No known drug interactions for the matched ingredients — not a guarantee none exist. Based on 1 of 3 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Beta-Sitosterol Plant Sterols With CardioAid Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NOW

Capsule Category: Fat/fatty Acid
No known interaction
The interaction bottom line No known interaction

Beta-Sitosterol Plant Sterols With CardioAid is a dietary supplement by NOW with 3 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for high cholesterol, enlarged prostate (bph), heart health.We don’t currently list a known drug interaction for its mapped ingredients — but that doesn’t guarantee none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Beta-Sitosterol Plant Sterols With CardioAid by NOW

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 3 of its 3 active ingredients.
  • “CardioAid(R) Plant Sterols” is listed as a grouped ingredient — the label gives one combined amount (800 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This product contains three active plant sterols: beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol — collectively branded as CardioAid(R) Plant Sterols. These are sterol compounds naturally found in plants that have a chemical structure similar to cholesterol.

The capsules also contain inactive ingredients: cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silica — these are fillers and binders that help form and hold the capsule together.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: cardiovascular health and cholesterol lowering.
  • We looked for evidence on: Coronary heart disease (CHD), Familial hypercholesterolemia, Hypercholesterolemia, Dyslipidemia, Atherosclerosis prevention.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Beta-sitosterol is rated "Possibly Effective" for Coronary heart disease (CHD) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Beta-sitosterol is rated "Possibly Effective" for Familial hypercholesterolemia.

Beta-sitosterol is likely effective for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — the noncancerous enlargement of the prostate that causes trouble with urination as men age. It's possibly effective for familial hypercholesterolemia (a genetic form of high cholesterol) and coronary heart disease (CHD).

We hold no effectiveness data for campesterol and stigmasterol individually.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Beta-sitosterol

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Beta-sitosterol is generally well tolerated when taken orally in the short term, but check with your healthcare provider first. The most common side effects are constipation, diarrhea, gas, indigestion, and nausea.

There's also a report of acne worsening when beta-sitosterol was taken alone or combined with saw palmetto. A single case reported acute pancreatitis in a 57-year-old man starting the supplement, though symptoms didn't return when he stopped.

There isn't enough safety data for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding — the safety data advises against supplemental use in both. We hold no safety information for campesterol and stigmasterol.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Beta-sitosterol

Meds to double-check

No known interactions
Known Interaction Concern · database check
No known interactions

No medication interactions are currently documented for the matched ingredients — that isn't a guarantee none exist.

Why this rating?
  • None of the 1 matched ingredient has a documented medication interaction on file.

No interactions are documented in our data for the ingredients we could check. However, we hold no interaction data for campesterol and stigmasterol, so check your exact medications with the search tool on this page before taking the product.

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. No medication interactions are currently documented, and safety information is well characterized.

This product may be worth considering if you're interested in supporting prostate health or cholesterol management, particularly for BPH — that's where the evidence is strongest. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of pancreatitis or acne, talk with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Run your medications through our tool and check in with your own healthcare provider before starting.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 3 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 25, 2012.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Beta-Sitosterol Plant Sterols With CardioAid, straight from the product label.

Brand NOW
Barcode (UPC) 733739030658
Net contents 100 Vcap(s)(R)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 25, 2012
DSLD ID 14300
Product type Fat/fatty Acid
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Approved Health, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Sugar Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Beta-Sitosterol Plant Sterols With CardioAid by NOW, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Vegetarian Capsule(s)
Servings per container
50
UPC/BARCODE
733739030658
IngredientAmount% DV
Campesterol200 mg--
Beta-Sitosterol392 mg--
CardioAid(R) Plant Sterols800 mg--
Stigmasterol144 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silica

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Brand IP Statement(s)

Vcaps(R) supplies 800 mg of plant sterols.

CardioAid(R) is a registered trademark of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company; The CardioAid(TM) logo is a trademark of Archer-Daniels-Midland Company. Vcaps(R) is a registered trademark of Capsugel.

CardioAid(R) Plant Sterols is a unique dietary supplement rich in the plant sterols Beta-Sitosterol, Campesterol and Stigmasterol. Scientific studies have shown that plant sterols can help lower cholesterol levels*†

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

General Statements

Please Recycle.

ACTUAL SIZE

CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

Provides Cholesterol Lowering Benefits*†

Made in the U.S.A.

† Foods containing at least 400 mg per serving of plant sterols, eaten twice a day with meals for a daily total intake of at least 800 mg, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. A serving of NOW(R) Beta-Sitosterol Plant Sterols Vcaps(R) supplies 800 mg of plant sterols.

