Doctor Answers: Does Beta Sitosterol Shrink Prostate?

If you have recently been diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), you might be exploring your treatment options, and may have come across beta-sitosterols. These naturally occurring plant sterols have been gaining popularity as a potential remedy for prostate issues. But does beta sitosterol shrink prostate?  We spoke with Dr. Hamad, a prostate health specialist, to better understand how beta-sitosterol works, its safety, and its real-world benefits. 

In this interview, Dr. Hamad shares valuable insights drawn from published research and his clinical experience. All of the content here has been carefully reviewed and is based on peer-reviewed data provided.

Q: Where are beta-sitosterols found?

Dr. Hamad answers: Beta-sitosterols are plant-based substances and can be found in vegetables, fruits, seeds, and nuts.

Herbs such as saw palmetto and pygeum africanum contain beta-sitosterol and have been traditionally used to treat prostate problems

These substances are called phytosterols and are similar in chemical structure to the cholesterols naturally found in the human body.

β–Sitosterol is one of several plant sterols with chemical structures similar to that of cholesterol.

Q: How does beta-sitosterol work?

Dr. Hamad answers: Beta-sitosterol is a plant substance similar to cholesterol. Some research indicates that it might help reduce cholesterol levels by limiting the amount of cholesterol that enters the body. It can also bind to the prostate to help reduce prostate inflammation.

Beta-sitosterol works to inhibit the activity of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which is a key trigger in the development of BPH and prostate cancer.

Finasteride (Proscar) and other 5-alpha-reductase-inhibitor drugs work on this same hormonal pathway. (Note: This is different from drugs like Flomax, which simply relax the muscles). Although they can provide symptomatic relief, they have well-documented side effects.

Multiple randomized studies have confirmed the efficacy of beta-sitosterol in alleviating the types of prostate discomfort that aging men so frequently encounter.

Q: What are the health benefits of beta-sitosterol?

Beta-sitosterols and BPH

Dr. Hamad answers: These plant sterols are often used by men to treat an enlarged prostate, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. BPH is common among men 60 and older.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) occurs when the prostate, expands to twice or even three times its regular size. The growing prostate gland gradually presses against the urethra and restricts urinary flow. As a result, the bladder muscle becomes stronger, thicker, and more sensitive, causing it to contract. 

This results in more frequent urination, and as the urethra becomes increasingly narrowed, the urine remains in the bladder, accounting for urinary problems. Beta-sitosterols have been shown to help alleviate the symptoms of BPH by increasing your urine flow rate.

This was shown in a systematic review, which assessed 519 men from 4 randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trials, (lasting 4 to 26 weeks). Three trials used non-glucosidic B-sitosterols and one utilized a preparation that contained 100% B-sitosteryl-B-D-glucoside.

In these studies, beta-sitosterol improved urinary symptom scores and urinary flow rates. It also significantly reduced the volume of residual urine in the bladder.

At the University of Bochum in Herme, Germany, Dr. Berges and his associates used pure beta-sitosterol with 200 men over the course of a year, half of whom received a placebo. They said that ‘significant improvement in symptoms and urinary flow parameters show the effectiveness of beta-sitosterol in the treatment of BPH.’

A follow-up study by Dr.Berges in 2000 further highlighted the benefits of beta-sitosterol for urinary symptoms.

This time they did a long term study, over an eighteen-month period. This was a double-blind study and they measured basic indices to show how the participants were affected.

The untreated men got worse with time, while the men treated with beta-sitosterol experienced significant improvement in urinary symptoms associated with BPH. The researchers concluded that the beneficial effects of beta-sitosterol treatment. were maintained for eighteen months.’

Beta-sitosterol and Prostate Cancer

Dr. Hamad answers: These plant sterols are also used to treat other prostate conditions, other than BPH. Research is being done to prove how these powerful sterols can be used to prevent colon and prostate cancer. In early studies, beta-sitosterol has been shown to reduce cancer cell growth and even cause cancer cell death.

