Beta-Sitosterol
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Beta-Sitosterol (β-Sitosterol (Plant Phytosterol)) is a dietary supplement with 5 published peer-reviewed studies involving 1,120 participants, researched for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Cholesterol Management, Immune Modulation & Anti-inflammatory Activity.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
StrongCholesterol Management
ModerateImmune Modulation & Anti-inflammatory Activity
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
To assess the efficacy of beta-sitosterol in the treatment of BPH.
Study Type
Multicentric, placebo-controlled, double-blind
Purpose
To assess the efficacy of beta-sitosterol in the treatment of BPH.
Dose
20 mg beta-sitosterol three times daily (60 mg/day)
Participants
200 men with symptomatic BPH
Duration
6 months
Results
Beta-sitosterol significantly reduced Boyarsky symptom score and IPSS vs placebo. Peak urine flow increased significantly. Residual urine volume decreased. Beta-sitosterol is an effective option for BPH treatment.
How They Measured It
Modified Boyarsky symptom score, IPSS, peak urinary flow rate, residual volume
To evaluate the evidence for beta-sitosterols in BPH treatment.
Study Type
Cochrane systematic review
Purpose
To evaluate the evidence for beta-sitosterols in BPH treatment.
Dose
Various (20-130 mg/day)
Participants
Cochrane review across eligible RCTs
Duration
4–26 weeks
Results
Beta-sitosterol significantly improved urinary symptom scores and urinary flow. Patients were twice as likely to report improvement vs placebo. Long-term durability requires further study.
How They Measured It
Urologic symptom scales, urinary flow, residual urine, quality of life
To review the evidence for beta-sitosterol for BPH treatment and prostate cancer.
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To review the evidence for beta-sitosterol for BPH treatment and prostate cancer.
Dose
Various
Participants
Review
Duration
Various
Results
Beta-sitosterol inhibits 5-alpha-reductase, modulates intraprostatic cholesterol, and reduces inflammatory mediators. Four RCTs showed significant improvement in urinary symptoms and flow in BPH patients.
How They Measured It
Review of urological outcomes, prostate cancer markers, and mechanistic data
Cholesterol Management
To assess the cholesterol-lowering effects of plant sterols including beta-sitosterol.
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To assess the cholesterol-lowering effects of plant sterols including beta-sitosterol.
Dose
Various (1-3 g/day plant sterols)
Participants
Meta-analysis across multiple RCTs
Duration
Various
Results
Beta-sitosterol and related plant sterols significantly reduced LDL-cholesterol by 8-15%. Effects were dose-dependent and well tolerated. Plant sterols are widely recommended as dietary adjuncts for LDL management.
How They Measured It
LDL-cholesterol, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol
Immune Modulation & Anti-inflammatory Activity
To review immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of beta-sitosterol.
Study Type
Mechanistic review
Purpose
To review immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of beta-sitosterol.
Dose
Various
Participants
Review
Duration
Various
Results
Beta-sitosterol modulates T-lymphocyte proliferation, enhances NK cell activity, and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α). Anti-inflammatory effects mediated via PGE2 inhibition and NF-κB modulation.
How They Measured It
Review of in vitro and in vivo immune function studies
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Beta-Sitosterol research
There are currently 9 peer-reviewed studies on Beta-Sitosterol (β-Sitosterol (Plant Phytosterol)), involving 1,120 total participants. Research covers Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), LDL cholesterol reduction, Immune modulation and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Very Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Very Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (5 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Beta-Sitosterol has been researched for: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), LDL cholesterol reduction, Immune modulation, Anti-inflammatory activity. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 5 out of 9 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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