Physician Formulas, developed by Ray-Sahelian, M.D.
Sitosterol pill health benefit for
enlarged prostate gland
Beta-sitosterol is a plant-derived sterol, also known as phytosterol.
Beta-sitosterol is the most abundant phytosterol in the diet. Beta sitosterol is
widely distributed in various plants and found in such herbs as Serenoa repens
(saw palmetto), Curcurbita pepo (pumpkin seed) and Pygeum africanum.
Beta sitosterol is found in Prostate Power Rx, a doctor formulated
prostate formula with several herbs including saw palmetto and pygeum.
Benefit of beta sitosterol
Beta sitosterol has been tested for
prostate health and often found in herbal formulas for prostate gland health. When human
cancer cells are supplemented with beta-sitosterol, growth inhibition occurs. Sitosterol
may also reduce cholesterol levels when used as a supplement.
Phytosterol Complex, Beta Sitosterol
Physician Formulas, developed by
Ray-Sahelian, M.D.
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 *
* Phytosterol and beta sitosterol daily value not established.
Beta Sitosterol and Urinary Symptoms
Research shows when taken for 3 months, a
combination of natural products (rye pollen extract, saw palmetto, B-sitosterol, and
vitamin E) compared to placebo can significantly lessen nocturia and frequency and
diminish overall symptomatology of BPH.
Additional links of interest
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Rye Pollen extract sale
Saw Palmetto extract discount
Sitosterol research
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for prostate health
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 cholesterol lowering effect of a low-dose formulation of
soy proteins supplemented with isolated beta 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 respectively LDL-C, TG and apoB
levels, associated with a mean increase respectively 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 (< 15%).
Beta Sitosterol
questions
Q. Does a beta sitosterol supplement improve vision? What about hair?
A. Based on our limited experience, we have not seen any indication
that taking a beta sitosterol complex improves eyesight to any great degree.
More studies are needed to determine the role of beta sitosterol in
hair growth.
Q. I am considering taking beta
sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, brassicasterol, selenium, zinc citrate,
pygeum africanum, and pumpkin seed oil for an enlarged prostate and for erectile
dysfunction. I currently take: Simvastatin 40mg for cholesterol, Metformin 500
mg for Type II diabetes, Lisinopril 10 mg, and hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg for
high blood pressure. Will these drugs have an adverse reaction to the herbal
supplements and beta sitosterol?
A. Beta sitosterol and other supplements have not been tested with
pharmaceutical medicines therefore we don't know what kind of interactions they
would have, if any. However, it is cautious to use low dosages.
Q. Does beta sitosterol have fewer side
effects than statin drugs?
A. Beta sitosterol has fewer side effects than statin drugs, but we
have not seen any head to head studies to determine which of the two are more
beneficial in the treatment of high cholesterol or influence the incidence of
stroke, heart attack or other conditions.
Q. Does Prostate Rx with beta sitosterol
benefit lowering of cholesterol, or do you need another tablet of beta
sitosterol for that? 2.Does your Prostrate Rx formula have stearic acid? Quantum
labs stated that stearic acid is a pesticide and should not be taken.
A. Prostate Power Rx has not been tested for cholesterol reduction,
therefore we don't know if this could be an additional benefit we are not aware
of. Magnesium stearate is not toxic. The amount in a capsule is so miniscule as
to be irrelevant. People have been taking vitamin supplements that have small
amounts of magnesium stearate for decades without any problems. Apparently the
information from Quantum Labs cannot be trusted.
Q. I am keen to start using the beta
sitsterol only for prostate health, since I read so much about it. Are your beta
sitosterol natural as well as the curcumin / turmeric extract. Would these
interfere with medications such as thyroxin and a prostate medication called
cardura – to relax the bladder and urethra muscles. Does the beta sitosterol
inhibit the conversion of testosterone to DHT via the enzyme 5 – alpha reductase.
A. Yes, beta stiosterol and curcumin are natural. As far as
interference with Cardura or other medicines, that is an area that has not been
studied so we don't have a good answer. One small human study with only a few
men has shown that beta sitosterol interferes with the conversion of
testosterone to DHT, but until more long term human studies are done, it is not
possible to say for sure how effective a beta sitosterol supplement is in terms
of hair loss or prostate enlargement inhibition.
A randomized, double-blind,
placebo-controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of botanically derived
inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.
J Altern Complement Med. 2002 Apr;8(2):143-52. Clinical Research and
Development Network, Aurora, CO, USA.
