The Ideal Phytosterol Composition
Based upon the available literature and our clinical observations, the ideal balance of phytosterols is comprised of B-Sit being greater than 62%; campesterol being less than 25%; stigmasterol being less than 10%; and brassicasterol being less than 3%. The following is a brief summary of the evidence for this composition. (Note: most phytosterol supplements contain a maximum of 43% B-Sit. This is due to it being derived from currently available soy. The problem with using this material as a supplement is that is merely provides the same balance found in the food supplies that are associated with higher rates of cancer, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and type II diabetes. Both population studies and clinical observation show that the balance of the sterols, from supplement and diet, is more important than the absolute amount. Therefore, higher supplemental amounts of properly balanced phytosterols are needed to offset the low B-Sit content and ratio from the food supply.)
•Βeta-sitosterol (B-Sit), at least 62%, absorption rate approximately 4%:
1.Reduces absorption of dietary cholesterol.
2.High plasma concentrations are associated with a markedly reduced risk of coronary heart disease (n 1242, >65 y/o).13
3.Increases apoptosis in cancer cells (4 to 6-times baseline).14
4.High levels in diet correlate with lower levels of cancer (prostate, lung, breast, colorectal, etc.)
5.Anti-inflammatory14
6.Current healthy Mediterranean food supplies provide phytosterols with over 65% B-Sit/sitostanol content, while geographical areas with high cancer and disease rate have about 43% or less B-Sit (with about the same amounts of total phytosterols, about 400 mg/day) content in their food.15 U.S. intake is estimated at 50-250 mg/day, with 43% or less b-Sit.16
7.Immune System modulator
8.B-Sit, and campesterol, also reduced alpha-tocopherol oxidation in liposomal membranes.
9.Decreases plaque formation in arteries.
10.Reduces estradiol production and carries excess estradiol from the gut.
•Campesterol (CS), not exceeding 20%, absorption rate approximately 13%:
1.Increases apoptosis in cancer cells (estimated to be about 4 to 6 times baseline).
2.Increases plaque formation in arteries. Note: Statin drugs increase CS concentration in muscle tissue, reducing B-Sit content, and disrupting membrane balance.17
•Stigmasterol, not exceeding 10%, absorption rate approximately 4%:
1.Stigmasterol, but not B-Sit or CS, inhibit SREPB-2 (sterol-responsive element-binding protein 2) processing and reduce cholesterol synthesis.
2.Activates the liver X receptor alpha (LXRα), an oxysterol-activated nuclear hormone receptor, which regulates the expression of genes involved in lipid and cholesterol homeostasis and inflammation. This may improve glucose tolerance.18
3.However, stigmasterol is a pro-oxidant and is also inflammatory.
4.Lowers CoQ10 levels (B-Sit and CS do not).
5.Can cause damage to adrenal glands by disrupting normal cholesterol homeostasis (B-Sit and CS do not).
6.Is a potent in vitro antagonist of the nuclear receptor for bile acids farnesoid x receptor (FXR), which is critically involved in hepatoprotection from cholestasis (inhibition of bile flow). Note: B-Sit does not have any inhibitory effect on FXR.
•Brassicasterol, not exceeding 3%, absorption rate not known:
1.The EU does not allow in supplements any amount greater then normally found in nature, which is a maximum of 3%.
2.Brassicasterol can cause damage to adrenal glands by disrupting normal cholesterol homeostasis (B-Sit and CS do not).
3.May lower CoQ10 levels (B-Sit and CS do not).
4.Note: Brassicasterol is significantly increased during the processing of canola oil. However, despite the problems with brassicasterol for the human body, this is considered to be good, since the brassicasterol helps stabilize the oil, and contributes to overall cholesterol lowering.
Phytosterols Require Complementary Antioxidants
Two of the overlooked aspects of increasing dietary B-Sit are: a) it stimulates the sphingomyelin cycle through increased ROS1 activity, which increases cell proliferation as demonstrated in PCa cells; b) high levels of both cholesterol and B-Sit can cause lipid peroxidation. For these reasons, B-Sit should always be administered in a composition that includes complementary antioxidants, in order to counter the ROS activity and support its action in the cell membrane and intracellular environment. Regarding the effects on cancer, the practical effects of inadequate or incompatible antioxidants with B-Sit would be a leveling off at a balance between increased apoptosis and increased proliferation.
The B-Sit/AOX Matrix
The B-Sit/AOX Matrix interaction is complex, requiring multi-supplement support. In some ways the relationship is as symbiotic as it is synergistic. For example: B-Sit potentiates antioxidant activity and activates other antioxidant responses. B-Sit and plant-based antioxidants work together to protect cell membranes from lipid peroxidation.19-21 In addition, targeted antioxidants support activities of B-Sit: i.e. Astragalus root and B-Sit work together to increase the activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)21,22
A natural pairing of B-Sit and select antioxidants, forming a supportive nutritional matrix, is fundamental to a wide range of biological processes, so the components of the matrix need to be selected to fit the desired outcome. In this case, the Matrix is comprised of B-Sit and antioxidants that work with it to improve membrane integrity and function, reestablish a healthy intracellular fluid environment, as well as support healthy cell reproduction and the body’s mechanisms for controlling improperly reproduced cells – cancer cells.
A select group of antioxidants that form the B-Sit/AOX Matrix for natural anti-cancer support are: Astragalus, ellagic acid, Gynostemma pentaphyllum, Ligustrum fruit, lutein, lycopene, quercetin, resveratrol, Rhodiola, Rosmarinus officinalis, Schinsandra fruit, trans-e-viniferin, Wasabia japonica, and zinc.
Synergy within the Matrix
Just like the components that make up foods, to be efficient the Matrix needs to be comprised of nutrients that work together, for example:
•Quercetin and resveratrol work together to naturally reduce inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression and nitric oxide production, providing cardiovascular support and other benefits.23
•Resveratrol and ellagic acid aid the cell’s structural ability to repair efficiently.24
•Ellagic acid and quercetin synergistically support normal reproduction rates and proper apoptosis when balanced at dietary-level concentrations.25,26
•B-Sit and resveratrol combine to provide a balanced ROS1 level, and synergistically inhibit inappropriate cell growth. In addition, the systemic presence of B-Sit enhances resveratrol activity.27
Curcumin and B-Sit/AOX Matrix Synergy
There is growing investigation into the use of curcumin for the treatment of cancer. One of the drawbacks is the diminished effect of curcumin with increased levels of insulin. At the same time, an increased level of insulin and insulin resistance are known risk factors for developing prostate and breast cancer, as well