What Are the Benefits of Beta-Sitosterol?
However, people take beta-sitosterol for other uses as well, uses for which there is little scientific evidence. These less valid beta-sitosterol uses include:
- Treating gallstones
- Enhancing sexual performance
- Boosting the immune system
- Treating the common cold and flu
- Treating asthma
- Relieving menopause symptoms
- Helping with hair loss or baldness.
Although beta-sitosterol probably works for high
cholesterol or an enlarged prostate, there is not enough scientific evidence to recommend it for any of the other uses
(see Does Beta-Sitosterol Work?). Research shows that plant sterols, including beta-sitosterol, can lower total cholesterol and
LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) without having any effect on
HDL cholesterol ("
good cholesterol"). For an enlarged prostate, research suggests that beta-sitosterol can help relieve symptoms, but does not seem to shrink the prostate.