What is the Connection Between Policosanol and Cholesterol?

Numerous studies have been performed on the connection between policosanol and cholesterol. The studies showed that policosanol had the ability to reduce levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol, and raise levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or good cholesterol. According to the studies, policosanol also reduced levels of triglyceride, another fatty substance that contributes to the total cholesterol count. When compared to other cholesterol medications, policosanol has been found to be to be just as effective.

Policosanol is a nutritional supplement that is commonly derived from plant waxes as well as from beeswax. Some of the common plants that are used to make the supplement include sugar cane, wheat germ, yams and rice bran. The most popular plant that it used is the sugar cane plant, and it is said to be the most effective source for lowering cholesterol.

Prescription drugs are commonly used to help lower cholesterol levels, but they usually cause severe side effects. As a result, studies have been conducted on policosanol and cholesterol with hopes of finding an alternative solution to these drugs. When compared with prescription drugs, policosanol derived from sugar cane showed similar abilities to lower LDL levels, but without the harmful side effects. It also increased HDL levels, which most of the prescription drugs did not. The HDL is important in helping to lower cholesterol, because it helps to sweep up the LDL cholesterol and transport it to the liver so that it can be eliminated from the body.

Studies done on policosanol and cholesterol have shown that the supplement is capable of breaking down the LDL and interfered with the production of new LDL. The beneficial results were seen in six to eight weeks, and a drop in cholesterol levels of 25-30 percent was seen in just eight to 12 weeks. Cholesterol production is higher at night, so the supplements are most effective when taken with the evening meal. Side effects of policosanol are rare, but they might include headaches, insomnia, digestive problems and weight loss.

Research on policosanol and cholesterol also has been done using policosanol derived from wheat germ, which is said to be less effective than that of sugar cane. Patients have been given dosages of 10-80 milligrams per day of this type of policosanol, and some have been given a placebo. None of the dosages or the placebo have created a decrease in cholesterol levels of more than 10 percent.