Beta-Sitosterol Prostate Health Benefits
Beta-sitosterol prostate health benefits come from plant sterols found in saw palmetto, pumpkins, pecans, peanuts, and pumpkins seeds. It is a cholesterol-like substance that does not act like cholesterol, however it can reduce the amount of cholesterol the body absorbs, thereby helping to lower a person’s total cholesterol and LDL levels. But the beta-sitosterol prostate health benefits are what make this supplement stand out for aging men.
Many studies have shown that beta-sitosterol health benefits may help relieve urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This supplement is also helpful for men recovering from a prostate biopsy and for men who are managing certain symptoms of prostatitis.
Enlarged Prostate and Beta-Sitosterol
Enlarged prostate (BPH) is a condition that commonly affects men as they age. Traditional treatments have included drugs and medical procedures, but a more recent review that was authored by naturopathic urologist, Dr. Geovanni Espinosa, director of the Integrative Urological Center, New York University Langone Medical Center puts the BPH treatment focus on diet and supplements.
One review on beta-sitosterol prostate health benefits for over 500 men with BPH found that beta-sitosterol improved urinary symptoms. Another study was published in Lancet. Researcher had 200 men with BPH take either 20 mg of beta-sitosterol or a placebo three times a day for six months. At the end of the study, the researchers saw an increase in maximum urine flow rate from a baseline of 9.9 ml/second to 15.2 ml/second for men who took beta-sitosterol. They also noted a decrease in mean residual urinary volume from 65.8 ml at baseline to 30.4 ml. The placebo group did not report any changes. (Berges 1995)
How does beta-sitosterol work? Beta-sitosterol acts like the prescription drug Proscar (finasteride), which is used to manage symptoms of BPH such as urinary frequency, urinary flow problems, and urinary urgency. Unlike Proscar, which has many negative long-lasting side effects such as erectile dysfunction and other sexual problems, beta-sitosterol is a more natural approach that does not cause these side effects.
Prostate Biopsy Recovery and Beta-Sitosterol
Beta-sitosterol is one of the top supplements for prostate biopsy recovery It is recommended to take supplements shown to support prostate health after having a prostate biopsy to help with healing. Supplements can help limit infections and urinary tract symptoms that sometimes occur after having a biopsy.
In terms of using beta-sitosterol for prostate cancer there are limited studies. One study that was conducted in France showed that beta-sitosterol induced low growth inhibition on prostate cancer cells. (Jourdain 2006)
Prostatitis and Beta-Sitosterol
Some men take beta-sitosterol to help support prostate health and help manage urinary symptoms associated with prostatitis. The supplement inhibits the activity of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, and this may help men who experience urinary frequency, urinary urgency, and problems wtih urine flow.
