Ergostanol
Also known as: Phytostanol, Plant stanol, Campestanol, Ergostanol
Overview
Ergostanol is a plant-derived phytostanol, a saturated derivative of phytosterols, found naturally in vegetable oils, nuts, and seeds, and often used to fortify foods. Structurally similar to cholesterol, it is poorly absorbed by the human intestine. Its primary application is to reduce blood cholesterol levels, particularly LDL cholesterol, thereby mitigating cardiovascular disease risk. It achieves this by competitively inhibiting cholesterol absorption in the gut. Research on ergostanol and related phytostanols is extensive, with numerous randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses supporting its lipid-lowering efficacy. Emerging preclinical data also suggest potential anti-cancer properties, though human evidence for this effect is currently lacking. Overall, ergostanol is considered a safe and effective dietary supplement for managing hyperlipidemia.
Benefits
Ergostanol primarily offers significant reductions in LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels, with meta-analyses consistently showing efficacy at doses of 1.5 to 3 g/day. These lipid-lowering effects are clinically meaningful, often resulting in a 10-15% reduction in LDL cholesterol, which can be comparable to low-dose statins. A meta-analysis of 79 RCTs indicated a small but statistically significant reduction in BMI (-0.063 kg/m², p=0.024), particularly in overweight or hyperlipidemic individuals, though this effect is likely of limited clinical relevance for weight loss. Preclinical studies suggest potential anti-cancer properties, showing reductions in tumor growth and metastasis markers in various models, but human data are currently insufficient to confirm these benefits. Lipid-lowering effects typically manifest within 6 to 24 weeks of consistent supplementation.
How it works
Ergostanol's primary mechanism of action involves inhibiting the intestinal absorption of both dietary and biliary cholesterol. It achieves this by competitively displacing cholesterol within mixed micelles in the gut lumen, thereby reducing cholesterol uptake into enterocytes. This local action in the gastrointestinal tract prevents cholesterol from entering the bloodstream, leading to lowered plasma LDL cholesterol levels. Ergostanol is poorly absorbed by the human body (less than 5%), which is advantageous as it allows it to exert its cholesterol-lowering effects directly in the gut without significant systemic accumulation. While direct molecular targets are not fully elucidated, it is believed to indirectly affect cholesterol transporters like NPC1L1.
Side effects
Ergostanol and other phytostanols are generally considered safe, with a well-established safety profile at doses up to 3 g/day. Common side effects are minimal, with occasional mild gastrointestinal discomfort being the most frequently reported. Uncommon or rare side effects have not been consistently reported in clinical trials, and no serious adverse events have been directly linked to phytostanol supplementation. There are no significant drug interactions reported, although theoretically, phytostanols could slightly reduce the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, this effect is typically not clinically significant. Contraindications are not established, but caution is advised in individuals with rare genetic disorders like sitosterolemia. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been well-studied, so use in these populations should be approached with caution or avoided.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for ergostanol to achieve cholesterol-lowering effects is approximately 1.5 grams per day of total phytostanols. The optimal dosage range, as supported by clinical trials and functional food recommendations, is between 1.5 to 3 grams per day. Doses exceeding 3 grams per day have not been extensively studied for safety or additional efficacy. Ergostanol is typically consumed with meals to maximize its cholesterol absorption inhibition, as the presence of fat in meals enhances micelle formation, which is crucial for its mechanism of action. It is commonly delivered through fortified foods like margarine or yogurt, or as capsules. No specific cofactors are required, but a balanced diet is recommended for overall health.
FAQs
Is ergostanol safe long-term?
Yes, long-term use of ergostanol up to 3 grams per day is considered safe, with no serious adverse effects reported in studies.
How quickly does it work?
Cholesterol reductions are typically observed within 4-6 weeks of consistent supplementation, with effects stabilizing by 12-24 weeks.
Does it help with weight loss?
Evidence shows minimal to no significant effect on body weight or fat mass, though a slight BMI reduction has been noted in some subgroups.
Can it replace statins?
Ergostanol can be an adjunct therapy or an alternative for mild hyperlipidemia, but it is generally less potent than prescription statins.
Any impact on cancer?
Preclinical data suggest anti-cancer potential, but there are currently no human clinical trials confirming this effect.
Research Sources
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.819482/full – This meta-analysis of RCTs on red yeast rice (which contains phytostanols) found it effectively lowers blood lipids and is well-tolerated. It supports the lipid-lowering efficacy and safety of phytostanols, though it focuses on a broader compound.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30838686/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 79 RCTs investigated the effect of phytostanol supplementation on anthropometric indices. It concluded that phytostanols slightly reduced BMI, especially in overweight or hyperlipidemic individuals, but had no significant effect on body weight or fat mass overall.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33238719/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies explored the anti-cancer effects of phytostanols. It found that phytostanols reduced tumor burden and metastasis markers in various in vitro and in vivo models, suggesting potential anti-cancer properties, though human clinical data are lacking.
Supplements Containing Ergostanol
Beta Sitosterol
DC

Beta Sitosterol Complex 667 mg
Wonder Laboratories
Beta Sitosterol Complex 667 mg
Wonder Laboratories
Beta Sitosterol Complex 667 mg
Wonder Laboratories
Beta Sitosterol Complex 667 mg
Wonder Laboratories
Beta Sitosterol Complex 667 mg
Wonder Laboratories

Beta Sitosterol
DC