Policosanol Side Effects
Safety, Benefits, sugar cane, Research study, Updated on May 1, 2006
Safety, Benefits, sugar cane, Research study, Updated on May 1, 2006
WHAT IS POLICOSANOL?
Policosanol is a mixture of primary aliphatic alcohols-tetracosanol,
hexacosanol, heptacosanol, octacosanol, nonacosanol, triacontanol,
dotriacontanol and tetratriacontanol [Patent 5663156]. The
manufacturing method for policosanol include ethanol extraction and
purification. Its melting point is 70-82C. Policosanol is insoluble in
water. Most clinical trials suggest policosanol may decrease
cholesterol levels. Policosanol may help prevent atherosclerotic
lesions and cerebral ischemia in Mongolian gerbils.[1]
HOW DID THE RESEARCHERS FIND OUT THE POTENTIAL
BENEFITS OF POLICOSANOL ON CHOLESTEROL-LOWERING?
In 1984, a study demonstrated that sugar cane wax could lower lipid
in rats and mice.[2,3] Later, another study demonstrated that
octacosanol (a policosanol) could lower triglyceride and cholesterol
contents in the liver.[4] In 1987, another study demonstrated that
high doses of hexacosanol (another policosanol) had cholesterol
lowering effects. [5]
In 1994, Cuban researchers reported that policosanol inhibited the
cholesterol synthesis at early steps of cholesterol biosynthetic
pathway in a study of human lung fibroblasts. They also found that
policosanol lowered the total cholesterol mainly through a decrease
in LDL-C levels in a study of rabbits. They filed the first patent on the
policosanol composition.[6-8]
In 1996, the Cuban researchers reported that oral administration of
policosanol could inhibit hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis in rats.[9] In
1998, a group filed a patent on a composition containing policosanol
to reduce serum cholesterol levels.[10]
Policosanol reduces cholesterol levels in patients suffered from type II
hypercholesterolaemia. [13]
HOW DOES POLICOSANOL REDUCE THE CHOLESTEROL LEVELS?
In 2001, the Cuban researchers transferred fibroblast to a
lipid-depleted medium to accelerate cholesterol sysnthesis. They
found, addition of policosanol could retard the cholesterol synthesis in
a dose-dependent manner. [11]
HOW DOES POLICOSANOL WORK WITH OR COMBINED WITH
OTHER CHOLESTEROL-LOWERING AGENTS?
McCarty MFcombined policosanol and ezetimibe to reduce LDL
cholesterol by about 40%. [12] Policosanol intensifies the
cholesterol-lowering effect and platelet aggregation of omega-3 fatty
acids in rabbits. [15]
Compared to statins, policosanol exhibits comparable
cholesterol-lowering effects and it is well tolerated in animals.
Researchers demonstrated that policosanol (10 mg/day) was even
slightly more effective than lovastatin (20 mg/day) in reducing the
LDL-C/HDL-C and total cholesterol/HDL-C ratios, in increasing HDL-C
levels and in preventing LDL oxidation. Nikitin IuP et al concluded that
the hypolipidemic effect of policosanol in a daily dose of 10 mg is
superior to that of besafibrate in a daily dose of 400 mg from their
study of 113 patients with hypercholesterolemia.
BESIDES LOWERING CHOLESTEROL-LEVELS, WHAT OTHER
POTENTIAL BENEFITS DOES PILOCOSANOL HAVE?
[1] INTERMITTENT CLAUDICATION Policosanol may have benefits
on reducing the symptoms of intermittent claudication. [16] In a
double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 31 patients, policosanol was
shown to be effective on intermittent claudication. [17] In another
study, policosanol was shown to be as effective as ticlopidinefor
improving walking distances patients suffered from intermittent
claudication. [18] Policosanol may also has a better benefits on
patients suffered from with intermittent claudication than lovastatin.
[19]
[2] CADIOVASCULAR CONDITIONS Policosanol inhibits platelet
aggregation in rats after 4 weeks treatment. [20] Policosanol
administered at 20 mg/day for 7 days significantly inhibited platelet
aggregation. The low dose of policosanol (5 mg/day) was ineffective.
No adverse-effects were reported in treated or placebo groups.
[21]Policosanol combined with aspirin reduced platelet aggregation
significantly in study of healthy subjects. [22] Policosanol together
with aspirin significantly protected Mongolian gerbils from cerebral
ischemia. [23]
Policosanol inhibited lipid peroxidation in experimental models and
human beings. Menendez R et al, Inhibition of rat lipoprotein lipid
peroxidation by the oral administration of D003, a mixture of very
long-chain saturated fatty acids. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2002
Jan;80(1):13-21.
Policosanol has a protective effect on atherosclerotic lesions in a
study of 54 Wistar rats.Noa M et al, Effect of policosanol on
lipofundin-induced atherosclerotic lesions in rats, J Pharm Pharmacol.
1995 Apr;47(4):289-91.
Policosanol increases in the oxidative capacity in the muscle of
exercise-trained rats. Octacosanol supplementation increases running
endurance time and improves biochemical parameters after
exhaustion in trained rats., J Med Food. 2003 Winter;6(4):345-51.
