Beta-Sitosterol Benefits

Beta-Sitosterol Benefits

The most abundant phytosterol in the human diet, beta-sitosterol is widely present, as well, in various plants such as saw palmetto, pumpkin seed, etc. Actually these plants are used in the herbal treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy. There are specialists who believe that Beta-sitosterol plays an important role in the benefits provided by these herbs.

From the chemical point of view, beta-sitosterol has quite a similar structure to the one of the cholesterol. Despite the fact that it does produce effects in improving prostate dysfunctions, the mechanism used by this substance is actually unknown by specialists. There are reports, which recommend it as a prostate supplement do to the fact that it apparently has certain anti-inflammatory effects on the prostate.

From the overall dose of Beta-sitosterol supplement ingested, approximately 5% is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. This quantity normally gets to the liver, as it is transported via the portal circulation. A portion of the Beta-sitosterol is glucuronidated in the liver, while another portion is metabolized to cholic acid. Beta-sitosterol is also transported to other tissues of the human body, by means of the systemic circulation. Most part of the excretion is done via the biliary route.

Various studies and research have been conducted over the years in order to gather more relevant information on Beta-sitosterol effects on the human body. One of the most relevant reviews on this substance, analyzing four different studies on placebo control and Beta-sitosterol efficacy in men suffering of benign prostate hyperplasia, concluded that it considerably contributed to improving the urological symptoms of the patients. The studies were conducted on a number of over 500 persons and had a duration of approximately 25 weeks.

However, all the reviews, both the one presenting positive effects, and the ones presenting less spectacular results, caution that all the treatments have been performed over rather short periods of time and, as a consequence, there is no reliable data referring to extended periods of usage. As a result, the long term effectiveness and safety, as well as the possible complications, remain unknown.

In what concerns the contraindications that are already known, it is important to mention that Beta-sitosterol is not recommended in the case of the persons suffering from genetic disorders, such as sitosterolemia and cerebrotendinotic xanthomatosis, which are actually quite rare heath conditions. Moreover, Beta-sitosterol is totally not recommended for pregnant women and for nursing mothers.

The most commonly reported adverse reactions to Beta-sitosterol include gastrointestinal dysfunctions, such as, for example gas, indigestion, constipation and diarrhea.

Beta-sitosterol can be administrated in does ranging from 10 to 65 milligrams, two or three times a day, best during meals. There have been no overdoses reports, but, however, it is recommended not to exaggerate or increase the doses without medical approval.

Beta-sitosterol is supplied in the specialized stores in capsules of 60 mg and in tablets of 300 mg. It is advisable to ask for a physician s recommendation before starting a diet with Beta-sitosterol supplements. http://www.healthfulbio.com/