Policosanol is a mixture of alcohols extracted from wheat germ, sugar cane wax, yams, beeswax or rice bran. Over 30,000 clinical trials have concluded that this medication is safe and does not have many, if any, side effects. Policosanol is prescribed for those with high cholesterol and considered to be as safe and effective as consuming garlic. Octacosanol is the main ingredient in policosanol, other ingredients include triacontanol and hexacosanol. A health care professional should be consulted before using any new medications or supplements for cholesterol treatment.
Decrease in Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
According to the American Heart Association, a decline in low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol, is good for health because when LDL cholesterol gets built up it leads to the formation of a thick plaque on the walls of the heart and brain. This can cause thinning and less flexible arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, as well as clot formation that may cause a heart attack or a stroke. Policosanol intake may reduce LDL cholesterol.
Increase in High-density lipoprotein Cholesterol
Policosanol causes an increase in HDL cholesterol. An increase in high-density lipoprotein, HDL, cholesterol is healthy because HDL is good cholesterol that moves cholesterol away from areas of the body that can form clogging or clots. It also moves the cholesterol to the liver so it can be passed. High levels of HDL also protect the body from heart attacks, according to the American Heart Association.
Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
Women who have gone through menopause may draw great benefits from policosanol. Estrogen protects the body from cardiovascular diseases. Women who go through menopause have a decrease in their estrogen levels, leaving them more susceptible to cardiovascular diseases. Policosanol may help in controlling the levels of HDL and LDL cholesterol to help protect the body from cardiovascular diseases.
References
- Thorne Research Inc.: Policosanol
- Journal of the American Medical Association: Effect of Policosanol on Lipid Levels among Patients with Hypercholesterolemia or Combined Hyperlipidemia
- PubMed: Sugar cane policosanol failed to lower plasma cholesterol in primitive, diet-resistant hypercholesterolemia: a double blind, controlled study
- PubMed: Wheat germ policosanol failed to lower plasma cholesterol in subjects with normal to mildly elevated cholesterol concentrations
- PubMed: Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions of Echinacea and policosanol with warfarin in healthy subjects
- American Heart Association: Good vs. Bad Cholesterol