Policosanol combined beta-blockers provided additional benefits on
blood pressure lowering in elderly with high cholesterol levels.
Castano G et al, Concomitant use of policosanol and beta-blockers in
older patients. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 2004;24(2-3):65-77.
Policosanol delayed the onset of infarction or myocardial necrosis
induced by isoprenaline in animal studies. Noa M et al, Effect of
policosanol on isoprenaline-induced myocardial necrosis in rats. J
Pharm Pharmacol. 1994 Apr;46(4):282-5.
Policosanol reduced the thrombus weight in rats. Carbajal D et al
Effect of policosanol on experimental thrombosis models.
Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 1994 May;50(5):249-51.
Policosanol elevated the weight of thymus, improved biomechanical
properties of the femur in rats. Bai S et al Space Med Med Eng
(Beijing). 1997 Dec;10(6):450-2.
Policosanol prevented bone loss in postmenopausal women. Noa M et
al, Policosanol prevents bone loss in ovariectomized rats., Drugs Exp
Clin Res. 2004;30(3):117-23.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POLICOSANOL SIDE, TOXIC EFFECTS AND SAFETY ISSUES
In most cases, policosanol side effects were not observed. However,
one study indicated that policosanol produced adverse effects in
0.31% of the population and the adverse effects included weight
loss, excessive urination and insomina. Policosanol side effect and
safety issue from various studies are summarized as follows:
Animal [Non-human] Studies
Policosanol was safe in the animal studies. Basically, policosanol was
well-tolerated and accepted with no toxic symptoms (including signs
of cancer) to animals such as mice, rats, dogs and monkeys. The
study periods afre from 12 months to 54 months. [1-5] Toxic nor side
effects related to reproduction were not found, after administration
fromf 2 weeks prior to mating and throughout mating and pregnancy
to day 21 of lactation. [6]
. 1. Aleman CL, et al Carcinogenicity of policosanol in mice: an
18-month study. Food Chem Toxicol. 1995 Jul;33(7):573-8. 2. Aleman
CL, Carcinogenicity of policosanol in Sprague Dawley rats: a 24 month
study. Teratog Carcinog Mutagen. 1994;14(5):239-49. 3. A 12-month
study of policosanol oral toxicity in Sprague Dawley rats. Toxicol Lett.
1994 Jan;70(1):77-87.4. Mesa AR et al, Toxicity of policosanol in
beagle dogs: one-year study. Toxicol Lett. 1994 Aug;73(2):81-90. 5.
Rodriguez-Echenique C, Effects of policosanol chronically administered
in male monkeys (Macaca arctoides). Food Chem Toxicol. 1994
Jun;32(6):565-75. 6 Rodriguez MD et al, Teratogenic and reproductive
studies of policosanol in the rat and rabbit. Teratog Carcinog
Mutagen. 1994;14(3):107-13.
Human Studies
HEALTHY HUMAN SUBJECT Researchers applied single doses (5-50
mg) to healthy volunteers. Policosanol administered at 20 mg/day for
7 days significantly inhibited platelet aggregation. No toxic nor side
effects were observed. .[Effect of policosanol on platelet aggregation
in healthy volunteers, Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1996;16(2-3):67-72.]
Long-term tolerability of policosanol in 2252 elderly patients at high
vascular risk was found to be acceptable. No serious toxic nor side
effects were reported. Fernandez S, A pharmacological surveillance
study of the tolerability of policosanol in the elderly population. Am J
Geriatr Pharmacother. 2004 Dec;2(4):219-29.
PATIENT Policosanol is well tolerated and safe in a study of 4596
patients. No serious adverse nor side effects were reported.Chen JT
et al, Meta-analysis of natural therapies for hyperlipidemia: plant
sterols and stanols versus policosanol. Pharmacotherapy. 2005
Feb;25(2):171-83.
In a two-year study on the efficacy and tolerability (i.e.safety),
researchers supplied 5 mg of policosanol twice-a-day to 69 patients
suffered from type II hyperlipoproteinaemia. They found reduction in
LDL-C and cholesterol, no drug-related clinical or biochemcial adverse
effects but mild, transient adverse experiences. [A two-year study on
the efficacy and tolerability of policosanol patients with type II
hyperlipoproteinaemia, Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1995;15(4):159-65].
Nikitin IuP et al, compared efficacy and tolerance of polycosanol vs
besafibrate in 113 patients with hypercholesterolemia. 59 patients
received polycosanol (10 mg/day), 54 patients were given besafibrate
(400 mg/day) for 8 weeks. After 8-week course of treatment, daily 10
mg of policosanol is more effective on cholesterol-lowering. And, the
adverse effects in the group taking policosanol were mild. . Results of
the multicenter controlled study of the hypolipidemic drug polycosanol
in Russia Ter Arkh. 2000;72(12):7-10.
Policosanol combined with ezetimibe could reduce LDL cholesterol
without adverse effects.An ezetimibe-policosanol combination has the
potential to be an OTC agent that could dramatically lower LDL
cholesterol without s ide effects. Med Hypotheses. 2005,64(3):636-45.
