Sitosterol feeding: chronic animal and clinical toxicology and tissue analysis.

Sitosterol has previously been shown to block cholesterol absorption in both animals and man. Its clinical effectiveness in reducing hypereholesteremia has been repeatedly demonstrated. For periods exceeding 4 years, large amounts of sitosterol have been given daily for maintaining reduction of serum cholesterol concentration. The possibility of adverse side effects resulting from chronic administration has been considered. Long-term animal and clinical studies indicate that sitosterol has no detectable toxicity and does not accumulate or deposit in tissues.