Policosanol (also known as Polycosanol)
What is it? Policosanol, also known as Polycosanol is a mixture of natural substances derived from the waxes of such plants as sugar cane and yams, as well as beeswax. More specifically, it is a mixture of fatty alcohols derived from the waxes of such plants as sugar cane and yams, as well as beeswax. However, it's important to note that the following information is all about this natural substances derived from sugar cane. If you're looking to lower your cholesterol naturally this may be the supplement for you. How can it Benefit You? Some studies have shown policosanol (polycosanol) derived from sugar cane can lower bad cholesterol (LDL) while also raising good cholesterol (HDL). In fact, it has been touted as a natural dietary supplement that can lower cholesterol as well as statin drugs and without the dangerous side effects. According to the well renowned "The Pill Book Guide to Natural Medicine" by Michael Murray, N.D.: "In these studies, policosanol in dosages ranging from 5 to 20 mg per day has resulted in significant improvements in cholesterol and triglyceride levels, with effects typically noticeable within the first six to eight weeks of use. At a daily dosage of 10 mg of policosanol taken at night, LDL cholesterol levels typically dropped by 20 to 25% within the first six months of therapy. At a dosage of 20 mg, LDL levels typically dropped by 25 to 30 percent. HDL cholesterol levels typically increased by 15 to 25 percent after only two months of use. The combined LDL reduction and HDL increase produced dramatic improvements in the LDL-to-HDL ratio." (page 765) In the American Heart Journal, after reviewing more than 60 clinical trials of sugar cane-derived policosanol that involved more than 3000 patients, the authors concluded it was a promising alternative to cholesterol–lowering statin drugs.
How does it work? It appears to inhibit cholesterol synthesis in the liver. In addition to its favorable effects on cholesterol levels, policosanol also has positive effects on other cardiac risk factors such as reducing excessive platelet "clumping" and inhibiting the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries.) Moreover, it may be beneficial in the treatment Intermittent claudication, a condition in which poor circulation in the legs causes severe leg pain during exercise. Precautions Policosanol (polycosanol) appears to be very safe on all the studies conducted with no known serious side effects. However, some people have reported weight loss, rashes, migraines, insomnia or drowsiness, irritability, dizziness, upset stomach, and nose and gum bleeding. But, even these side effects are extremely rare. Is not recommended for pregnant women and nursing mothers. In addition, it should only be used in children under the direction of a physician. If you are taking blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen, consult your health care provider before taking this supplement because it can thin the blood as much as aspirin.
We here at Nutritional-Supplement-Educational-Center recommend that you speak with a qualified health care provider before taking any type of dietary supplements. It's important to note that although this extract is derived from sugar cane, it does not raise blood sugar levels.
Our Opinion on this Product We believe this product is a great alternative to statin drugs. Why? Well, for four reasons.
First, some studies indicated that policosanol is equally as effective and may possibly even be somewhat more effective than statins or fibrates in lowering total and LDL cholesterol and increasing "good" cholesterol, or HDL. Second, statin drugs are linked to many, many dangerous side effects. Third, statin drugs depletes the body of coenzyme Q10. Click here: COQ10 and Statins Fourth, statin drugs are expensive.
Tips on Choosing a Policosanol Supplement 1. Ensure your product is using "Policosanol" and NOT "Octacosanol." Why? Because octacosanol is an incomplete form.
In addition, ensure your selected supplement is "policosanol" derived from sugar cane and not from bees wax. Why? Because only policosanol derived from sugar cane wax has been proven to produce these impressive results. Moreover, policosanol derived from bees wax is not the same substance. Therefore, it is crucial that you select a supplement that only uses the genuine policosanol extracted from sugar cane wax. The reason why many companies use bees wax or octacosanol is because these substances are many times cheaper. Put simply, genuine policosanol costs more than 20 times that of octacosanol.
2. Select a supplement produced at pharmaceutical standard registered facilities. It is important to note that dietary supplement are not highly regulated by the FDA in the U.S. and, as such, manufacturers do not have to guarantee the safety, effectiveness, or even the true content of their products. In fact, consumers only have a 1 in 5 chance of buying a product that contains what is stated on the label or one that does not harbor contaminates. GMP compliant manufactures comply with stringent regulatory standards which ensure the product contains what is stated on the label.
Another Natural Cholesterol Lowering Supplement People that have shown an interest in this web-page have also been interested in our page on Guggulipid. Guggulipid is a resinous material derived from the myrrh tree and another well studied natural substance used by many natural healthcare practitioners as a safe and effective alternative for lowering high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In fact, studies have shown that it too is as effective as or even more effective than many cholesterol lowering drugs. Click here to learn more about Guggulipid.
To Your Health! The Editors
Much more than Policosanol can be found at our Health Supplement Guide web-page |