Policosanol adverse or side-effects may include skin rash, headache,
insomnia and gastrointestinal disturbances. [1] A long term study
reported that policosanol produced adverse effects in 0.31% of the
population and the side effects included weight loss, excessive
urination and insomina. [2] 1 Policosanol S ide Effects Chinese- school
netfirms.com online publication. June 2005 2Femandez L et al.
Policosanol;results of a postmarketing surveillance control on 27,879
patients. Curr Ther Res. 1998;59:717-722.
Policosanol can affect platelet aggregation. Arruzazabalab ML. Effect
of policosanol successive dose increases on platelet aggregation in
healthy volunteers. Pharmacol Res. 1996;34:181-185, Arruzazabala
ML et al. Comparative study of policosanol, aspirin and the
combination therapy policosanol-aspirin on platelet aggregation in
healthy volunteers. Pharmacol Res. 1997;36:293-297. Carbajal D et
al. Effect of policosanol on platelet aggregation and serum levels of
arachidonic acid metabolites in healthy volunteers. Prostaglandins
leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1998;58:61-64.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPARISON
Policosanol is more effective than plant sterols and stanols for LDL
level reduction in a study of 4596 patients. Plant sterols, stanols and
policosanol are well tolerated and safe. Chen JT et al, Meta-analysis
of natural therapies for hyperlipidemia: plant sterols and stanols
versus policosanol. Pharmacotherapy. 2005 Feb;25(2):171-83.
Compared with statins, policosanols exhibit comparable
cholesterol-lowering effects at much smaller doses. Varady KA Role of
policosanols in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular
disease. Nutr Rev. 2003 Nov;61(11):376-83.
Policosanol was more effective than lovastatin in reducing cholesterol
levels.in a study of patients with dyslipidemia secondary to type 2
diabetes. Castano G et al, Effects of policosanol and lovastatin on
lipid profile and lipid peroxidation in patients with dyslipidemia
associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res.
2002;22(3-4):89-99.
Policosanol was found to be more effective than Octa-60 (higher
aliphatic primary alcohols) in a study of 110 patients with with type II
hypercholesterolemia. Castano G, Comparison of the efficacy, safety
and tolerability of original policosanol versus other mixtures of higher
aliphatic primary alcohols in patients with type II
hypercholesterolemia. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 2002;22(2):55-66.
COMBO EFFECT ON CHOLESTEROL LEVELS
Policosanol combined with ezetimibe reduced LDL cholesterol by
about 40%. McCarty MF. An ezetimibe-policosanol combination has
the potential to be an OTC agent that could dramatically lower LDL
cholesterol without s ide effects. Med Hypotheses.
2005;64(3):636-45.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------
DOSE LIMITATION OF POLICOSANOL
Policosanol at a dose of 40 mg/day does not offer significant
additional cholesterol-lowering efficacy over the 20 mg/day dose in a
6-month study. Castano G et al Effects of policosanol 20 versus 40
mg/day in the treatment of patients with type II
hypercholesterolemia: a 6-month double-blind study. Int J Clin
Pharmacol Res. 2001;21(1):43-57.
SOURCE OF POLICOSANOL
Policosanol Sources include sugarcane, beewax, wheat germ and
alfalfa.
Wheat germ policosanol failed to lower cholesterol levels in 58 with
normal to mildly elevated plasma cholesterol concentrations. Lin Y.,
Wheat germ policosanol failed to lower plasma cholesterol in subjects
with normal to mildly elevated cholesterol concentrations. Metabolism.
2004 Oct;53(10):1309-14.
Researchers at Oklahoma State University found that wheat varieties
grown under identical conditions differed significantly in policosanol
content and composition. The policosanol content of wheat bran was
higher than that of the germ, shorts and flour. The Trego and Intrada
varieties had the highest policosanol components in all varieties
studied. Tetracosanol, hexacosanol and octacosanol were the major
policosanol components in all varieties. Policosanol contents and
compositions of wheat varieties. J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Jul
13;53(14);5583-6.
This article is for your information only. You should consult with your
doctor if you have only question. All right reserved 2006 zhion.
Policosanol is a mixture of primary aliphatic alcohols-tetracosanol,
hexacosanol, heptacosanol, octacosanol, nonacosanol, triacontanol,
dotriacontanol and tetratriacontanol [Patent 5663156]. The
manufacturing method for policosanol include ethanol extraction and
purification. Its melting point is 70-82C. Policosanol is insoluble in
water. Most clinical trials suggest policosanol may decrease
cholesterol levels. Policosanol may help prevent atherosclerotic
lesions and cerebral ischemia in Mongolian gerbils.[1]
HOW DID THE RESEARCHERS FIND OUT THE POTENTIAL
BENEFITS OF POLICOSANOL ON CHOLESTEROL-LOWERING?
In 1984, a study demonstrated that sugar cane wax could lower lipid
in rats and mice.[2,3] Later, another study demonstrated that
octacosanol (a policosanol) could lower triglyceride and cholesterol
contents in the liver.[4] In 1987, another study demonstrated that
high doses of hexacosanol (another policosanol) had cholesterol
lowering effects. [5]
In 1994, Cuban researchers reported that policosanol inhibited the
cholesterol synthesis at early steps of cholesterol biosynthetic
pathway in a study of human lung fibroblasts. They also found that
policosanol lowered the total cholesterol mainly through a decrease
in LDL-C levels in a study of rabbits. They filed the first patent on the
policosanol composition.[6-8]
In 1996, the Cuban researchers reported that oral administration of
policosanol could inhibit hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis in rats.[9] In
1998, a group filed a patent on a composition containing policosanol
to reduce serum cholesterol levels.[10]
Policosanol reduces cholesterol levels in patients suffered from type II
hypercholesterolaemia. [13]
HOW DOES POLICOSANOL REDUCE THE CHOLESTEROL LEVELS?