These studies have been conducted only on prostate cancer cells in culture. No tests have been conducted on humans yet. However, these are promising results that beta-sitosterols and other phytosterols can eventually be used to both treat and prevent cancer.

A study published in Nutrition and Cancer compared the effect of two dietary sterols on prostate cancer cells in vitro. beta-Sitosterol, the most common plant sterol, and cholesterol, and animal sterol, were compared for effect on cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and sphingomyelin cycle intermediates.

Cells were treated for up to seven days with sterols. Compared with cholesterol, beta-sitosterol decreased growth by 24% and induced apoptosis fourfold, which was accompanied by cell rounding and a 50% increase in ceramide production.

The results suggest that the decrease in cell number and increase in apoptosis associated with SIT treatment are mediated by activating the sphingomyelin cycle.

Q: What kinds of supplements contain Beta-sitosterols?

Dr. Hamad answers: You can get beta-sitosterols through your diet, in foods such as peanuts, soybeans, wheat germ, rice bran, and corn oils.

However, many men opt to use a dietary supplement to meet their needs. This is because they get higher doses of beta-sitosterols than in their food. Studies have shown that beta-sitosterols are safe and have no adverse long-term effects on your health.

It’s important to understand that dietary supplements are not well regulated. You should do your research before purchasing any. Be sure to read all labels and look for supplements that have high amounts of beta-sitosterol.

You may also want to buy supplements that contain ingredients such as saw palmetto,pygeum, and ryegrass pollen. Though these are not listed as beta-sitosterols, they are all plants that contain this power phytosterol.

Q: What are other uses for beta-sitosterol?

Dr. Hamad answers: You may be surprised to find that these phytosterols are used for many different conditions besides BPH.

Some proposed or traditional uses being researched include:

• improving prostate performance.
  
• treating autoimmune diseases like fibromyalgia, lupus erythematosus, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
  
• may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by lowering LDL cholesterol in the blood
  

• relieve pain in marathon runners and those with rheumatoid arthritis.
  
• asthma.
  

• gallstones.
  
• allergies.
  
• migraines
  

• menstrual disorders.
  
• psoriasis.

One of its primary uses is to lower bad cholesterol levels in patients who have high cholesterol. The goal of using this supplement is to reduce the risk of developing heart disease.

Beta-sitosterols lower cholesterol because they are so similar to the human ‘body’s cholesterol. When you consume these phytosterols, they compete with the cholesterol in your body to be absorbed by your digestive system. As a result, your body absorbs the plant sterols instead of your cholesterol!

This lowers the amount of cholesterol found in your blood, including what is known as bad cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein, or LDL. This is important because having low amounts of LDL is essential for your long-term health. When too much LDL builds up in your arteries, they can harden, which leads to heart disease, strokes, and heart attacks. Some margarine brands even add beta-sitosterol as an ingredient to help fight high cholesterol!

Q: How safe are Beta-sitosterols?

Dr. Hamad answers: Let’s learn more about how safe they are and if they are effective. After all, if you are going to be consuming these powerful plant sterols in large quantities, you want to be sure that they are not harmful!

Beta-sitosterols are very safe to take. The FDA has approved of taking plant sterol esters for the reduction of heart disease.

You can get beta-sitosterols from many different foods. You should, however, talk to your doctor about how high of a dosage of beta-sitosterols you should take if you choose to supplement.

Phytosterols have been clinically proven to significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and improve symptoms of BPH.

Studies have shown that men who use beta-sitosterols were able to substantially improve their flow of urine and reduce the amount left in their bladder.

These tests took place over six months. Researchers followed up with the men who took beta-sitosterol during these six months and found that they were still experiencing a reduction in symptoms after 18 months.

Studies have also shown that these types of improvements in both bladder emptying and urine output are as good as those of prescription medications.

Q: How soon will you know that the Beta-sitosterol supplements are working?

Dr. Hamad answers: Beta-sitosterol does not begin working immediately. You will need to take your dietary supplements for at least four weeks before you start to see improvements in your BPH symptoms.

Taking dietary supplements for BPH should help alleviate symptoms like urinary flow problems and emptying your bladder.

