policosanol

Policosanol is a natural mixture of long-chain aliphatic alcohols primarily derived from sugarcane wax but can also be sourced from beeswax and other plant waxes. It is most commonly promoted as a dietary supplement for managing high cholesterol and cardiovascular health. The main component is octacosanol. Mechanistically, policosanol appears to inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis at the early steps of the pathway and enhances low-density lipoprotein (LDL) processing by increasing LDL binding and degradation in cells. It also decreases platelet aggregation by reducing thromboxane B2 synthesis without affecting prostacyclin levels. While some studies—mainly from Cuba—have reported significant lipid-lowering effects comparable to statins and benefits for intermittent claudication (improved walking distance), independent trials have not consistently confirmed these findings. Policosanol has been approved as a treatment for high cholesterol in several countries (mostly Latin America), but evidence supporting its efficacy remains inconclusive[1][3][5][6][8].

Brand names

Policosanol MAXPMAX

Other names

octacosanol32-Cdotriacontanolheptacosanolhexacosanolnonacosanoltetracosanoltétracosanoltetratriacontanoltétratriacontanoltriacontanol