Policosanol is a natural and unique product which is derived from beeswax and sugarcane wax. It effectively helps in reducing cholesterol levels and it can also be used as a natural alternative to the expensive ‘statin-type’ drugs which are normally prescribed to lower the cholesterol level.

Research has been conducted mainly in Cuba on both human beings and animals using the policosanol derived from sugarcane. Policosanol reduces the level of cholesterol and also has other positive effects on cardiac risk factors as it can reduce platelet ‘clumping’ effectively and also reduce the development process of atherosclerosis. The American Heart Journal publication of the 2002 analysis studied sugar cane derived policosanol in more than 3000 number of patients of 60 clinical trials. This study led to the conclusion that policosanol is “a very promising phytochemical alternative to classic lipid-lowering agents such as statins.” It could be good news for over 30 million American citizens who have been taking expensive drugs. Studies also reveal that policosanol may be more effective in reducing LDL and total cholesterol and in raising the HDL levels or ‘good’ cholesterol. According to studies, 10 mg daily dose of policosanol can reduce 17% total cholesterol, 25.6% LDL cholesterol and increase 28.4% HDL cholesterol in a patient’s body. These rates are very similar to those achieved by using statin medications.

The policosanol effect of reducing cholesterol has been manifested in certain groups such as elderly people, people having heart disease and diabetes and on menopausal women. It has also been proved to be effective in treating claudication- a condition where severe leg pains are caused due to poor circulation in legs especially while exercising. It reduces the probability of blood clotting by reducing the blood platelets ‘stickiness’, the tiny particles which are involved in the process of clotting. Similar to aspirin it also helps in preventing cardiovascular diseases.

Very few side effects of policosanol have been reported by studies. Unlike statin medications, policosanol does not need to be regularly monitored using blood tests.  Some people using policosanol had reported minor side effects of rashes, weight loss, gum and nose bleeding, upset stomach, dizziness, irritability, drowsiness or insomnia and migraines. Usually in a day, policosanol is taken one or two times. Some nutritional supplements manufacturers also combine policosanol with substances healthy for heart such as antioxidants and coenzyme Q10.

There are chances of drug interaction occurring due to the use of policosanol. This is due to the fact that it has blood-thinning properties similar to aspirin. So, avoid taking policosanol with blood thinners like NSAIDs such as naproxen or ibuprofen and warfarin (Coumadin). It is better to use policosanol only after consulting your health care provider or doctor. Apart from these, policosanol is not known to interact with foods or nutrients. You must avoid using policosanol if you are breast-feeding or pregnant. Rarely, policosanol may cause side effects to people having sugar cane sensitivity or having bee sting allergies. In a nutshell, policosanol is a safe and effective herbal medicine to be used in general.