Sistost?rol

Related Terms

22,23-dihydrostigmasterol, 24-beta-ethyl-delta-5-cholesten-3beta-ol, 24-ethyl-cholesterol, 3-beta-stigmast-5-en-3-ol, (3beta)-stigmast-5-en-3-ol, a-dihydrofucosterol, a-phytosterol, alpha-dihydrofucosterol, alpha-phytosterol, B-sitosterol 3-B-D-glucoside, B-sitosterolin, beta sitosterin, beta sitosterol, beta-sitosterol glucoside, beta-sitosterol glycoside, betasitosterol, cinchol, cupreol, delta 5-stigmasten- 3beta-ol, , phytosterols, plant sterols, quebrachol, rhamnol, sitosterin, sitosterin delalande, sitosterol, sitosterolins, sitosterols, sterinol, sterolins.
Note: This monograph focuses on beta-sitosterol. Beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol. Thus there may be theoretical uses, safety issues, adverse effects, interactions, and mechanisms of action associated with plant sterols that are not specifically addressed in this monograph.

Background

Beta-sitosterol is one of the most common dietary phytosterols (plant sterols) found in and made exclusively by plants. Other phytosterols include campesterol and stigmasterol. Stanols are saturated derivatives of sterols.
Beta-sitosterol is the main sterol in the Western diet. Some evidence suggests that Americans consume about 165 milligrams of beta-sitosterol daily. Beta-sitosterol is found in the tissue, plasma, and feces of healthy individuals.
Beta-sitosterol is found in plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables, soybeans, breads, peanuts, and peanut products. Beta-sitosterol is also present in bourbon and oils, such as olive, flaxseed, and tuna. Plant oils contain the highest concentration of phytosterols. Nuts and seeds contain moderate amounts of phytosterols, while fruits and vegetables generally contain the lowest phytosterol concentrations. For example, roasted peanuts contain 61-114 milligrams per 100 grams, 78-83% of which is in the form of beta-sitosterol. Peanut butter contains 144-157 milligrams per 100 grams. These values indicate that peanut products are a good source of phytosterols, specifically, beta-sitosterol. Avocados have also been identified as a good source of beta-sitosterol. Beta-sitosterol can also be derived from pulp and paper mill effluents.
Margarines enriched with phytosterol esters, including beta-sitosterol, have been marketed for their cholesterol-lowering effects. Sitosterols are also used in products for the treatment of other medical conditions, including, but not limited to, benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) and enhancing the immune system.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Beta-sitosterol and beta-sitosterol glucoside have been used to treat symptoms of BPH (enlarged prostate). Several studies support this use, although further research is needed to draw conclusions.

 B


Beta-sitosterol and beta-sitosterol glucoside have been used to treat symptoms of BPH (enlarged prostate). Several studies support this use, although further research is needed to draw conclusions.

 B


Due to limited research, it is unclear if beta-sitosterol helps with male-pattern baldness. Further research is needed.

 C


Due to limited research, it is unclear if beta-sitosterol helps with male-pattern baldness. Further research is needed.

 C


Research has shown that a mixture containing a combination of sesame oil, beta-sitosterol, berberine, and other plant ingredients helped heal burns. The effect of beta-sitosterol alone is unclear and further studies are needed.

 C


Research has shown that a mixture containing a combination of sesame oil, beta-sitosterol, berberine, and other plant ingredients helped heal burns. The effect of beta-sitosterol alone is unclear and further studies are needed.

 C


Evidence has demonstrated that supplementation of plant sterols, including beta-sitosterol, decreases total cholesterol and LDL-C (low density lipoprotein cholesterol, or "bad cholesterol"). However, research of beta-sitosterol alone is needed to draw conclusions.

C


Evidence has demonstrated that supplementation of plant sterols, including beta-sitosterol, decreases total cholesterol and LDL-C (low density lipoprotein cholesterol, or "bad cholesterol"). However, research of beta-sitosterol alone is needed to draw conclusions.

C


Due to the potential immune-boosting effects of beta-sitosterol and beta-sitosterol glucoside, they have been studied as a treatment for HIV. However, more research is needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Due to the potential immune-boosting effects of beta-sitosterol and beta-sitosterol glucoside, they have been studied as a treatment for HIV. However, more research is needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Beta-sitosterol has been used to enhance the immune system after intense exercise. More research is needed to draw firm conclusions.

 C


Beta-sitosterol has been used to enhance the immune system after intense exercise. More research is needed to draw firm conclusions.

 C


It is unclear if beta-sitosterol and beta-sitosterol glucoside is beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis. Further research is needed to draw conclusions.

 C


It is unclear if beta-sitosterol and beta-sitosterol glucoside is beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis. Further research is needed to draw conclusions.

