Policosanol Introduction   Policosanol is an interesting chemical constituent, as it is derived from several different types of plants.  It is primarily used for treating irregularities in blood lipids, such as cholesterol and elevated triglycerides.  Moreover, because of its benefits for the cardiovascular system, policosanol is used by people with heart disease, intermittent claudication, elevated blood lipids, and for preventing atherosclerosis.     Policosanol Food Sources   Policosanol is derived mainly from sugar cane and wheat germ oil.  It is a mixture of the wax-like alcohol chemicals found in these plants.  Biologically, these are typically long carbon chains, being comprised of such compounds as octacosanol, tetracosanol, hexacosanol, heptacosanol, nonacosanol, triacosanol, dotriacontanol, and tetratriacontanol. [1, 2]  The main waxy alcohol ingredient, octacosanol, makes up roughly 60 to 70% of policosanol.  Oftentimes, policosanol is incorrectly referred to as octacosanol.  A proprietary form of policosanol has also been developed using beeswax as the source; it is purportedly more stable than other forms of policosanol.     Policosanol Uses   Policosanol is used mainly for treating elevations in cholesterol.  It works by slowing the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver and by hastening the breakdown of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol. [3, 4]  Policosanol is also useful for lowering platelet aggregation due to certain clotting stimuli. [5, 6]  When compared to the abilty of aspirin to decrease platelet aggregation, policosanol was deemed as effective. [7]   In treating high blood levels of lipids (fats), policosanol is effective at lowering cholesterol and LDL as previously mentioned, and can increase the "good" cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.  In several studies, policosanol decreased LDL cholesterol by 11% to 31% and raised HDL cholesterol by 7% to 9%. [8-10]  Also, policosanol's cholesterol-lowering effect was compared to two pharmaceutical drugs and was shown to be just as effective as these prescription medications. [11, 12]   For treating intermittent claudication, policosanol was shown to improve the distance which those affected were able to walk (this is a common efficacy measurement in this condition) without experiencing pain. [13]     Policosanol Dosages   For treatment of hypercholesterolemia and intermittent claudication, the average dose is 10 to 20 milligrams per day. [13, 14]     Policosanol Deficiencies and Toxicities   Policosanol Deficiencies There are no known states of deficiency; policosanol is not a substance that occurs normally in humans.   Policosanol Toxicity  Policosanol is considered safe when used in accordance with proper dosing guidelines. [15, 16]  Some reported side effects from taking policosanol include: insomnia, daytime sleepiness, irritability, dizziness, stomach upset, skin rash, nose bleeds, and increased appetite. [7]   Because this substance harbors the ability to inhibit platelet aggregation, it may theoretically increase risk of bleeding in those already taking a pharmaceutical anticoagulant medication.  Caution should be exercised when taking this and any other blood-thinning medications.     Policosanol Products   The following table lists various products that contain a safe and reliable source of Policosanol:   Manufacturer Ingredient Amount US RDA Learn More NSI  Policosanol (from sugar cane) 10mg -- Click Here GNC  Policosanol 10mg -- Click Here Source Naturals  Policosanol (from sugar cane) 20 mg -- Click Here

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