Clinical trials have shown that beta-sitosterols do not cause any detrimental long-term effects on men who use them.

However, you may experience side effects with your digestion, including constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, gas, and nausea.

Taking supplements of beta-sitosterol is a safe and healthy way to combat the symptoms of BPH.

However, if you are already on medication for cholesterol or take other supplements, be sure to check with your doctor before you begin taking beta-sitosterol.

While this natural plant sterol is very safe, it can interact harmfully with other medications.

Some men reported that it took up to 26 weeks for improvements to be seen. However, they were able to find relief from benign prostatic hyperplasia, and the long-term effects of these sterols and stanols were worth it.

Q: What are the best Beta-sitosterol supplements?

Dr. Hamad answers: If your enlarged prostate is causing you trouble with urinating, then you do not have to suffer.

Trying a dietary supplement is a great way to relieve symptoms naturally. Always check with a doctor before you start a supplement, as they may interfere with other medications you are taking.

Dietary supplements that claim to help the prostate abound. When looking at ingredients, try to find those with a high beta-sitosterol content.

You can also look for supplements that use pygeum,saw palmetto, rye grass pollen, and stinging nettles. These plants all have high levels of this vital phytosterol.

Some dietary supplements may contain other ingredients that support prostate health. These ingredients include vitamins like selenium and vitamin D.

Pumpkin seed, zinc, lycopene, boron, quercetin, and curcumin also have properties that provide prostate support. Many of these ingredients contain sterols, flavonoids, and phytosterols that boost prostate health.

Supplements with these ingredients work together to decrease inflammation that causes BPH.

They are also potent antioxidants that work to undo the damage caused by free radicals. No matter how healthy your lifestyle is, you cannot escape free radical damage, and consuming antioxidants is essential for healing your prostate.

While it is excellent at reducing the inflammation and symptoms of an enlarged prostate, studies are mixed on whether it physically shrinks the gland’s size significantly. However, because it reduces inflammation, the swelling goes down, which helps you pee better.

FAQs on Can Beta-Sitosterol Treat An Enlarged Prostate?

Q: Can beta-sitosterol supplements be taken with other herbal treatments like turmeric or green tea extract?

Dr. Hamad answers: Yes, beta-sitosterol can generally be taken with green tea extract and turmeric without serious interactions. However, both turmeric and green tea possess mild anticoagulant (blood-thinning) properties similar to beta-sitosterol.

While this combination is usually safe, taking three supplements with anticoagulant effects could theoretically increase bleeding risk, particularly for those on prescription blood thinners (like warfarin or clopidogrel). Monitor for side effects and consult your doctor to ensure your total regimen remains safe.

Q: Is beta-sitosterol safe for men who have had prostate surgery?

Dr. Hamad answers: Beta-sitosterol has proven to be generally safe for most men who have undergone prostate surgery. This includes TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate). But since this supplement is mainly used for addressing symptoms of the urination associated with prostate enlargement, its benefits may be reduced if the obstructive tissue has already been removed after surgery. There is little information on its use immediately after surgery, so timing is important. It would be safe to avoid it during the initial healing time. 

Most importantly, post-operative men must consult their urologist before using any supplements so they will not compromise healing, interfere with medications, or complicate monitoring for rising PSA levels.

Q: How does beta-sitosterol compare to prescription 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors in cost and outcomes?

Dr. Hamad answers: Beta-sitosterol is less costly and available over the counter, but it works differently than prescription 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (like dutasteride or finasteride).

Prescription 5-ARIs mechanically shrink the prostate by blocking hormone production. Beta-sitosterol does not significantly shrink prostate volume; instead, it reduces inflammation and improves urinary flow and bladder emptying. It is an excellent option for mild-to-moderate symptoms of BPH, but men with very large prostates requiring volume reduction may need prescription intervention.

Conclusion

If you wonder, “Does beta sitosterol shrink prostate?” now you know that Beta-sitosterol is a promising, natural option for men with prostate concerns. When used consistently and with the guidance of a healthcare provider, it can relieve BPH symptoms and potentially contribute to cancer prevention.