Research into the constituents of Saw palmetto, a herb used for prostate disease in men and hair thinning in women, has created interest in a micro-nutrient called betasitosterol (beeter sight-os-sterol).

This nutrient is one of a family of plant sterols found in the cells of plants, trees, seeds and grains. In its natural state it is bound to the fibre and therefore is not easily absorbed during digestion, especially in the case of older people and those with digestive problems. It is also destroyed in cooking and in food processing. (So only the fit and healthy and those with good digestions are absorbing this nutrient).

It is the betasitosterol in Saw palmetto extract that is now being credited with reducing enlarged prostates. Indeed, in a recent clinical trial Saw palmetto was found to be more effective than the orthodox drug treatment, finasteride. This is important because enlarged prostate causes a number of symptoms in men over 50.

Laboratory-based research (ie on cancer cells) has found that betasitosterol also inhibits (ie slows down) various cancers including prostate, breast and bowel. It also lowers cholesterol and triglycerides and is anti-inflammatory and an immune regulator (it improves immunity but also dampens down an over-reactive immune system).

It has been shown to be a useful additional nutritional treatment, for example, in asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and stomach ulcers.

Until recently this was all academic as there was no betasitosterol product available. But now there is and it's called Sterocel, and it is now available from my dispensary. It has no known toxicity or side effects.

The amount of scientific information on betasitosterol is now vast. I can't possibly squeeze it into this newsletter. But I can give more information to anyone who is interested, or may know someone who could benefit from this treatment.

Sterocel is available in vegetarian capsules x 60. The dose is 1-3 capsules a day between meals. The price per 60 capsules is £19. 90 plus postage.

Best wishes from

David Potterton