An extract from sugarcane known as policosanol gained wide popularity after a lab in Cuba found that it was able to lower cholesterol as effectively as statin drugs. However, the only studies that have shown this effect were conducted at the lab in Cuba and outside research has not been able to reach similar conclusions.
The most recent study, reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, drew similar conclusions: no effect of policosanol.
The study followed the same design as studies conducted in Cuba, with enrollees taking 10mg of policosanol from Cuban sugarcane daily for four weeks. Results were compared to placebo and no difference was found between the two groups.
This study and others that found no significant effect have been scrutinized by the original study authors. It is suggested that variables may exist in Cuban diets and culture that make them more sensitive to policosanols than other individuals.
This is most likely not the end of this debate. There are many people who have been taking policosanols and found their cholesterol significantly lowered. But perhaps if you have not observed any benefit after 3 months of use, it may not be the correct choice for you.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on December 11, 2006 12:31 PM
