Relationship of Rheumatoid Arthritis to Sterol/Sterolin (Beta-Sitosterol) Therapy

Studies have found that the underlying cause of rheumatoid arthritis may be due to an immune system dysfunction that is similar to autoimmune diseases. Sterols/Sterolins (Beta-sitosterol) tend to assist the immune system in correcting the problem, which seems to be caused by B-cells instructing the immune system to overproduce antibodies that destroy synovial tissue in the joints.

In normal joints, where two bones come together they are protected by a "joint capsule" that protects and provides a degree of support. Cartilage covers the ends of the bones and provides a cushioning effect. The joint capsule contains a tissue that is called synovium and produces a fluid (synovial fluid) that lubricates the joint to reduce friction.

In rheumatoid arthritis, white blood cells from the immune system travel to the synovium and cause a reaction. This reaction takes the form of inflammation (synovitis) leading to redness, swelling and joint pain. While this is going on, the normal cells react by abnormally enlarging, resulting in a puffy joint. The muscles and surrounding tissue become weak and are unable to support the joint causing a deformed joint.

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