In 2001, the Cuban researchers transferred fibroblast to a
lipid-depleted medium to accelerate cholesterol sysnthesis. They
found, addition of policosanol could retard the cholesterol synthesis in
a dose-dependent manner. [11]
HOW DOES POLICOSANOL WORK WITH OR COMBINED WITH
OTHER CHOLESTEROL-LOWERING AGENTS?
McCarty MFcombined policosanol and ezetimibe to reduce LDL
cholesterol by about 40%. [12] Policosanol intensifies the
cholesterol-lowering effect and platelet aggregation of omega-3 fatty
acids in rabbits. [15]
Compared to statins, policosanol exhibits comparable
cholesterol-lowering effects and it is well tolerated in animals.
Researchers demonstrated that policosanol (10 mg/day) was even
slightly more effective than lovastatin (20 mg/day) in reducing the
LDL-C/HDL-C and total cholesterol/HDL-C ratios, in increasing HDL-C
levels and in preventing LDL oxidation. Nikitin IuP et al concluded that
the hypolipidemic effect of policosanol in a daily dose of 10 mg is
superior to that of besafibrate in a daily dose of 400 mg from their
study of 113 patients with hypercholesterolemia.
BESIDES LOWERING CHOLESTEROL-LEVELS, WHAT OTHER
POTENTIAL BENEFITS DOES PILOCOSANOL HAVE?
[1] INTERMITTENT CLAUDICATION Policosanol may have benefits
on reducing the symptoms of intermittent claudication. [16] In a
double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 31 patients, policosanol was
shown to be effective on intermittent claudication. [17] In another
study, policosanol was shown to be as effective as ticlopidinefor
improving walking distances patients suffered from intermittent
claudication. [18] Policosanol may also has a better benefits on
patients suffered from with intermittent claudication than lovastatin.
[19]
[2] CADIOVASCULAR CONDITIONS Policosanol inhibits platelet
aggregation in rats after 4 weeks treatment. [20] Policosanol
administered at 20 mg/day for 7 days significantly inhibited platelet
aggregation. The low dose of policosanol (5 mg/day) was ineffective.
No adverse-effects were reported in treated or placebo groups.
[21]Policosanol combined with aspirin reduced platelet aggregation
significantly in study of healthy subjects. [22] Policosanol together
with aspirin significantly protected Mongolian gerbils from cerebral
ischemia. [23]
Policosanol inhibited lipid peroxidation in experimental models and
human beings. Menendez R et al, Inhibition of rat lipoprotein lipid
peroxidation by the oral administration of D003, a mixture of very
long-chain saturated fatty acids. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2002
Jan;80(1):13-21.
Policosanol has a protective effect on atherosclerotic lesions in a
study of 54 Wistar rats.Noa M et al, Effect of policosanol on
lipofundin-induced atherosclerotic lesions in rats, J Pharm Pharmacol.
1995 Apr;47(4):289-91.
Policosanol increases in the oxidative capacity in the muscle of
exercise-trained rats. Octacosanol supplementation increases running
endurance time and improves biochemical parameters after
exhaustion in trained rats., J Med Food. 2003 Winter;6(4):345-51.
Policosanol combined beta-blockers provided additional benefits on
blood pressure lowering in elderly with high cholesterol levels.
Castano G et al, Concomitant use of policosanol and beta-blockers in
older patients. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 2004;24(2-3):65-77.
Policosanol delayed the onset of infarction or myocardial necrosis
induced by isoprenaline in animal studies. Noa M et al, Effect of
policosanol on isoprenaline-induced myocardial necrosis in rats. J
Pharm Pharmacol. 1994 Apr;46(4):282-5.
Policosanol reduced the thrombus weight in rats. Carbajal D et al
Effect of policosanol on experimental thrombosis models.
Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 1994 May;50(5):249-51.
Policosanol elevated the weight of thymus, improved biomechanical
properties of the femur in rats. Bai S et al Space Med Med Eng
(Beijing). 1997 Dec;10(6):450-2.
