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Natural Compound Beta Sitosterol

Beta sitosterol is mainly studied for its cholesterol lowering properties but many studies also find that the phytochemical may help to prevent prostate cancer.

A Japanese study led by Imanaka demonstrated that the oral intake of beta sitosterol, encapsulated in a liposome, was able to prevent tumor metastasis in rats, although the phytochemical was not absorbed in the serum. The researchers believed that beta-sitosterol works by stimulating the gut immune surveillance systems, as indicated by an increase in natural killer cell activity and production of immune response cytokines. Park and co workers concluded in their study that "beta sitosterol potently induces apoptosis in leukemia cells that beta sitosterol induced apoptosis is related to the selective activation of caspase 3 and induction of Bax/Bcl 2 ratio." Beta sitosterol induced apoptosis in the leukemia cells in a dose dependent manner.

Beta sitosterol is a plant sterol found in various foods and some dietary supplements and functional foods, such as margarines or spreads. It is primarily used for lowering cholesterol and relieving symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Beta sitosterol works by decreasing the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine and reducing the amount of DHT in the body. Potential side effects include nausea, gas, and constipation.