Policosanols are an effective food ingredient and a food supplement that can lower LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides. It has an anti-apoptotic activity, with a consequent increase in cell replication and tissue regeneration. Nine weeks of consumption of Policosanols led to a reduction in total cholesterol, an increase in HDL-C levels and an improvement in fatty liver changes (1).

In this study, policosanol (10 mg / day), administered concomitantly with Omega3 (1g / day), improved the inhibition of platelet aggregation without significantly affecting bleeding time. Concomitant treatment was also associated with reduced LDL-C levels and total cholesterol and increased HDL-C levels. All treatments were well tolerated (2).

References________________________________________

(1) Anti-Aging and Tissue Regeneration Ability of Policosanol Along with Lipid-Lowering Effect in Hyperlipidemic Zebrafish via Enhancement of High-Density Lipoprotein Functionality
Eun-Young Lee, Jeong-Ah Yoo, So-Mang Lim, Kyung-Hyun Cho
Rejuvenation Res. 2016 Apr 1; 19(2): 149–158. doi: 10.1089/rej.2015.1745

(2) Effects of combination treatment with policosanol and omega-3 fatty acids on platelet aggregation: A randomized, double-blind clinical study
Gladys Castaño, Maria L. Arruzazabala, Lilia Fernández, Rosa Mas, Daisy Carbajal, Vivian Molina, José Illnait, Sarahí Mendoza, Rafael Gámez, Melbis Mesa, Julio Fernández
Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2006 May; 67(3): 174–192. doi: 10.1016/j.curtheres.2006.06.004

Policosanols (1-Octacosanol) are a mixture of high molecular weight alcohol found in animal and vegetable waxes.

Initially they were isolated from sugar cane wax by Cuban researchers and developed in the Cuban Dalmer laboratories.

They are found in:

• beeswax
• corn
• broccoli
• rice
• spinach
• alfalfa
• and other cereals

The main components of policosanol are octacosanol (66%), triacontanol (12%) and esacosanol (7%). The remaining 15% consists of other alcohols, ie tetracosanol, heptacosanol, docosanol, nonacosanol and tetratriacontanol which are minor components (1).

Policosanols studies

Molecular Formula: C₂₈H₅₈O

Molecular Weight: 410.771 g/mol

CAS: 557-61-9

EC Number: 209-181-2

UNIII: 81I2215OVK

Synonyms:

• 1-Octacosanol
• Polycosanol
• Montanyl alcohol
• Octanosol
• Octacosyl alcohol
• Octacosanol
• Cluytyl alcohol
• n-Octacosanol
• OCTACOSANOL-1
• octacosyl

References______________________________

(1) Characterization of rice bran wax policosanol and its nanoemulsion formulation
Aminu Ishaka, Mustapha Umar Imam, Rozi Mahamud, Abu Bakar Zakaria Zuki, Ismail Maznah
Int J Nanomedicine. 2014; 9: 2261–2269. Published online 2014 May 9. doi: 10.2147/IJN.S56999