Policosanol prevented bone loss in postmenopausal women. Noa M et
al, Policosanol prevents bone loss in ovariectomized rats., Drugs Exp
Clin Res. 2004;30(3):117-23.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POLICOSANOL SIDE, TOXIC EFFECTS AND SAFETY ISSUES
In most cases, policosanol side effects were not observed. However,
one study indicated that policosanol produced adverse effects in
0.31% of the population and the adverse effects included weight
loss, excessive urination and insomina. Policosanol side effect and
safety issue from various studies are summarized as follows:
Animal [Non-human] Studies
Policosanol was safe in the animal studies. Basically, policosanol was
well-tolerated and accepted with no toxic symptoms (including signs
of cancer) to animals such as mice, rats, dogs and monkeys. The
study periods afre from 12 months to 54 months. [1-5] Toxic nor side
effects related to reproduction were not found, after administration
fromf 2 weeks prior to mating and throughout mating and pregnancy
to day 21 of lactation. [6]
. 1. Aleman CL, et al Carcinogenicity of policosanol in mice: an
18-month study. Food Chem Toxicol. 1995 Jul;33(7):573-8. 2. Aleman
CL, Carcinogenicity of policosanol in Sprague Dawley rats: a 24 month
study. Teratog Carcinog Mutagen. 1994;14(5):239-49. 3. A 12-month
study of policosanol oral toxicity in Sprague Dawley rats. Toxicol Lett.
1994 Jan;70(1):77-87.4. Mesa AR et al, Toxicity of policosanol in
beagle dogs: one-year study. Toxicol Lett. 1994 Aug;73(2):81-90. 5.
Rodriguez-Echenique C, Effects of policosanol chronically administered
in male monkeys (Macaca arctoides). Food Chem Toxicol. 1994
Jun;32(6):565-75. 6 Rodriguez MD et al, Teratogenic and reproductive
studies of policosanol in the rat and rabbit. Teratog Carcinog
Mutagen. 1994;14(3):107-13.
Human Studies
HEALTHY HUMAN SUBJECT Researchers applied single doses (5-50
mg) to healthy volunteers. Policosanol administered at 20 mg/day for
7 days significantly inhibited platelet aggregation. No toxic nor side
effects were observed. .[Effect of policosanol on platelet aggregation
in healthy volunteers, Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1996;16(2-3):67-72.]
Long-term tolerability of policosanol in 2252 elderly patients at high
vascular risk was found to be acceptable. No serious toxic nor side
effects were reported. Fernandez S, A pharmacological surveillance
study of the tolerability of policosanol in the elderly population. Am J
Geriatr Pharmacother. 2004 Dec;2(4):219-29.
PATIENT Policosanol is well tolerated and safe in a study of 4596
patients. No serious adverse nor side effects were reported.Chen JT
et al, Meta-analysis of natural therapies for hyperlipidemia: plant
sterols and stanols versus policosanol. Pharmacotherapy. 2005
Feb;25(2):171-83.
In a two-year study on the efficacy and tolerability (i.e.safety),
researchers supplied 5 mg of policosanol twice-a-day to 69 patients
suffered from type II hyperlipoproteinaemia. They found reduction in
LDL-C and cholesterol, no drug-related clinical or biochemcial adverse
effects but mild, transient adverse experiences. [A two-year study on
the efficacy and tolerability of policosanol patients with type II
hyperlipoproteinaemia, Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1995;15(4):159-65].
Nikitin IuP et al, compared efficacy and tolerance of polycosanol vs
besafibrate in 113 patients with hypercholesterolemia. 59 patients
received polycosanol (10 mg/day), 54 patients were given besafibrate
(400 mg/day) for 8 weeks. After 8-week course of treatment, daily 10
mg of policosanol is more effective on cholesterol-lowering. And, the
adverse effects in the group taking policosanol were mild. . Results of
the multicenter controlled study of the hypolipidemic drug polycosanol
in Russia Ter Arkh. 2000;72(12):7-10.
Policosanol combined with ezetimibe could reduce LDL cholesterol
without adverse effects.An ezetimibe-policosanol combination has the
potential to be an OTC agent that could dramatically lower LDL
cholesterol without s ide effects. Med Hypotheses. 2005,64(3):636-45.
Policosanol adverse or side-effects may include skin rash, headache,
insomnia and gastrointestinal disturbances. [1] A long term study
reported that policosanol produced adverse effects in 0.31% of the
population and the side effects included weight loss, excessive
urination and insomina. [2] 1 Policosanol S ide Effects Chinese- school
netfirms.com online publication. June 2005 2Femandez L et al.
Policosanol;results of a postmarketing surveillance control on 27,879
patients. Curr Ther Res. 1998;59:717-722.
Policosanol can affect platelet aggregation. Arruzazabalab ML. Effect
of policosanol successive dose increases on platelet aggregation in
healthy volunteers. Pharmacol Res. 1996;34:181-185, Arruzazabala
ML et al. Comparative study of policosanol, aspirin and the
combination therapy policosanol-aspirin on platelet aggregation in
healthy volunteers. Pharmacol Res. 1997;36:293-297. Carbajal D et
al. Effect of policosanol on platelet aggregation and serum levels of
arachidonic acid metabolites in healthy volunteers. Prostaglandins
leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1998;58:61-64.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COMPARISON
Policosanol is more effective than plant sterols and stanols for LDL
level reduction in a study of 4596 patients. Plant sterols, stanols and
policosanol are well tolerated and safe. Chen JT et al, Meta-analysis
of natural therapies for hyperlipidemia: plant sterols and stanols
versus policosanol. Pharmacotherapy. 2005 Feb;25(2):171-83.
Compared with statins, policosanols exhibit comparable
cholesterol-lowering effects at much smaller doses. Varady KA Role of
policosanols in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular
disease. Nutr Rev. 2003 Nov;61(11):376-83.
