Other natural sources of policosanol are wheat germ oil and caviar.
Policosanol works by blocking the formation of cholesterol in the liver, even though the exact method of action is not known. This does not however happen in the same way as with regular cholesterol reducing medicine. Policosanol also seems to counteract blood clotting and can be taken together with aspirin.
It can lower the total amount of cholesterol by 17 - 21 % and LDL-cholesterol by 21 - 29 %, at the same time increasing HDL-cholesterol by 8 - 15 %.
Effects of Policosanol
- Helps lower the cholesterol level.
- Increases HDL-cholesterol ("the good cholesterol") levels.
- Lessens damage to arteries (which is a preliminary stage of arteriosclerosis).
- Counteracts the oxygenation of LDL-cholesterol.
- Reduces the amount of thromboxane, which is vasoconstrictive and promotes blood platelet aggregation.
- Policosanol has been used in doses of 20 mg. daily by persons suffering from claudicatio (sclerosis in the arteries of the legs). It has been shown to be effective in increasing the distance these persons can walk.
Side-effects
It is safe to ingest policosanol, even in very big doses. Policosanol does not affect the liver's production of detoxifying enzymes (p450). It can be used by diabetics. Side-effects are rare and are usually associated with unwanted loss of weight.
Dosage
10 mg. daily taken together with a meal. Policosanol must be taken for a couple of months before the effects show themselves. In cases where effects are absent, the dosage can be increased to 20 mg. daily.
Taking policosanol together with fish oil and antioxidants is beneficial.