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is characterized by the structural
miniaturization of androgen-sensitive hair follicles in susceptible individuals
and is anatomically defined within a given pattern of the scalp. Biochemically,
one contributing factor of this disorder is the conversion of testosterone (T)
to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) via the enzyme 5-alpha reductase (5AR). This
metabolism is also key to the onset and progression of benign prostatic
hyperplasia (BPH). Furthermore, AGA has also been shown to be responsive to
drugs and agents used to treat BPH. Of note, certain botanical compounds have
previously demonstrated efficacy against BPH. Here, we report the first example
of a placebo-controlled, double-blind study undertaken in order to examine the
benefit of these botanical substances in the treatment of AGA. The goal of this
study was to test botanically derived 5AR inhibitors, specifically the
liposterolic extract of Serenoa repens (LSESr) and beta-sitosterol, in the
treatment of AGA. Subjects: Included in this study were males between the ages
of 23 and 64 years of age, in good health, with mild to moderate AGA. RESULTS:
The results of this pilot study showed a highly positive response to treatment.
The blinded investigative staff assessment report showed that 60% of (6/10)
study subjects dosed with the active study formulation were rated as improved at
the final visit. This study establishes the effectiveness of
naturally occurring 5AR inhibitors against AGA for the first time, and justifies
the expansion to larger trials.
Q. I have a question regarding the use of
beta sitosterol. I took the vitamin shoppe brand of beta sitosterol for high
cholesterol. It was amazing in that it enhanced my immune system and I felt
wonderful but to my horror I had just started it prior to my vacation. I do take
viagra occasionally to help me sexually but for the 3 weeks while on vacation
nothing happened. I could not understand why viagra wasn't working. I had never
encountered that before. I stopped the beta sitosterol to see if it was that.
Viagra works again. It was the beta sitosterol. I no longer take beta sitosterol
since I need to use viagra occasionally. I was so disappointed to have to stop
it. Why isn't this reported. Does the same thing happen with your product if i
buy it. It doesn't make any sense to me at all. Isn't is just plant extracts
that is in the pill. I would greatly appreciate any info you can give me. I
would like to start taking again as I am concerned about my cholesterol.
A. This is interesting. We have not had anyone report to us before
that beta sitosterol had a negative effect on sexual function, but it is
theoretically possible due to an estrogen like effect or perhaps another
mechanism that we don't understand.
Q. I ordered Beta-Sitosterol and noticed a
caution to check to see if other products in use also contain Beta-Sitosterol. I
gather there is a recommended limit on the intake of this substance. Can you
give me a general idea of that limit? (I realized you cannot give a limit
specific to one individual but I just need to have a general idea.
A. There is no known limit on the intake of beta sitosterol. No
RDAs have been established, and little human research is available regarding a
safe maximum dose. But, it is reasonable to use this nutrient, or any nutrient,
in moderation and to take occasional breaks from use. We can take a wild guess
and say perhaps 500 mg should not be exceeded a day, but we have no science to
back this up.
Q. The Beta-Sitosterol capsules are
labeled at 350 mg. but 210 mg. are in the form of other sterols. Do the others
provide the same efficacy against BPH as the Beta-form? How does beta sitosterol
compare in efficacy to a similar dose of pygeum or saw palmetto?
A. Beta sitosterol has not been studied in comparison to other
sterols or pygeum, therefore we don't know which are preferable for BPH
treatment or which combination is best.
Q. Your beta sitosterol product is derived
from soy. With so much adverse information out in the world about soy and
soybean products, does this fit into that category. I have had allergic
reactions from some soy products. Should I have any worries or cautions?
A. There is controversy regarding the benefit or risks of soy, but
most scientists agree that small amounts of soy in the diet are a healthy part
of one's food intake. The amount of residual soy products in the beta sitosterol
formula is extremely small. As to whether you personally would have a soy
allergy response if you took a beta sitosterol product is impossible for us to
predict. Most of the time when people have a soy allergy it is due to the
protein in soy, and perhaps other components. Beta sitosterol supplements don't
have soy protein, or if they do it is in an extremely tiny amounts. Your doctor
would need to make the final decision as to whether this beta sitosterol product
is necessary for your health.
Beta Sitosterol
suppliers
If interested in beta sitosterol. we can supply it. the quotation as following:
Beta Sitosterol 50% one kilo 76USD. Beta Sitosterol 60% one kilo 120USD. Beta
Sitosterol 70% one kilo 150USD Shaanxi boda co, No. 2-9-1 XI’AN RAILROAD BUREAU
YOUYI ROAD XI’AN CHINA Tel:0086 29 68625558
Beta-Sitosterol 40% min. HPLC 40.49%
Brassicasterol 0.5% min. HPLC 1.98%
Campesterol 20% min. HPLC 24.35%