NMU 349 – Beta-Sitosterol in the Treatment Enlarged Prostate Problems (BPH) and its Anti-Cancer Prostate Properties

Nutrition/Natural Medicine Update No 349 (February 19, 2025)

with Dr. James Meschino

Topic: Beta-Sitosterol in the Treatment Enlarged Prostate Problems (BPH) and its Anti-Cancer Prostate Properties

Source: American Journal of Clinical and Experimental Urology (2023)

An outstanding review paper was published in the American Journal of Clinical and Experimental Urology in December 2023. The researchers reviewed all the studies looking at the effects of beta-sitosterol supplementation in the treatment of enlarged prostate problems (benign prostatic hyperplasia of BPH) and the experimental and animal studies showing the anti-tumour effects of beta-sitosterol in prostate cancer prevention and progression. Beta-sitosterol is the most common plant sterol found in food and is the main sterol found in saw palmetto extract – a supplement shown to reverse enlarged prostate problems in various human studies. Various nuts and seeds, as well as peanut butter, avocadoes, lentils and cold pressed flaxseed oil, contain respectable amounts of beta-sitosterol.

From a therapeutic standpoint, some studies using beta-sitosterol supplements have shown impressive results in reversing early-to-moderate stage prostate enlargement and many experimental studies show that beta-sitosterol blocks important steps in prostate cancer development and progression. With respect to prostate enlargement, beta-sitosterol is proven to block the conversion of testosterone into the more dangerous form of testosterone known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is largely responsible for prostate enlargement problems.As well, adding beta-sitosterol to drug treatment for prostate enlargement has been shown to improve the efficacy of these drugs.

There is very good evidence to show that after age 40 the male body starts converting more testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (a principal culprit in the development of prostate enlargement and prostate cancer).

For this reason, I believe that all men over 40 should take a prostate support supplement that contains both saw palmetto extract and additional beta-sitosterol, along with other prostate support nutrients such as lycopene, stinging nettle, Pygeum africanum – all natural agents shown to support prostate health and inhibit steps in prostate enlargement and other serious prostate problems. The research suggests that Beta-sitosterol intake is an invaluable part of supporting prostate health, especially after age 40.

I have included the references for Beta-sitosterol in the text below.

References:

Macoska J.A. The use of beta-sitosterol for the treatment of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Am J Clin Exper Urology. 2023, 11(6): 467-480. The use of beta-sitosterol for the treatment of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia – PMC

Food Sources of Beta-Sitosterol (SIT)https://www.medindia.net/nutrition-data/nutrients/beta-sitosterol-rich-foods.htm

Eat Smart, Live Well, Look Great,
Dr. Meschino