Policosanol

Uses

Policosanol is a mixture of long-chain alcohols (waxes), including octacosanol, extracted from natural sources.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

3 Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

2 Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

1 Star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for	Why
3 Stars Intermittent Claudication 10 mg twice per day	Supplementing with policosanol may reduce platelet stickiness and improve walking capacity. , taken in the amount of 10 mg twice a day for at least six months, increases pain-free walking capacity by over 50% in people with intermittent claudication according to two double-blind trials. When policosanol was taken continuously for two years, walking capacity more than doubled. This effect may be related to the ability of policosanol to reduce the stickiness of platelets, which could result in improved circulation.
2 Stars High Triglycerides 10 to 20 mg daily	Policosanol may be helpful in normalizing triglyceride levels. The effect of on serum triglycerides has been inconsistent, ranging from no effect up to as much as a 19% reduction. Several controlled studies have compared policosanol with cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins, and have found policosanol similarly effective. Policosanol extracted from beeswax or other sources differs from the sugar-cane-derived preparation in the proportions of long-chain alcohols, and whether these types of policosanol are as effective as sugar-cane-derived policosanol is unknown.
1 Star High Cholesterol Refer to label instructions	An older body of evidence that has not been reproduced outside of Cuba suggests policosanol may have cholesterol-lowering effects. Policosanol is a mixture of lipid-soluble compounds from sugar cane wax and early clinical trials indicated it may be useful in lowering high cholesterol levels. Nevertheless, questions related to fact that these clinical findings have not been reproduced by researchers outside of Cuba remain unanswered. More recently, policosanol has been used in a combination supplement that also contains red yeast rice, berberine, folic acid, astaxanthin, and coenzyme Q10. Several randomized controlled trials have shown this combination can improve lipid levels similarly to statin medications.

How It Works

How to Use It

Most studies have used 5 to 10 mg of policosanol taken twice per day.

Where to Find It

The long-chain alcohols found in policosanol are present in many foods of plant origin. Supplemental policosanol is typically extracted from sugar cane or beeswax.

Possible Deficiencies

Policosanol is not an essential nutrient, so no deficiencies are possible.

Interactions

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

When policosanol is combined with aspirin, an increased blood-thinning effect occurs.¹ This suggests that policosanol should not be taken with blood-thinning drugs without the supervision of a doctor.

Interactions with Medicines

As of the last update, we found no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers’ package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

At the time of writing, there were no well-known side effects caused by this supplement.

References

1. Arruzazabala ML, Valdes S, Mas R, et al. Comparative study of policosanol, aspirin and the combination therapy policosanol-aspirin on platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers.Pharmacol Res1997;36:293-7.

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Last Review: 06-03-2015

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2024.

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Policosanol

Uses

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions: