Policosanol

=Other Names= Octacosanol

=Generalities= Can be made of ~65% octacosanol; it also contains other fatty alcohols, such as triacontanol (13%), hexacosanol (6%), tetracosanol, ect. It not only lowers LDL ("bad cholesterol") by 13-25%, but when taken long term, it also raises levels of HDL ("good cholesterol") by 8-29%

=Properties and mode of action= -It acts on the synthesis of cholesterol -Reduces the oxidation of low density lipoproteins (LDL) -Reduces platelet aggregation -Has a vasodilating effect

=Indications= -Hypercholesterolemia -Intermittent claudication -Prevention of cardiovascular dis-ease

=Contraindications= Avoid before surgery, as it has an anti-platelet effect

=Precautions and Side Effects= In rare cases, policosanol may cause the excessive secretion of urine as well as insomnia, headaches, dizziness and mild gastro-intestinal problems

=Sources= Sugar cane wax. Other sources such as bee's wax and wheat germ do not contain enough octacosatol to exert a therapeutic effect

=Therapeutic Dose= Hypercholesterolemia: 5-10mg, 2 times a day at meals. 2 months of treatment must be followed for the full effects

Intermittent claudication: 10mg, one or 2 times a day w/ meals

Prevention of cardiovascular problems: 5-10mg/day w/ evening meals