Policosanol

    Researchedby:
    Kamal Patel
    Last Updated: September 28, 2022

    Policosanol is a mixture of oils from Cuban Cane Sugar; touted as a cholesterol lowering agent, it shows potency at this claim in several studies released from Cuba. Other studies undermine the quality of these, however, and it remains controversial.

    examine-databaseExamine Database

    Policosanol is most often used for .

    1,609 participants in 18 trials

    Summary

    Policosanol is a term used to refer to a mixture of lipophilic (fat-soluble) compounds derived from the waxy coating of Cuban Cane Sugar. It has been used frequently to treat high cholesterol levels, and several studies claim that it does so with a potency rivaling statin therapy. The studies in question all appear to originate from Cuba, and when all studies are looked at collectively yet exclude Cuba the 100% success rate in Cuba declines to approximately 14% success rates in human trials. Due to this significant schism in the literature coupled with Policosanol being derived from a Cuban export, it is plausible that the scientific literature is suffering from publication bias.

    The studies conducted outside of Cuba and those conducted in Cuba use similar participant pools, similar dosing, and at times have used the same sources of Cuban Cane Sugar specifically. The only difference is in the dietary protocol given, but some evidence suggests that this is a plausible explanation for the differences seen.

    At this moment in time, publication bias and dietary intervention lead-in period are both plausible explanations for the observed differences. Which is disconcerting, as the latter would mean that policosanol can be as effective as statin therapy whereas the former means it is merely a placebo; a black and white issue with little grey area.

    Regardless of source of the study or context, however, policosanol usage appears to be very safe; no side-effects have been reported in human interventions from Cuba or elsewhere and blatant overdoses in research animals fail to exert toxicity.

    What are other names for Policosanol

    Note that Policosanol is also known as:
    • Cane Sugar Extract
    Policosanol should not be confused with:
    • Octacosanol (major constituent)

    Dosage information

    The standard supplemental dosage of policosanol is 5-10mg taken twice daily (for a daily total of 10-20mg), although due to the state of the research on this supplement it is not sure if it is bioactive in this range.

    Examine Database: Policosanol

    Research FeedRead all studies

    Examine Database References

    1. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - Francini-Pesenti F, Beltramolli D, Dall'acqua S, Brocadello FEffect of sugar cane policosanol on lipid profile in primary hypercholesterolemiaPhytother Res.(2008 Mar)
    2. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - Mirkin A, Mas R, Martinto M, Boccanera R, Robertis A, Poudes R, Fuster A, Lastreto E, Yañez M, Irico G, McCook B, Farré AEfficacy and tolerability of policosanol in hypercholesterolemic postmenopausal womenInt J Clin Pharmacol Res.(2001)
    3. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - Kassis AN, Jones PJLack of cholesterol-lowering efficacy of Cuban sugar cane policosanols in hypercholesterolemic personsAm J Clin Nutr.(2006 Nov)
    4. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - Castaño G, Más R, Fernández JC, Fernández L, Illnait J, López EEffects of policosanol on older patients with hypertension and type II hypercholesterolaemiaDrugs R D.(2002)
    5. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - Cubeddu LX, Cubeddu RJ, Heimowitz T, Restrepo B, Lamas GA, Weinberg GBComparative lipid-lowering effects of policosanol and atorvastatin: a randomized, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled trialAm Heart J.(2006 Nov)
    6. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - Backes JM, Gibson CA, Ruisinger JF, Moriarty PMModified-policosanol does not reduce plasma lipoproteins in hyperlipidemic patients when used alone or in combination with statin therapyLipids.(2011 Oct)
    7. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - Dulin MF, Hatcher LF, Sasser HC, Barringer TAPolicosanol is ineffective in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia: a randomized controlled trialAm J Clin Nutr.(2006 Dec)
    8. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - Castaño G, Más R, Fernández JC, Illnait J, Fernández L, Alvarez EEffects of policosanol in older patients with type II hypercholesterolemia and high coronary riskJ Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci.(2001 Mar)
    9. Blood Flow - Reiner Z, Tedeschi-Reiner ERice policosanol does not have any effects on blood coagulation factors in hypercholesterolemic patientsColl Antropol.(2007 Dec)
    10. LDL Oxidation - Kassis AN, Kubow S, Jones PJSugar cane policosanols do not reduce LDL oxidation in hypercholesterolemic individualsLipids.(2009 May)
    11. Total cholesterol - Illnait J, Castaño G, Alvarez E, Fernández L, Mas R, Mendoza S, Gamez REffects of policosanol (10 mg/d) versus aspirin (100 mg/d) in patients with intermittent claudication: a 10-week, randomized, comparative studyAngiology.(2008 Jun-Jul)
    12. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - Kassis AN, Jones PJChanges in cholesterol kinetics following sugar cane policosanol supplementation: a randomized control trialLipids Health Dis.(2008 Apr 30)
    13. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - Francini-Pesenti F, Brocadello F, Beltramolli D, Nardi M, Caregaro LSugar cane policosanol failed to lower plasma cholesterol in primitive, diet-resistant hypercholesterolaemia: a double blind, controlled studyComplement Ther Med.(2008 Apr)
    14. LDL Oxidation - Menéndez R, Más R, Amor AM, González RM, Fernández JC, Rodeiro I, Zayas M, Jiménez SEffects of policosanol treatment on the susceptibility of low density lipoprotein (LDL) isolated from healthy volunteers to oxidative modification in vitroBr J Clin Pharmacol.(2000 Sep)
    15. Total cholesterol - Swanson B, Keithley JK, Sha BE, Fogg L, Nerad J, Novak RM, Adeyemi O, Spear GTPolicosanol for managing human immunodeficiency virus-related dyslipidemia in a medically underserved population: a randomized, controlled clinical trialAltern Ther Health Med.(2011 Mar-Apr)
    16. Reaction Time - Fontani G, Maffei D, Lodi LPolicosanol, reaction time and event-related potentialsNeuropsychobiology.(2000)
    17. Intermittent Claudication Symptoms - Castaño G, Más Ferreiro R, Fernández L, Gámez R, Illnait J, Fernández CA long-term study of policosanol in the treatment of intermittent claudicationAngiology.(2001 Feb)
    18. Total cholesterol - Castaño G, Mas R, Fernández L, Illnait J, Gámez R, Alvarez EEffects of policosanol 20 versus 40 mg/day in the treatment of patients with type II hypercholesterolemia: a 6-month double-blind studyInt J Clin Pharmacol Res.(2001)