Seals/Symbols

CardioAid(TM) (heart) plant sterols

GMP QUALITY ASSURED

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Formulation

Vegetarian Formula

Contains soy derivative. Contains no sugar, salt, starch, yeast, wheat, gluten, milk, egg, shellfish or preservatives.

Vegetarian/Vegan Product.

Precautions

Caution: Pregnant/lactating women or those taking prescription medications should seek the advice of a health care practitioner before using this product.

Do Not Eat Freshness Packet. Keep in Bottle.

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

SUGGESTED USAGE: As a dietary supplement, take 2 Vcaps(R) 3 times daily with meals. Consider taking this product in combination with NOW(R) Sytrinol(R), Flush-Free Niacin and Pantethine.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

General

CODE 3065B V6

See for yourself

Beta-Sitosterol Plant Sterols With CardioAid by NOW label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Beta-Sitosterol Plant Sterols With CardioAid by NOW

These are the 3 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Vegetarian Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container50 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

CardioAid(R) Plant Sterols

800 mg per serving

Other (inactive) ingredients: Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Silica. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Beta-Sitosterol Plant Sterols With CardioAid by NOW Drug Interactions

We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for the mapped ingredients in Beta-Sitosterol Plant Sterols With CardioAid. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining a supplement with your medications.

The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Beta-Sitosterol Plant Sterols With CardioAid, from the product label.

NOW

See all NOW products
Name
NOW FOODS
City
BLOOMINGDALE
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Web Address
www.nowfoods.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Beta-Sitosterol Plant Sterols With CardioAid by NOW: Common Questions

Does Beta-Sitosterol Plant Sterols With CardioAid by NOW interact with any medications?
We do not currently list a known interaction for the mapped ingredients in Beta-Sitosterol Plant Sterols With CardioAid. This does not guarantee none exist, so confirm with your pharmacist.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Beta-Sitosterol Plant Sterols With CardioAid contains 3 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
What is this product supposed to do?
Beta-sitosterol is likely effective for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — trouble with urination from an enlarged prostate. It's possibly effective for high cholesterol and heart disease, though the evidence there is less established. The other plant sterols in the blend haven't been rated for effectiveness.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data advises against it — there isn't enough safety information for either pregnancy or breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether this makes sense for your situation.
What side effects might I notice?
The most common are constipation, diarrhea, gas, indigestion, and nausea. There's also a report of acne getting worse. One case reported acute pancreatitis, though that's very rare.
Does this product have any fillers?
Yes — the capsules contain cellulose, magnesium stearate, and silica as inactive ingredients to form and stabilize the capsule.
Can beta-sitosterol make my acne worse?
Yes — there's documented evidence that beta-sitosterol can worsen acne when taken alone or combined with saw palmetto. If you're prone to acne, mention this to your doctor or pharmacist.
What are plant sterols?
Plant sterols are compounds naturally found in plants with a structure very similar to cholesterol. This product delivers three of them: beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if Beta-Sitosterol Plant Sterols With CardioAid is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Beta-Sitosterol Plant Sterols With CardioAid label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Beta-Sitosterol Plant Sterols With CardioAid’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Beta-Sitosterol Plant Sterols With CardioAid's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 7 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Beta-sitosterol 7 references
  1. Berges RR, Windeler J, Trampisch HJ, et al. Randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of beta-sitosterol in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Beta-sitosterol Study Group. Lancet 1995;345:1529-32.
  2. Klippel KF, Hiltl DM, Schipp B. A multicentric, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of beta-sitosterol (phytosterol) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Br J Urol 1997;80:427-32.
  3. Wilt TJ, MacDonald R, Ishani A. beta-sitosterol for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review. BJU Int 1999;83:976-83. PubMed
  4. Oster P, Schlierf G, Heuck CC, et al. [Sitosterol in familial hyperlipoproteinemia type II. A randomized, double-blind, cross-over study]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 1976;101:1308-11.
  5. Becker M, Staab D, Von Bergman K. Long-term treatment of severe familial hypercholesterolemia in children: effect of sitosterol and bezafibrate. Pediatrics 1992;89:138-42. DOI
  6. Prager N, Bickett K, French N, Marcovici G. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effectiveness of botanically derived inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. J Altern Complement Med 2002
  7. Lorenze A, Hsueh W, Nasr J. Beta-sitosterol-induced acute pancreatitis: A case report and review of the literature. Cureus. 2020;12(3):e7407. PubMed

See these in context on the Beta-sitosterol monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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