Policosanol is a dietary supplement made from a mixture of long-chain fatty alcohols primarily derived from sugar cane waxes. Beeswax, wheat germ, and yams are also alternative sources of Policosanol. Policosanol is made up of 60% Octacosanol, which is also considered as its most active component. The different Policosanol uses were first known to Cuba and it’s now dubbed as one of the most famous cholesterol lowering supplements in the market. According to studies, the best policosanol supplements are those which are made from sugar cane. However, in some countries sugar cane policosanol are not made available and policosanol products sold in those regions are beeswax or yam derived.
Policosanol produces its benefits on blood cholesterol levels by acting on cholesterol metabolism in the liver. By this, Policosanol naturally increases the levels of High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) and at the same time reduces the Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL). HDLs are known as the “good cholesterol” while the LDLs are the “bad cholesterol”. According to clinical tests, Policosanol supplements can increase HDL levels by up to 28% and reduce LDL levels by up to 25%. Thus, a substance that helps increase HLD levels like Policosanol is beneficial to the body. Additionally, Policosanol has the ability to block the oxidation of the Low Density Lipoproteins that produces lesions in the arteries. These are the mechanisms on how policosanol benefits are produced in the body.
Policosanol Benefits
- Primarly, Policosanol is a natural lowering cholesterol agent which can be considered as an alternative to statins in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
- By preventing oxidation of fats, it prevents the formation of arterial plaques which causes swelling and damage in the blood vessels.
- Policosanol naturally prevents atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, hypertension, stroke, and heart attack which are largely caused by elevated cholesterol levels and obstructed blood flow due to arterial plaques.
- Cholesterol supplements also ensure adequate blood flow to all the organs in the body, most importantly for the brain, kidney, and liver. Diminished blood flow to those vital organs produces life threatening disease conditions.
- One of the major Policosanol benefits is that it reduces platelet aggregation or blood clotting. Clots circulating in the bloodstream may lead to embolism, thrombosis, stroke, and heart attack.
Policosanol Side Effects
Generally, policosanol is well tolerated by the body. However, undirected intake of Polocosanol supplements may produce mild side effects. Some reported Policosanol side effects include headache, skin rashes, constipation, insomnia, dizziness, and weight loss.
Policosanol supplements are also not suggested for use together with prescription anti-platelet medications like aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, heparin, ticlopidine, and pentoxifylline. It might also produce undesirable effects when used together with garlic and ginkgo supplements.
