<human>: Beta-sitosterol I see that it used for reducing inflammation for different maladies how effective is it for , emptying the bladder reducing frequent bathroom visits, the size of prostate emptying the bladder, reduction of cholesterol compared to statins and helping the inflammation in people with osteo- arthritis. Are the claims like so many other supplements all hype or is there any validity. Thank you for an honest response, MJO
<bot>: Hi, Thanks for posting in Chat Doctor. I understand your concern. Here are some of the details about the medication which you have asked for. Beta-sitosterol is one of several phytosterols (sterols from plant origin) with chemical structures similar to that of cholesterol. It is shown to have the following effects: 1. Cholesterol lowering effects. 2. Immunomodulator action.  3. Anti-inflammatory effects. Hence, beta-sitosterol is used for heart disease, high cholesterol, preventing colon cancer, gallstones, the common cold and flu (influenza), HIV/AIDS, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, psoriasis, allergies, cervical cancer, fibromyalgia, systemic lupus erythematous (SHE), asthma, hair loss, bronchitis, migraine headache and chronic fatigue syn Chat Doctor. Some men use beta-sitosterol for enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and some women use it for symptoms of menopause. However, more clinical studies are needed to verify the benefits of beta-sitosterol in the conditions which it has been used. Hope the information provided would be helpful. All the best.  