 C


Beta-sitosterol and beta-sitosterol glucoside have been studied for the treatment of tuberculosis in combination with standard therapy. It is unclear of beta-sitosterol is beneficial for tuberculosis. Further research is needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Beta-sitosterol and beta-sitosterol glucoside have been studied for the treatment of tuberculosis in combination with standard therapy. It is unclear of beta-sitosterol is beneficial for tuberculosis. Further research is needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
For benign prostatic hypertrophy, 90-130 milligrams beta-sitosterol has been taken by mouth daily in 1-3 doses daily for six months.
For HIV, one capsule (20 milligrams beta-sitosterol and 0.2 milligrams beta-sitosterol glucoside) has been taken by mouth daily for 39 months.
For high cholesterol, 1-8 grams of beta-sitosterol has been taken by mouth 1-3 times daily for up to three months.
For enhancing the immune system, one capsule (20 milligrams beta-sitosterol and 0.2 milligrams beta-sitosterol glucoside) has been taken by mouth three times daily for four weeks before a marathon.
For rheumatoid arthritis, one capsule (20 milligrams beta-sitosterol and 0.2 milligrams beta-sitosterol glucoside) has been taken by mouth three times daily for 24 weeks.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Beta-sitosterol may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.
Beta-sitosterol may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Beta-sitosterol may also interact with acarbose, activated charcoal, agents that affect the heart or the immune system, alpha1-blockers, antiarthritic agents, antibiotics, anticancer agents, antihistamines, antituberculosis agents, beta-lactoglobulin tryptic hydrolysate (LTH), cholesterol-lowering agents, cholestyramine, cyclooxygenase inhibitors, dalcetrapib, diosgenin, ezetimibe, high-lipase pancreatin, hormone replacement therapy, immunomodulators, lifibrol, NMDA receptor antagonists, rifampin, and statins.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Casas-Agustench P, Serra M, Perez-Heras A, et al. Effects of plant sterol esters in skimmed milk and vegetable-fat-enriched milk on serum lipids and non-cholesterol sterols in hypercholesterolaemic subjects: a randomised, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Br.J Nutr 2012;107(12):1766-1775.
Fukushima M, Miura S, Mitsutake R, et al. Cholesterol metabolism in patients with hemodialysis in the presence or absence of coronary artery disease. Circ.J 2012;76(8):1980-1986.
Genser B, De Silbernagel G, Backer G, et al. Plant sterols and cardiovascular disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Heart J 2012;33(4):444-451.
Guardamagna O, Abello F, Baracco V, et al. Primary hyperlipidemias in children: effect of plant sterol supplementation on plasma lipids and markers of cholesterol synthesis and absorption. Acta Diabetol. 2011;48(2):127-133.
Gylling H, Hallikainen M, Simonen P, et al. Serum and lipoprotein sitostanol and non-cholesterol sterols after an acute dose of plant stanol ester on its long-term consumption. Eur J Nutr 2012;51(5):615-622.
Hernandez-Mijares A, Banuls C, Jover A, et al. Low intestinal cholesterol absorption is associated with a reduced efficacy of phytosterol esters as hypolipemic agents in patients with metabolic syndrome. Clin Nutr 2011;30(5):604-609.
Kelly ER, Plat J, Mensink RP, et al. Effects of long term plant sterol and -stanol consumption on the retinal vasculature: a randomized controlled trial in statin users. Atherosclerosis 2011;214(1):225-230.
Kurvinen A, Nissinen MJ, Andersson S, et al. Parenteral plant sterols and intestinal failure-associated liver disease in neonates. J Pediatr.Gastroenterol.Nutr 2012;54(6):803-811.
Labonte ME, Couture P, Paquin P, et al. Comparison of the impact of trans fatty acids from ruminant and industrial sources on surrogate markers of cholesterol homeostasis in healthy men. Mol.Nutr Food Res 2011;55 Suppl 2:S241-S247.
Lupattelli G, De Siepi D, Vuono S, et al. Cholesterol metabolism differs after statin therapy according to the type of hyperlipemia. Life Sci 6-6-2012;90(21-22):846-850.
Mabrouk A, Boughdadi NS, Helal HA, et al. Moist occlusive dressing (Aquacel((R)) Ag) versus moist open dressing (MEBO((R))) in the management of partial-thickness facial burns: a comparative study in Ain Shams University. Burns 2012;38(3):396-403.
Miettinen TA, Nissinen M, Lepantalo M, et al. Non-cholesterol sterols in serum and endarterectomized carotid arteries after a short-term plant stanol and sterol ester challenge. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc.Dis. 2011;21(3):182-188.
Myrie SB, Mymin D, Triggs-Raine B, et al. Serum lipids, plant sterols, and cholesterol kinetic responses to plant sterol supplementation in phytosterolemia heterozygotes and control individuals. Am J Clin Nutr 2012;95(4):837-844.
Sasaki J, Otonari T, Sawayama Y, et al. Double-dose pravastatin versus add-on ezetimibe with low-dose pravastatin - effects on LDL cholesterol, cholesterol absorption, and cholesterol synthesis in Japanese patients with hypercholesterolemia (PEAS study). J Atheroscler.Thromb. 2012;19(5):485-493.
Zhao HL, Houweling AH, Vanstone CA, et al. Action of plant sterol intervention on sterol kinetics in hypercholesterolemic men with high versus low basal circulatory plant sterol concentrations. J Am Coll.Nutr 2011;30(2):155-165.