19-09-2012, 23:31
Actually beta-sitosterol is NOT the key component of SP. This is a VERY common myth that I just have to debunk.
Beta-sitosterol is a very very weak constituent in SP, so it obviously CAN NOT be the driving factor in its primary activity of decreasing 5-alpha-reductase activity.
Also, all research on beta-sitosterol places it much much higher in the hormone flow. It blocks the reduction from the progesterone branch to the androsteniodone branch. MUCH EARLIER IN THE HORMONAL SYNTHESIS PATHWAY THAN DHT!
It's actually presently not completely clear exactly if any single chemical constituent is what causes it's activity on 5-alpha-reductase, and it's theorized by some in more academic circles that it's actually a complex reaction from a specific combination of chemical constituents in a particular balance as found seemingly ONLY IN saw palmetto berries.
The balance remains unchanged in extracts, and is simply less dilute, allowing the reaction to occur more strongly.
Beta-sitosterol is a very very weak constituent in SP, so it obviously CAN NOT be the driving factor in its primary activity of decreasing 5-alpha-reductase activity.
Also, all research on beta-sitosterol places it much much higher in the hormone flow. It blocks the reduction from the progesterone branch to the androsteniodone branch. MUCH EARLIER IN THE HORMONAL SYNTHESIS PATHWAY THAN DHT!
It's actually presently not completely clear exactly if any single chemical constituent is what causes it's activity on 5-alpha-reductase, and it's theorized by some in more academic circles that it's actually a complex reaction from a specific combination of chemical constituents in a particular balance as found seemingly ONLY IN saw palmetto berries.
The balance remains unchanged in extracts, and is simply less dilute, allowing the reaction to occur more strongly.