BETA-SITOSTEROL

Description: A plant sterol that is found in vegetables, soybeans, fruits, breads, peanuts and peanut products. It can also be found in bourbon and oils e.g. olive and flaxseed

Reported to decrease cholesterol and help in symptomatic relief in mild to moderate benign prostatic hypertrophy
Similar to cholesterol and might help reduce cholesterol levels by limiting the amount of cholesterol that is able to enter the body

Uses

Heart disease and high cholesterol
Boosting the immune system and prevention of colon cancer, as well as for gallstones, the common cold and flu (influenza), HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, psoriasis, allergies, cervical cancer, fibromyalgia, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), asthma, hair loss, bronchitis, migraine headache, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
May also be used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (men) and menopausal symptoms (women)
Enhancing sexual activity
Reduction of pain and swelling (marathon runners)
Burn and wound treatment
In food, it is added to some margarines that are designed for use as part of a cholesterol-lowering diet and for preventing heart disease

How to use Beta-sitosterol

Always refer to your doctors instructions before taking this medication. Duration and dosage will be determined by your medical condition and its response to the medication. Make sure to take this medication in the prescribed amount and time period even after symptoms disappear. Discontinuing the medication before completion of treatment may cause incomplete treatment of condition. If Symptoms persist, consult your doctor
Taken by mouth:
- For benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): 60 to 130 mg of beta-sitosterol divided into 2-3 doses daily.
- For high cholesterol: 800 mg to 6 grams per day divided and given before meals.

Warnings

Not available.

Side Effects

LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth
Minor side effects (if these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor)
- Nausea, indigestion, gas, diarrhea, or constipation
- Linked to reports of erectile dysfunction (ED) and loss of interest in sex
POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin.
May aggravate Sitosterolemia, a rare inherited fat storage disease
- People with this condition have too much beta-sitosterol and related fats in their system
- AVOID taking this drug if diagnosed with this condition

Precautions

Precautions

Not enough is known about the use of beta-sitosterol during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

Taking multiple drugs may affect how medications work and/or cause unwanted side effects. List down all the medications you are taking and inform your physician and pharmacist. Do not take, discontinue, or alter any dose of medications without prior approval of your physician.

Moderate Interaction (caution should be exercised)
- Ezetimibe (Zetia)
  - can reduce of amount of beta-sitosterol the body absorbs thus decreasing effectiveness of beta-sitoserol

Minor Interaction (Be watchful with this combination)
- Pravastatin (Pravachol)
  - can reduce of amount of beta-sitosterol the body absorbs thus decreasing effectiveness of beta-sitoserol

Overdose & Brands