Policosanol

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Latest Edit: Hector 2014-03-17 (EDT)

See Also Food Supplements

Policosanol is a mixture of long-chain primary alcohols, originally isolated from sugar cane wax.[1]

Other names for policosanol include: Octacosanol, 1-Octacosanol, N-Octacosanol and Octacosyl Alcohol.

Food Sources

Foods that contain policosanol include:

Uses

  • Policosanol may lower total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol.[2]

Prescribing Considerations

The recommended dosages have not yet been established. To determine what your specific requirements are talk to your naturopathic doctor or other trained medical professional.

  • Adult: A typical dosage is 5 to 10 mg two times a day. It can take up to two months to notice any benefits.

Safety

Policosanol is generally considered safe, yet the research on this supplement is limited.

  • Drug Interactions
  • Blood clotting or anti-platelet drugs such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, clopidogrel (Plavix), ticlopidine (Ticlid), or pentoxifylline (Trental).
  • Levodopa: Policosanol may increase the effects and side effects of levodopa, a medication used for Parkinson's disease.
  • Nutrient Interactions

References

  1. Gaby AR (2011) Nutritional Medicine. Fritz Perlberg Publishing.
  2. Gouni-Berthold I, Berthold HK (2002) Policosanol: Clinical pharmacology and therapeutic significance of a new lipid-lowering agent. Am Heart J;143:356-365.