Policosanol is a natural mixture of long-chain fatty alcohols derived from the waxy protective coating on sugar cane (Saccharum officinarium).  Policosanol contains saturated primary alcohols of long carbon chains - C22, C24, C26, C27, C29, C32 and C34.  Because they are alcohols, they are soluble in water.  Research linking policosanol to lower cholesterol levels originated in 1972 with Japanese scientist Dr. Hiroko Sho.  Dr. Sho identified the dominant components in the sugar cane rind: wax and fatty alcohols.  He showed that these substances reduced cholesterol in the serum and liver of rats. Since then, many scientists worldwide have focused on the diverse cardio-beneficial properties of policosanol.  Policosanol may fight atherosclerosis by reducing endothelial (vessel wall) injury to the circulatory system. The process of atherosclerosis is initiated by the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol, followed by macrophage (white blood cell) recruitment to engulf oxidized LDLs.  When the macrophages are filled with oxidized LDL, they are called foam cells; these foam cells penetrate the arterial wall and commence the process of arterial blockage.  It is postulated that sugar cane policosanol protects the arterial wall as a waxy material by reducing the amount of macrophages recruited, resulting in a significant reduction in atherosclerotic lesions and endothelial injury.  Policosanol has gone through numerous clinical studies.  Policosanol lowers total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol.  It actually inhibits the biosynthesis of cholesterol.  Policosanol has a long-term effect on lowering blood cholesterol.  Policosanol also has been shown to lower blood serum levels of pro-aggregating factors that can lead to blood clotting.  After as little as 6 weeks, LDL cholesterol levels can drop 25-30% and HDL cholesterol levels can rise 15-25%.  Importantly, policosanol has a long history of safe use, no observed side effects (not toxic to the liver) and no known drug interactions.  Statin drugs may also lower LDL cholesterol, but only policosanol also increases HDL (good) cholesterol.  Policosanol has also been shown to lower systolic pressure in hypertensive patients.

Policosanol Benefits

• May lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels in the blood
• Supports arterial health
• May raise HDL (good) cholesterol blood levels
• Helps reduce total blood cholesterol levels
• No known side effects and a long history of safe use

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure of prevent any disease.