Policosanol

Alternative Medicine The following information is specific for alternative and complementary medicine. For additional evidence-based information on diseases, conditions, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and wellness issues, continue searching the Healthwise Knowledgebase.

Policosanol is a mixture of long-chain alcohols (waxes), including octacosanol, extracted from natural sources.

Where is it found?

The long-chain alcohols found in policosanol are present in many foods of plant origin. Supplemental policosanol is typically extracted from sugar cane or beeswax.

Health Concerns

Policosanol has been used in connection with the following condition (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

Rating	Health Concerns
	Intermittent claudication
	High triglycerides
	High cholesterol
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. An herb is primarily supported by traditional use, or the herb or supplement has little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Deficiency Symptoms

Who is likely to be deficient?

Policosanol is not an essential nutrient, so no deficiencies are possible.

Dosage

How much is usually taken?

Most studies have used 5 to 10 mg of policosanol taken twice per day.

Side Effects

Are there any side effects or interactions?

When policosanol is combined with aspirin, an increased blood-thinning effect occurs.¹ This suggests that policosanol should not be taken with blood-thinning drugs without the supervision of a doctor.

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with policosanol.

References

1. Arruzazabala ML, Valdes S, Mas R, et al. Comparative study of policosanol, aspirin and the combination therapy policosanol-aspirin on platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers. Pharmacol Res 1997;36:293-7.

---

Last Review: 09-01-2007

Copyright © 2007 Healthnotes, Inc.  All rights reserved. www.healthnotes.com

Learn more about Healthnotes, the company.

Learn more about the authors of Healthnotes.

The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2008.

	Go to top of page
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.