Policosanol is very safe and derived from the outer wax of the sugarcane plant, which contains fatty alcohols that have a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels. It is ideal for those who have high cholesterol due to genetic factors (familial hypercholesteremia). In those persons the liver does not know when to stop manufacturing cholesterol.

Policosanol has been extensively studied in nearly 30,000 people through short-term, long-term, and randomized, placebo-controlled trials. A recent trial to determine the safety and effectiveness of Policosanol showed that patients who took Policosanol once a day with the evening meal for 24 weeks lowered their LDL serum cholesterol between 18.5 and 25.6 percent. Of the 437 patients who participated in this randomized, double-blind study, the Policosanol group also lowered their total cholesterol between 13 and 17.4 percent and raised their HDL cholesterol between 15.5 and 28.4 percent. Subjects in the group treated with Policosanol did not have serious adverse events during the 24-week study. This study shows that Policosanol is effective, safe, and well-tolerated in patients with hypercholesterolemia and concomitant coronary risk factors.

Often, people with diabetes have elevated cholesterol levels, predisposing them to coronary artery disease. A 12-week double-blind study on 29 patients who had non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and high cholesterol levels showed very positive results. The patients given 5 milligrams of Policosanol twice daily reduced their total cholesterol by 17.5 percent and their LDL cholesterol by 21.8 percent.

Policosanol exerts antioxidant effects and it controls the liver's production and breakdown of cholesterol. Exciting research shows that Policosanol may lower serum cholesterol levels, and reduce platelet aggregation (stickiness); it may reduce the amount of cholesterol in the liver, heart and fatty tissue. Policosanol may prevent and reverse atherosclerotic lesions and thrombosis and as an antioxidant it works to prevent LDL oxidation.

Benefits:

• Inhibits the absorption of cholesterol in food consumed
• May lower serum cholesterol levels
• Reduces the amount of cholesterol in the liver, heart and fatty tissue
• May reduce inflammation of the blood vessels