The influence of beta-sitosterol on biliary cholesterol saturation and bile acid kinetics in man

beta-Sitosterol, administered in doses of 12 g/d, resulted in a mean decrease of 11% in serum cholesterol and of 12% in biliary cholesterol saturation after 6-8 weeks. Sustained effects were found in some individuals treated for longer periods. Significant changes in bile acid kinetics could not be detected. The results lend support for further investigations of sitosterol as a possible adjunct therapy in cholelitholytic treatment.