Policosanol

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

Where is it found?

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.

Policosanol has been used in connection with the following condition (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

Science Ratings	Health Concerns
	High cholesterol Intermittent claudication
	High triglycerides
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For a herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Science Ratings

Health Concerns

High cholesterol

Intermittent claudication

High triglycerides

Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2Stars

Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1Star

For a herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Who is likely to be deficient?

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

How much is usually taken?

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

Are there any side effects or interactions?

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.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with policosanol.

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 Res 1997;36:293–7.

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The information presented in Healthnotes 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 chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires August 2007.