Beta-sitosterol is a substance belonging to phytosterols. This means that it is of plant origin and is similar to cholesterol. This can be unsettling, is it right? No, because phytosterols, despite their structure similar to cholesterol, have different properties. How does beta-sitosterol work and why should you try to include it in your daily diet?

Beta-sitosterolis similar to anabolic steroids used illegally in sport. The effectiveness of this phytosterol is lower, but unlike them, it is completely safe and legal. This is because, like other phytosterols, although they are similar in structure to cholesterol, they have different properties. They reduce the risk of atherosclerotic changes in the blood vessels, thus protecting against coronary artery disease, heart attack or stroke. In addition, thanks to their similarity to anabolic hormones, they have a positive effect on the development of muscle tissue.

How does beta-sitosterol lower cholesterol?

Cholesterol plays an important role in the body. It is a component of all cell membranes. It produces steroid hormones and vitamin D. It is produced in the liver and does not need to be supplied with food. Excessive consumption of cholesterol leads to cardiovascular disease. The type of LDL called "bad cholesterol" is dangerous.

Phytosterols, including beta-sitosterol, lower blood LDL levels by blocking its absorption in the gut. The mechanism of this phenomenon is based on the similarity of plant sterols to cholesterol. All sterols are absorbed in the small intestine. Cholesterol can get into the blood from there only if it is closed in special microscopic capsules. They are formed from bile acids and are called micelles. Phytosterols displace cholesterol from the transport capsules. Since the free form cannot be absorbed, it is excreted in the faeces.

Beta-sisterol can lower blood LDL if it is present in the intestine at the same time as cholesterol is absorbed. For this reason, it is worth taking preparations containing this phytosterol during meals. Beta-sisterol can be used together with drugs from the statin group. These two types of substances have completely different mechanisms and sites of action. As a result, they do not interact with each other, and their activity is synergistic.

How beta-sitosterol affectsmuscle growth?

Beta-sitosterol as well as cholesterol can be a starting substance for the synthesis of anabolic hormones. By increasing the concentration of these hormones in the body, it stimulates the processes related to muscle development. As a result, this phytosterol can be used as an alternative to doping substances banned in sport. In sports formulas it is usually called stigmast-5-en-3-ol.

The effect of beta-sitosterol towards muscle growth has been proven in tests on farm animals. In individuals administered a mixture containing this phytosterol, an increase in muscle mass by 18-26% was noted. In tests carried out on volunteers with the use of a preparation whose main ingredient was stigmast-5-en-3-ol, its effect on muscle growth was also shown. After 30 days, the study participants increased their muscle mass by 2-3 kg.

In 2009, a team led by Sujath conducted interesting studies on the influence of beta-sitosterol on glucose metabolism in isolated muscle cells. Research has proven that stigmast-5-en-3-ol acts on muscle tissue similar to insulin. It increases the glucose uptake by the muscles and stimulates the processes of protein anabolism.

Does beta-sitosterol help with prostate problems?

Beta-sitosterol is a component of many medications and herbal supplements intended for men suffering from prostate hyperplasia. Phytosterols regenerate the prostate epithelium. They also increase the secretory capacity of the prostate, thus reducing its swelling. This leads to easier urination in people with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Beta-sistosterol reduces inflammatory processes within the prostate gland. This is due to the ability of this substance to mimic corticosteroids, which are anti-inflammatory hormones. Phytosterols also have the ability to lower the level of dihydrotestosterone which stimulates the growth of the prostate. The effect of lowering the level of this hormone is to slow down the development of the disease.

It is worth paying attention to the advantage of using phytosterols over sports steroids in terms of men's he alth. Illegal doping anabolic substances stimulate the growth of the prostate. Beta-sitosterol, while protecting the prostate gland, supports the formation of muscles.

Phytosterols should be treated as substances indicated in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. When using herbal preparations containing beta-sitosterol, you should not skip visits to the urologist. Consultation with a specialist is important even in the early stages of the diseasedue to the prevention and early diagnosis of neoplastic changes. Plant preparations containing beta-sitosterol are also indicated in the treatment of serious lesions. In this case, they support stronger drugs prescribed by a doctor.

Examples of popular plant materials containing beta-sitosterol:

  • nettle root
  • saw palmetto fruit
  • African plum bark
  • pumpkin seeds

Who are the preparations containing beta-sitosterol recommended for?

Preparations containing beta-sitosterol are ideal for physically active men over 50. An additional indication is diagnosed early hypercholesterolaemia. Involvement in sports and a properly composed diet is the way to avoid statin therapy. The use of preparations containing phytosterols increases the chances of success. Patients taking statins can also take beta-sitosterol as an adjunct therapy.

An additional advantage of taking beta-sitosterol by middle-aged patients is the beneficial effect of this substance on the prostate gland. The use of preparations containing phytosterols reduces the risk of prostate hyperplasia. All men over 50 are at risk of this problem.

Young people can effectively improve muscle growth using beta-sitosterol. Phytosterols, like all drugs, are safe within the prescribed dose limits. People whose cholesterol levels are within the normal range should use smaller amounts of beta-sitosterol. High doses are recommended in patients with hypercholesterolaemia. The use of the same amount of substances may disturb the lipid metabolism in young people. When taken properly, phytosterols are a he althy alternative to illegal doping.

About the authorSara Janowska, MA in pharmacyPhD student of interdisciplinary doctoral studies in the field of pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences at the Medical University of Lublin and the Institute of Biotechnology in Białystok. A graduate of pharmaceutical studies at the Medical University of Lublin with a specialization in Plant Medicine. She obtained a master's degree defending a thesis in the field of pharmaceutical botany on the antioxidant properties of extracts obtained from twenty species of mosses. Currently, in his research work, he deals with the synthesis of new anti-cancer substances and the study of their properties on cancer cell lines. For two years she worked as a master of pharmacy in an open pharmacy.

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