Beta-Sitosterol

A plant sterol with real evidence for prostate (BPH) urinary symptoms and cholesterol.

Overall grade: Grade B
Last revised: Jul 10, 2026; 2
graded outcomes: 0
references listed

A structured monograph in Prometheus's bundled library. Its grades are the monograph's own reading of the evidence, not a peer-reviewed review.

2 at grade B — 2 graded rows

What is known

Each outcome with its grade (how strong the evidence is, A to D), the size of the effect where the entry records one, and how often studies agree.

Outcome	Grade	Effect size	Agreement
BPH urinary symptomsCochrane-supported	Evidence grade B	Moderate	high
LDL cholesterolSterol effect	Evidence grade B	Small	high

BPH urinary symptomsEvidence grade B
Cochrane-supported
Moderatehigh
LDL cholesterolEvidence grade B
Sterol effect
Smallhigh

Interactions

Documented pairings with supplements and medicines. A medicine on this list is a conversation for whoever prescribes it.

Saw PalmettoWorks together
Common BPH stack.

The evidence in words

What it is

Beta-sitosterol is the main plant sterol, used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms and LDL.

How it works

It reduces cholesterol absorption and, via anti-inflammatory and hormonal effects, improves urinary flow in BPH.

What the evidence shows

A Cochrane review supports beta-sitosterol for improving BPH urinary symptoms and flow; as a plant sterol it also lowers LDL. Reasonable evidence for a men's-health supplement.

Safety & interactions

Generally safe; mild GI effects. Saw Palmetto — Common BPH stack.

Bottom line

A legitimately-evidenced option for BPH urinary symptoms that also nudges LDL down. Solid for a botanical.

Goes with

Saw PalmettoCommon BPH stack.Evidence grade C

Entries that share this one's tags or conditions.

Beta-Sitosterol for BPH urinary symptomsEvidence grade B — Cochrane-supportedEvidence grade B
Beta-Sitosterol for LDL cholesterolEvidence grade B — Sterol effectEvidence grade B
Beta-Sitosterol: side effects, safety & interactionsGenerally safe; mild GI effects.Evidence grade B
Stinging NettleModest data for BPH urinary symptoms and allergic rhinitis; a benign multipurpose folk remedy.Evidence grade C

Sources

This entry lists no references of its own.

Last revised Jul 10, 2026. A grade is this entry's reading of the evidence, not medical advice.