Top 25 Supplements in 2004

1. Policosanol

2. Bone Meal

3. Wheat Germ

4. Lycopene

5. Essential Fatty Acids

6. Liver

7. Lutein

8. Green tea

9. Black cohosh root

10. Silicea

11. Pau d’arco

12. Coenzyme Q10

13. SAM-e

14. Royal Jelly

15. Alpha-Lipoic Acid

16. Potassium

17. Elderberry

18. Horny goat weed

19. Spirulina

20. Chlorophyll

21. 5-HTP

22. Magnesium

23. Calcium

24. Cranberry

25. Evening primrose

Policosanol Research and Study

1. Policosanol

Policosanol General Information
Policosanol Research and Study
Policosanol Side Effects
Policosanol as a Supplement (Reviews and Prices)

How Policosanol Works

While the benefits and safety of Policosanol have been proven in several well-designed clinical studies, the exact mechanism of action is not completely understood. Policosanol inhibits cholesterol's synthesis at the earliest steps of cholesterol's production process. It is believed to help maintain normal cholesterol production in the liver, and to promote normal LDL-cholesterol uptake by the body's tissues. Studies have shown Policosanol does not inhibit the activity of the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase in the liver.

According to the National Library of Medicine, Policosanol and Lovastatin drug are similar in the results from consumption, but it is Policosanol that is far greater in it's overall effectiveness to maintain cholesterol levels while being gentle on the stomach.

In fact, "Both groups were similar at randomization. Policosanol significantly (p < 0.001) lowered low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (20.4%), total cholesterol (14.2%) and the ratio of LDL-cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (23.7%). Lovastatin significantly (p < 0.01) lowered LDL-cholesterol (16.8%), total cholesterol (14.0%) and the ratio (p < 0.05) of LDL-cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol (14.9%). Triglyceride levels did not significantly change after therapy. Policosanol, but not lovastatin, significantly increased (p < 0.01) levels of HDL-cholesterol (7.5%). Comparison between groups showed that changes in HDL-cholesterol induced by policosanol were significantly greater (p < 0.01) than those induced by lovastatin. Both treatments were safe and well tolerated. Lovastatin moderately but significantly (p < 0.05) increased levels of aspartate aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase and alkaline phosphatase. Adverse reactions were more frequent in the lovastatin group (p < 0.01) than in the policosanol group. In conclusion, policosanol administered at 10 mg/day produces more advantageous changes in HDL-cholesterol and has a better safety and tolerability profile than lovastatin 20 mg/day."

Int J Clin Pharmacol Res. 1999;19(4):117-27. PMID: 10939029 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

See "Effects of policosanol 20 versus 40 mg/day in the treatment of patients with type II hypercholesterolemia: a 6-month double-blind study." from Medline