Policosanol Benefits for Cholesterol Levels

Policosanol, also known as octacosanol, is a dietary supplement taken to lower cholesterol. The compound is mainly derived from sugar cane but can also be obtained from beeswax, cereal grains, fruits, nuts, and seeds.

This article describes the potential health benefits of policosanol, including how it is taken and what possible side effects may occur. It also takes an evidence-based look at the research on policosanol and whether it supports the claims that it can help lower cholesterol.

Health Benefits of Policosanol

Policosanol has been touted as a dietary supplement that can help lower cholesterol. Policosanol is claimed to offer numerous health benefits, including:

• Lowering "bad" low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
• Increasing "good" high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol
• Reducing blood glucose (sugar)
• Inhibiting the formation of blood clots
• Reducing the risk of atherosclerosis ("hardening of the arteries") and coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Treating hypertension (high blood pressure)

How policosanol does so remains a bit unclear. Some contend that it directly blocks the formation of cholesterol in the liver in the same way as statin drugs commonly prescribed to treat hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol). However, some studies find no such benefit.

Both human and animal studies suggest that policosanol interferes with an enzyme called 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme reductase (HMG-CoA). It is an enzyme essential to the production of cholesterol and is the same one targeted by statin drugs.

Policosanol may also have reduced effects on key liver enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) compared to these drugs.

A promising 2018 review of studies published in Molecular Nutrition and Food Research concluded that based on 22 studies involving 1,886 participants, policosanol from sugar cane can improve LDL and HDL levels. Even so, the researchers found inconsistent findings and advised that additional human trials are needed.

Possible Side Effects

Most studies suggest that policosanol derived from sugar cane is well tolerated with minimal side effects. The most common include:

• Indigestion
• Skin rash
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Weight loss

Policosanol may have anticoagulant (blood-thinning) properties. As such, it should be used cautiously if you take a blood thinner like aspirin, warfarin, or heparin before surgery.

However, a study of the commonly prescribed warfarin and its interactions with herbal products found that policosanol did not interfere with warfarin's effects. Other interactions can include:

• High-dose vitamin E
• Garlic
• Ginkgo biloba

Policosanol may also increase the action of levodopa, a medication used for Parkinson's disease. This leads to side effects called dyskinesias, a group of movement control disorders.

Dosage and Preparation

Policosanol is typically sold in capsule or tablet form at drugstores, nutritional supplement stores, health food shops, and online.

There is no standard recommended dose of policosanol. Many manufacturers recommend taking 10 milligrams (mg) once daily. Studies have reported that doses of up to 10 mg twice daily are safe.

What to Look For

Most of the studies examining the benefits of the supplement used policosanol derived from sugar cane. Because there is far less research on the effectiveness and safety of other forms of policosanol, check the product label to ensure the supplement is derived from sugar cane.

Summary

Policosanol is a supplement mainly derived from sugar cane. It is thought to lower cholesterol and have other health benefits as well. Although some studies support the claims, the findings are not consistent. Further quality research is needed.

If you're considering using it, talk with your healthcare provider first. Self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying standard care may have serious consequences.