Policosanol was more effective than lovastatin in reducing cholesterol
levels.in a study of patients with dyslipidemia secondary to type 2
diabetes. Castano G et al, Effects of policosanol and lovastatin on
lipid profile and lipid peroxidation in patients with dyslipidemia
associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res.
2002;22(3-4):89-99.
Policosanol was found to be more effective than Octa-60 (higher
aliphatic primary alcohols) in a study of 110 patients with with type II
hypercholesterolemia. Castano G, Comparison of the efficacy, safety
and tolerability of original policosanol versus other mixtures of higher
aliphatic primary alcohols in patients with type II
hypercholesterolemia. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 2002;22(2):55-66.
COMBO EFFECT ON CHOLESTEROL LEVELS
Policosanol combined with ezetimibe reduced LDL cholesterol by
about 40%. McCarty MF. An ezetimibe-policosanol combination has
the potential to be an OTC agent that could dramatically lower LDL
cholesterol without s ide effects. Med Hypotheses.
2005;64(3):636-45.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------
DOSE LIMITATION OF POLICOSANOL
Policosanol at a dose of 40 mg/day does not offer significant
additional cholesterol-lowering efficacy over the 20 mg/day dose in a
6-month study. Castano G et al Effects of policosanol 20 versus 40
mg/day in the treatment of patients with type II
hypercholesterolemia: a 6-month double-blind study. Int J Clin
Pharmacol Res. 2001;21(1):43-57.
SOURCE OF POLICOSANOL
Policosanol Sources include sugarcane, beewax, wheat germ and
alfalfa.
Wheat germ policosanol failed to lower cholesterol levels in 58 with
normal to mildly elevated plasma cholesterol concentrations. Lin Y.,
Wheat germ policosanol failed to lower plasma cholesterol in subjects
with normal to mildly elevated cholesterol concentrations. Metabolism.
2004 Oct;53(10):1309-14.
Researchers at Oklahoma State University found that wheat varieties
grown under identical conditions differed significantly in policosanol
content and composition. The policosanol content of wheat bran was
higher than that of the germ, shorts and flour. The Trego and Intrada
varieties had the highest policosanol components in all varieties
studied. Tetracosanol, hexacosanol and octacosanol were the major
policosanol components in all varieties. Policosanol contents and
compositions of wheat varieties. J Agric Food Chem. 2005 Jul
13;53(14);5583-6.
This article is for your information only. You should consult with your
doctor if you have only question. All right reserved 2006 zhion.
| Policosanol may have benefits for High Cholesterol, Intermittent Claudication, Parkinson's Disease and Performance Enhancement, research finds. |
REFERENCE [1]Fraga V et al, Arch Med Res. 1997 Autumn; 28 (3): 355-60].[2]Fukuda, Effect of sugar cane wax on
serum liver lipids on rats; Chemical Abstracts, 106, 17, 137413p and[3] Sho H. et al, Effects of Okinawan sugar cane
wax and fatty alcohols on serum and liver lipids in the rates, J. Nutri. Vitaminol 30 (6) 553-559.[4]Shimura S. et al,
Studies on the effect of octacosanol on the motor endurance in mice; Nutrition Reports Int. 198736,
1029-1038.[5]Hagiwara Y. Antilipaemic agents containing hexacosanol used to treat hypertension, arteriosclerosis,
diabetes mellitus, heart disease and obesity 1987. JP A 62 099323.[6] Mixture of higher primary aliphatic alcohols,
its obtention from sugar cane wax and its pharmaceutical uses, patent# 5663156. Patent # 5856316 [7]Biol Res.
1994;27(3-4):199-203] [8]Arruzazabala ML et al, Cholesterol-lowering effects of policosanol in rabbits. Biol Res.
1994;27(3-4):205-8.[9]Biol Res. 1996;29(2):253-7][10] Composition for reducing serum cholesterol levels, Patents #
5952393 and 6197832. [11]Arch Med Res. 2001 Jan-Feb;32(1):8-12][12] [Med Hypotheses. 2005;64(3):636-45].[13]
Pons P et al, Effects of successive dose increases of policosanol on the lipid profile of patients with type II
hypercholesterolaemia and tolerability to treatment. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1994;14(1):27-33. [14] Results of the
multicenter controlled study of the hypolipidemic drug polycosanol in Russia Ter Arkh. 2000;72(12):7-10. [15]Gamez
R. et Effects of concurrent therapy with policosanol and omega-3 fatty acids on lipid profile and platelet aggregation
in rabbits. Drugs R D. 2005;6(1):11-9. [16] Jacoby D. Drug treatment of intermittent claudication. Drugs.
