Policosanol

Policosanol is a mixture of oils from Cuban Cane Sugar; touted as a cholesterol lowering agent, it shows potency at this claim in several studies released from Cuba. Other studies undermine the quality of these, however, and it remains controversial.

Quick Answer

What it is

Policosanol is a mixture of oils from Cuban Cane Sugar; touted as a cholesterol lowering agent, it shows potency at this claim in several studies released from Cuba. Other studies undermine the quality of these, however, and it remains controversial.

Key findings

  • Grade C: Blood Pressure (High Cholesterol)
  • Grade C: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) (Dyslipidemia)
  • Grade C: LDL Oxidation (Metabolic Health)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Policosanol

Quick Facts: Policosanol

  • Best Evidence:Grade C
  • Conditions Studied:9
  • Research Outcomes:33
  • Key Effect:High Cholesterol
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C7
D1
9 conditions Β· 33 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

Grade:
Effect:
Size:
Sort:
|
C
Blood Pressure
Small Improvement
1 study
small↓Improves
D
Blood Flow
No effect
none
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
8 studies
↑Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
↓Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
4 studies
↓Improves
?
LDL Oxidation
↓Improves
C
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Small Improvement
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
↓Improves
?
LDL Oxidation
↓Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
1 study
↓Improves
C
Blood Pressure
Small Improvement
1 study
small↓Improves
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
2 studies
↑Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
↓Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
1 study
↓Improves
C
LDL Oxidation
Small Improvement
small↓Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
↓Improves
C
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Small Improvement
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
↓Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
1 study
↓Improves
C
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Small Improvement
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
↓Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
C
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Small Improvement
1 study
small↑Improves
?
Intermittent Claudication Symptoms
↓Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
↓Improves
?
Total cholesterol
↓Improves
?
Blood Flow
↑Improves
?
Reaction Time
↑Improves
?
Intermittent Claudication Symptoms
↓Improves

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