Policosanol is a non-sugar compound naturally extracted from certain wax plants, including sugar cane, yams, and beeswax. NUTRAscriptives® Policosanol is obtained from sugarcane wax to provide a concentrated formula that benefits cholesterol health.

Research

Cardiovascular Health

Several studies have indicated Policosanol can aid healthy cardiovascular function. A review of research suggested Policosanol improves cholesterol levels, prevents endothelial damage, improves smooth muscle cell proliferation, and decreases platelet aggregation.[1]

An animal study reviewed the effects of Policosanol on artery walls and endothelial tissue (interior lining of blood vessels). For 30 days, Policosanol was administered to rabbits with arterial damage finding the nutrient prevented endothelium damage and reduced thickening of the artery walls.[2]

Policosanol can protect the heart from adverse health risks by reducing the presence of arterial lesions. One study administered Policosanol to monkeys on a low fat, protein-rich diet. Results indicated Policosanol hindered the production of plaque or fatty deposits in the artery walls.[3]

Cholesterol

Policosanol's main role in cardiovascular function is to support healthy cholesterol levels. A meta-analysis suggested Policosanol significantly decreased the LDL/HDL ratio. In addition, Policosanol had more positive effects on total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, when compared to plant sterols and stanols (cholesterol balancing properties found in dietary sources: fruits, nuts, legumes, etc.).[4]

One study examined the effects of Policosanol (10 mg/day) on 70 patients with cholesterol imbalances (20-78 years old). Results indicated Policosanol significantly decreased total cholesterol levels and increased apoprotein A (beneficial lipid transporter).[5]

Healthy volunteers were recruited to take 40 mg/day or 20 mg/day of Policosanol for one month to observe the different effects on cholesterol. The study found both doses were similarly effective aids for normalizing cholesterol levels, as the higher dose did not provide significantly greater results.[6]

Cholesterol/Aging

Policosanol is an effective, well-tolerated nutrient for older patients with unstable cholesterol levels. One study randomly assigned 179 patients to receive Policosanol (5 and 10 mg/day) or a placebo. Policosanol significantly improved the HDL/LDL cholesterol ratio without adverse effects.[7]

Postmenopausal women experience various physiological changes including altered cholesterol levels. One study reviewed the effects of Policosanol supplementation (5 and 10 mg/day) on balancing cholesterol in postmenopausal women. Researchers concluded Policosanol significantly decreased LDL and total cholesterol levels, while helping to balance the HDL/LDL ratio.[8]

Cholesterol/Insulin Balance

Cholesterol and insulin imbalances can be a dangerous combination leading to negative cardiovascular ailments. One study reviewed the effects of Policosanol (10 mg/day) in patients with cholesterol and insulin imbalances finding the nutrient increased "good" HDL levels and reduced platelet aggregation (clustered platelets in the blood).[9]

Policosanol/Fish Oil

Two different studies indicated a combination of Policosanol and fish oil can effectively lower LDL and increase HDL cholesterol levels. One clinical trial found this nutritional combination was more effective in normalizing cholesterol than when administered separately.[10] The second study recruited 90 patients with cholesterol imbalances to take a combination of omega-3 fatty acids/Policosanol, or omega-3 fatty acids/placebo. Individuals taking Policosanol and omega-3's had more improvement in LDL and HDL levels, when compared to individuals taking omega-3's and a placebo.[11]

Additional Information – Dosage & Interactions

Suggested Use

As a dietary supplement, take one capsule daily, or as directed by a physician.

Dosage

Up to 20 mg per day

Precautions

The maximum safe dosage of this supplement has not been determined for children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease. As with all supplement regimens, please consult your physician prior to use.

Policosanol is not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers, or children. Supplementation should be stopped prior to surgery. Mild gastrointestinal problems, headaches, insomnia, skin rash, and weight loss have been occasionally reported.

Drug Interactions

Consult your physician before supplementing with Policosanol if you are taking the following medications.

Antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications (Warfarin, Aspirin, etc.)

*Statements made herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

References

[1] Janikula, M. Policosanol: a new treatment for cardiovascular disease? Altern Med Rev. 2002 Jun; 7(3):203-217.

[2] Noa, M, Mas, R, Lariot, C. Protective effect of Policosanol on endothelium and intimal thickness induced by forceps in rabbits. J Med Food. 2007 Sep; 10(3):452-459.

[3] Noa, M, Mas, R. Protective effect of Policosanol on atherosclerotic plaque on aortas in monkeys. Arch Med Res. 2005; 36(5):441-447.

[4] Chen, JT, Wesley, R, et al. Meta-analysis of natural therapies for hyperlipidemia: plant sterols and stanols versus Policosanol. Pharmacotherapy. 2005 Feb; 25(2):171-183.

[5] Tedeschi-Reiner, E, Reiner, Z, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the antilipemic efficacy and tolerability of food supplement Policosanol in patients with moderate hypercholesterolemia. Lijec Viesn. 2005; 127(11-12):273-279.

[6] Arruzazabala, ML, Molina, V, Mas, R, et al. Antiplatelet effects of Policosanol (20 and 40 mg/day) in healthy volunteers and dyslipidaemic patients. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 2002 Oct; 29(10):891-897.

[7] Castano, G, Mas, R, Fenandez, JC, et al. Effects of Policosanol in older patients with type II hypercholesterolemia and high coronary risk. J Gerontol A Biol Sco Med Sci. 2001 Mar; 56(3): M186-192.

[8] Mirkin, A, Mas, R, Martinto, M, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of Policosanol in hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal women. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 2001; 21(1):31-41.

[9] Castano, G, Fernandez, L, Mas, R, et al. Comparison of the effects of Policosanol and atorvastatin on lipid profile and platelet aggregation in patients with dyslipidaemia and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Clin Drug Investig. 2003; 23(10):639-650.

[10] Gamez, R, Maz, R, et al. Effects of concurrent therapy with Policosanol and omega-3 fatty acids on lipid profile and platelet aggregation in rabbits. Drugs R D. 2005; 6(1):11-19.