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
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Products
Acetyl-L Carnitine
Acidophilus
Alfalfa
Almond
Aloe vera
Andrographis
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Apple
Arnica
Ashwagandha
Asian Pears
Asparagus
Astaxanthin,
Astragulus
Artichoke
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Avocados
Barley
Banana
Basil
Beet
black cohosh
Bladderwrack
Blackberry
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Bloodroot
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Maca
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Mangosteen
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Melatonin
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Octacosanol
Olive Oil
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Orange
Oregon Grape
Pantethine
Papaya
Passion Flower
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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
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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?