Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol commonly used in supplements for men's health, specifically targeting urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. The prostate surrounds the bladder neck, and enlargement can impact bladder function by restricting urine flow, leading to incomplete emptying and increased urinary frequency or urgency.

Several randomized, placebo-controlled trials and meta-analyses have investigated beta-sitosterol's effectiveness in relieving lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with BPH. A notable meta-analysis published in the journal The Lancet (Wilt et al., 1999) found that beta-sitosterol improved urinary symptom scores and flow measures compared to placebo in men with mild to moderate BPH. However, these studies generally did not investigate direct effects on the bladder itself, but rather on symptoms resulting from prostate enlargement affecting bladder function.

There is limited evidence supporting the use of beta-sitosterol for primary bladder disorders unrelated to the prostate (e.g., overactive bladder, interstitial cystitis). Most evidence pertains to its use in men with BPH, where it may offer modest improvement in urinary symptoms by reducing the impact of prostate enlargement on bladder outflow.

In summary, scientific evidence supports beta-sitosterol’s use for urinary symptoms related to BPH, which secondarily affects bladder function, but not for primary bladder conditions. The strength of evidence is moderate (score: 2/5), primarily due to the limited number and size of high-quality clinical trials and the focus on prostate rather than bladder health.

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Vitabase Prostate Complex (Formerly Prostate Complete)
Pure Encapsulations SP Ultimate
Pure Encapsulations SP Ultimate