2004;64(15):1657-70. [17] Castano G, A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the effects of policosanol in
patients with intermittent claudication Angiology. 1999 Feb;50(2):123-30. [18]Castano G et al, Effects of policosanol
and ticlopidine in patients with intermittent claudication: a double-blinded pilot comparative study. Angiology. 2004
Jul-Aug;55(4):361-71.[19] Castano G et al, Effects of policosanol and lovastatin in patients with intermittent
claudication: a double-blind comparative pilot study. Angiology. 2003 Jan;54(1):25-38.[20] Arruzazabala ML et al,
Effects of Policosanol on platelet aggregation in rats. Thromb Res. 1993 Feb 1;69(3):321-7. [21] Valdes S. Effect of
policosanol on platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1996;16(2-3):67-72. [22]
Arruzazabala ML Comparative study of policosanol, aspirin and the combination therapy policosanol-aspirin on
platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers. Pharmacol Res. 1997 Oct;36(4):293-7. [23] Arruzazabala ML et al, Effect
of policosanol on cerebral ischemia in Mongolian gerbils: role of prostacyclin and thromboxane A2. Prostaglandins
Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 1993 Sep;49(3):695-7.
serum liver lipids on rats; Chemical Abstracts, 106, 17, 137413p and[3] Sho H. et al, Effects of Okinawan sugar cane
wax and fatty alcohols on serum and liver lipids in the rates, J. Nutri. Vitaminol 30 (6) 553-559.[4]Shimura S. et al,
Studies on the effect of octacosanol on the motor endurance in mice; Nutrition Reports Int. 198736,
1029-1038.[5]Hagiwara Y. Antilipaemic agents containing hexacosanol used to treat hypertension, arteriosclerosis,
diabetes mellitus, heart disease and obesity 1987. JP A 62 099323.[6] Mixture of higher primary aliphatic alcohols,
its obtention from sugar cane wax and its pharmaceutical uses, patent# 5663156. Patent # 5856316 [7]Biol Res.
1994;27(3-4):199-203] [8]Arruzazabala ML et al, Cholesterol-lowering effects of policosanol in rabbits. Biol Res.
1994;27(3-4):205-8.[9]Biol Res. 1996;29(2):253-7][10] Composition for reducing serum cholesterol levels, Patents #
5952393 and 6197832. [11]Arch Med Res. 2001 Jan-Feb;32(1):8-12][12] [Med Hypotheses. 2005;64(3):636-45].[13]
Pons P et al, Effects of successive dose increases of policosanol on the lipid profile of patients with type II
hypercholesterolaemia and tolerability to treatment. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1994;14(1):27-33. [14] Results of the
multicenter controlled study of the hypolipidemic drug polycosanol in Russia Ter Arkh. 2000;72(12):7-10. [15]Gamez
R. et Effects of concurrent therapy with policosanol and omega-3 fatty acids on lipid profile and platelet aggregation
in rabbits. Drugs R D. 2005;6(1):11-9. [16] Jacoby D. Drug treatment of intermittent claudication. Drugs.
2004;64(15):1657-70. [17] Castano G, A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the effects of policosanol in
patients with intermittent claudication Angiology. 1999 Feb;50(2):123-30. [18]Castano G et al, Effects of policosanol
and ticlopidine in patients with intermittent claudication: a double-blinded pilot comparative study. Angiology. 2004
Jul-Aug;55(4):361-71.[19] Castano G et al, Effects of policosanol and lovastatin in patients with intermittent
claudication: a double-blind comparative pilot study. Angiology. 2003 Jan;54(1):25-38.[20] Arruzazabala ML et al,
Effects of Policosanol on platelet aggregation in rats. Thromb Res. 1993 Feb 1;69(3):321-7. [21] Valdes S. Effect of
policosanol on platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1996;16(2-3):67-72. [22]
Arruzazabala ML Comparative study of policosanol, aspirin and the combination therapy policosanol-aspirin on
platelet aggregation in healthy volunteers. Pharmacol Res. 1997 Oct;36(4):293-7. [23] Arruzazabala ML et al, Effect
of policosanol on cerebral ischemia in Mongolian gerbils: role of prostacyclin and thromboxane A2. Prostaglandins
Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 1993 Sep;49(3):695-7.
MAJOR NUTRIENT
DIET.
SUPPLEMENT
PhytoChemicals
Antioxidants
A-Z Health Foods,
Products
Acetyl-L Carnitine
Acidophilus
Alfalfa
Almond
Aloe vera
Andrographis
Aniseed
Apple
Arnica
Ashwagandha
Asian Pears
Asparagus
Astaxanthin,
Astragulus
Artichoke
Avena sativa
Avocados
Barley
Banana
Basil
Beet
black cohosh
Bladderwrack
Blackberry
Black Currant
Bloodroot
Blueberry
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Bitter Melon
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Boswellia
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Bromelain
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Brussels Sprout
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Chlorella
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Cinnamon
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Coffee
Comfrey
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Colostrum
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Cordyceps
Corn
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Creatine
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Dandelion
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Lingonberry
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Lycopene
Maca
Maitake
Mango
Mangosteen
Marshmallow
Melatonin
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Mistletoe
N-Acetylcysteine
Nattokinase
Nectarines
Octacosanol
Olive Oil
Omegic Fatty
Acids
Onion
Orange
Oregon Grape
Pantethine
Papaya
Passion Flower
PEANUT
Peach
Peony
Pepper
Peppermint
Persimmons
Phellinus linteus
Phosphatidyl
serine
Phyllanthus
Potato
Plum
Pomegranate
Probiotics
Policosanol /
Polycosanol
Propolis
Pumpkin
Pycnogenol
Pyruvate
Quercetin
Quince
Radish
Red Clover
Red Yeast Rice
Reishi / Lingzhi
Resveratrol
Rhodiola
Rhubarb
Rice Bran Oil
Rosemary
Royal Jelly
Rutin
S-adenosyl-L-
methionine
Saffron
Saw Palmetto
Schisandra
Selenium
Spinach
Spirulina
Squash
Stinging Nettle
St John Wort
Strawberry
Sweet Potatoes
Taxifolin
Tea Tree Oil
Turmeric [Curry]
Tyrosine
Shark Cartilage
Soy
Stevia
Valerian
Vitamin D
Vitex
Walnuts
Watermelon
Wheat Grass
Whey
Wild Yam
Witch Hazel
Wormwood
Xylitol
Yarrow
Yohimbe
Yucca
5-Hydroxytrpto
phan
Food Industry
Organic Label
HOME
Herb Side Effect
Blood Pressure
Lowering Herbs
Cholesterol
Lowering Herbs
Supplements for
Cadiovascular
Diseases
Coenzyme Q and
Creatine for
Parkinson's
disease?
