association (AUA) Symptom Index score, urinary flow rate, PSA measurement, and residual bladder volume. Nocturia showed a markedly significant decrease in severity in patients receiving the combined natural products compared to those taking placebo (p < 0.001). Daytime frequency was also lessened significantly (p < 0.04). When the average individual total AUA Symptom Index score in the test group was compared to that in the placebo group at the end of the study, the difference proved highly significant (p < 0.014). 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, B-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.

Sitosterol xanthomatosis.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2007 Jan;21(1):100-3. Guirado S, Conejo-Mir J, Munoz M, Wite J, Fernandez-Freire L, Ortiz J. Departments of Dermatology and Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio, Seville, Spain.
Sitosterolaemia is a lipid disorder in which plasma plant sterol levels are extremely elevated. Sitosterolaemia is clinically characterized by tuberous and tendon xanthomas, premature vascular disease and arthritis. To report a case of sitosterolaemia diagnosed by cutaneous manifestations and to review this rare disease. We report the case of a 60-year-old woman who presented with cutaneous xanthomas, arterial hypertension and polyarthralgias. The patient had had hypercholesterolaemia for many years without reduction of serum cholesterol, despite treatment with fenofibrate. Results Ezetimibe therapy was started, decreasing sitosterol plasmatic levels and tuberous xanthomas after 3 months of treatment. It is important to detect levels of sitosterol in plasma in patients with premature vascular disease, presence of xanthomas, and uncontrolled hypercholesterolaemia. Ezetimibe therapy is effective.

Beta sitosterol supplement questions
Q. I have been taking beta sitosterol product for a number of months with satisfactory results - on average I get up twice at night. My prostate is small (had a TUR many years ago) and apparently it's because of my age (82) and the fact that my bladder's capacity has decreased that causes this. I took saw palmetto for years, usually in different combinations. I also read that saw palmetto has an anti-androgenic effect and stopped entirely. My testosterone level was found below normal and I was given a course of Testim, which resulted in testicular atrophy and gynecomastia. Subsequently I learned that I should have received an aromatase inhibitor and also probably DIM to counteract the estrogen level, which evidently became much stronger and resulted in the undesirable side affects. I found out more recently that my bone density was getting worse as a result of the low testosterone level, and since preventing possible fractures was more important I was started on a course of Androgel pump. I should mention that I also have ED, resistant to Cialis and Viagra. My question is: are the side effects irreversible, in spite of improvement in the testosterone levels to even low-normal or normal? Would it help to counteract the estrogenic effects in any way at this time?
   A. Not enough long term human studies have been done with beta sitosterol or saw palmetto to determine their long term side effects and whether any such side effects are reversible upon stopping. Most of the time herbal side effects are reversible when discontinued. As to any further course of action, that is a decision you and your doctor would make since we cannot get involved in giving treatment recommendations.

Q. Most web sites recommend approx. 130mg day of beta sitosterol, but one, “Dr. Vikrama’s Friendly Holistic Herbalist”, recommended a range of 300mg to 1,000mg, with 600 mg being the recommended dosage for BPH. There is a huge discrepancy here, and I wonder if you could help me with this issue?
   A. Few human studies have been done with beta sitosterol supplement to know, in any degree of confidence, what the ideal dosages are for long term treatment of BPH. Long term side effects of high dose beta sitosterol use are yet to be determined. In the meantime, one should use the lowest dosage of beta sitosterol that works.

Q. I am interested in trying beta sitosterol supplements. I am currently using saw palmetto and see some benefit from it for hair loss however, not enough for me. I was wondering is it safe to take both together however, not without breaks.
   A. We are not aware of contraindications to the combination of beta sitosterol and saw palmetto but each person is different in their response. Long term studies are not available regarding the combination of these supplements.

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