Beta-sitosterol is a plant sterol found in some of these herbs that is marketed as a dietary supplement for prostate health.
British Dictionary definitions for sterol
sterol
/ˈstɛrɒl/
noun
1.
(biochem) any of a group of natural steroid alcohols, such as cholesterol and ergosterol, that are waxy insoluble substances
Word Origin
C20: shortened from cholesterol, ergosterol, etc
sterol in Medicine
sterol ster·ol (stěr'ôl', -ōl', stēr'-) n. Any of a group of predominantly unsaturated solid alcohols of the steroid group, such as cholesterol and ergosterol, present in the fatty tissues of plants and animals.
sterol in Science
sterol
(stîr'ôl') Any of various alcohols having the structure of a steroid, usually with a hydroxyl group (OH) attached to the third carbon atom. Sterols are found in the tissues of animals, plants, fungi, and yeasts and include cholesterol.