DIET.
SUPPLEMENT
PhytoChemicals
Antioxidants
A-Z Health Foods,
Products
Acetyl-L Carnitine
Acidophilus
Alfalfa
Almond
Aloe vera
Andrographis
Aniseed
Apple
Arnica
Ashwagandha
Asian Pears
Asparagus
Astaxanthin,
Astragulus
Artichoke
Avena sativa
Avocados
Barley
Banana
Basil
Beet
black cohosh
Bladderwrack
Blackberry
Black Currant
Bloodroot
Blueberry
Bilberry
Bitter Melon
Borage Seed Oil
Boswellia
Black Soya Bean
Broccoli
Bromelain
Brown Seaweed
Brussels Sprout
Butein
Butterbur
Burdock
Cabbage
Cactus
Caffeine
Calcium
Calendula
Canola oil
Cauliflower
Cat's Claw
Cayenne
Celadrin
Celery
Chamomile
Chaparral
Cherry
Chokeberry
Chondroitin
Chitosan
Chlorella
Chlorophyll
Chromium
Cinnamon
CLA
Cocoa
Cod Liver Oil
Coenzyme Q
Coffee
Comfrey
Conj. Linoleic Acid
Colostrum
Colloidal Silver
Cordyceps
Corn
Cranberry
Creatine
Curcumin
Damiana
Dandelion
Danggui_Buxue
Devil's Claw
DHEA
Dill
Dong Quai
EGCG
Echinacea
Eleuthero
Ellagic Acid
Eucalyptus G.
Eve. Primrose Oil
Falcarinol
Fennel
Fenugreek
Feverfew
Folate
Fish Oil
Flaxseed Meal
Flaxseed /Linseed
Garcinia C.
Garlic
Galangal
Ghrelin
Ginger
Ginseng
Ginseng/Ginkgo
Ginkgo Biloba
Glucosamine
Goldenseal
Gotu Kola
GRAPE SEED
EXTRACT
Green Coffee Bean
Green Tea
Growth Hormone
Stimulants
Goldenseal
Guar Gum
Guggul
Gymnema
Hawthorn
Hoodia
Hop
Horse Chestnut
Horsetail
Huperzine A
Hyaluronic acid
Isothiocyanates
Kava Kava
Kelp
L-arginine
Lavender
Lecithin
Lemon balm
Licorice
Lingonberry
Lutein
Lycopene
Maca
Maitake
Mango
Mangosteen
Marshmallow
Melatonin
Milk Thistle
Mistletoe
N-Acetylcysteine
Nattokinase
Nectarines
Octacosanol
Olive Oil
Omegic Fatty
Acids
Onion
Orange
Oregon Grape
Pantethine
Papaya
Passion Flower
PEANUT
Peach
Peony
Pepper
Peppermint
Persimmons
Phellinus linteus
Phosphatidyl
serine
Phyllanthus
Potato
Plum
Pomegranate
Probiotics
Policosanol /
Polycosanol
Propolis
Pumpkin
Pycnogenol
Pyruvate
Quercetin
Quince
Radish
Red Clover
Red Yeast Rice
Reishi / Lingzhi
Resveratrol
Rhodiola
Rhubarb
Rice Bran Oil
Rosemary
Royal Jelly
Rutin
S-adenosyl-L-
methionine
Saffron
Saw Palmetto
Schisandra
Selenium
Spinach
Spirulina
Squash
Stinging Nettle
St John Wort
Strawberry
Sweet Potatoes
Taxifolin
Tea Tree Oil
Turmeric [Curry]
Tyrosine
Shark Cartilage
Soy
Stevia
Valerian
Vitamin D
Vitex
Walnuts
Watermelon
Wheat Grass
Whey
Wild Yam
Witch Hazel
Wormwood
Xylitol
Yarrow
Yohimbe
Yucca
5-Hydroxytrpto
phan
Food Industry
Organic Label
HOME
Herb Side Effect
Blood Pressure
Lowering Herbs
Cholesterol
Lowering Herbs
Supplements for
Cadiovascular
Diseases
Coenzyme Q and
Creatine for
Parkinson's
disease?
 |  |  |  |