Alternative Medicine
The following information is specific for alternative and complementary medicine.
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Beta-sitosterol is one of a group of organic compounds found in plants that,
alone and in combination with similar plant sterols, reduces blood levels of cholesterol.1, 2, 3
Where is it found?
Beta-sitosterol is one of several plant sterols (cholesterol is the main animal sterol) found in almost all plants. High levels are found in rice bran, wheat germ, corn oil, and soybeans. Peanuts and its products, such as peanut oil, peanut butter, and peanut flour, are good sources of plant sterols, particularly beta-sitosterol.4
Athletic performance (in combination with beta-sitosterol glucoside for reducing the risk of post-exercise infection)
Reliable and relatively
consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory,
insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health
benefit. An herb is primarily
supported by traditional use, or the herb or supplement has little scientific support and/or
minimal health benefit.
Between 500 mg and 10 grams of beta-sitosterol per day have been used in clinical research to reduce elevated blood cholesterol levels. Between 60 (20 mg three times per day) and 130 mg per day have been used in trials reporting a reduction in prostatic hyperplasia-related symptoms.5, 6
Lees AM, Mok HYI, Lee RS, et al. Plant sterols as
cholesterol-lowering agents: clinical trials in patients with
hypercholesterolemia and studies of sterol balance. Atherosclerosis
1977;28:325-38.
Pelletier X, Belbraouet S, Mirabel D, et al. A diet
moderately enriched in phytosterols lowers plasma cholesterol concentrations in
normocholesterolemic humans. Ann Nutr Metab 1995;39:291-5.
Jones
PJ, Raeini-Sarjaz M, Ntanios FY, et al. Modulation of plasma lipid levels and
cholesterol kinetics by phytosterol versus phytostanol esters. J Lipid Res
2000;41:697-705.
Awad AB, Chan KC, Downie AC, Fink CS. Peanuts as a source of ß-sitosterol, a sterol with anticancer properties. Nutr Cancer 2000;36:238-41.
Berges RR, Windeler J, Trampisch HJ, et al. Randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of beta-sitosterol in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Lancet 1995;345:1529-32.
Klippel KF, Hiltl DM, Schipp B. A multicentric, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of ß-sitosterol (phytosterol) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Br J Urol 1997;80:427-32.
Richelle M, Enslen M, Hager C, et al. Both free and esterified plant sterols reduce cholesterol absorption and the bioavailability of beta-carotene and alpha-tocopherol in normocholesterolemic humans. Am J Clin Nutr 2004;80:171-7.
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires August 2007.
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