Policosanol
Cardiovascular Health
Overview
- Policosanol is a mixture of long‑chain aliphatic alcohols (typically C24‑C34) derived primarily from sugarcane, wheat, or rice bran waxes.
- It is marketed as a natural lipid‑modulating agent.
- It is most commonly used to support healthy blood‑lipid profiles and cardiovascular function.
Chemistry
- Composition: Policosanol is a mixture of long‑chain primary alcohols with carbon chain lengths ranging from C24 to C34, most commonly octacosanol (C28H58O).
- Predominant Component: The generic IUPAC name for the predominant component is 1‑octacosanol (IUPAC: octacosane‑1‑ol).
- Molecular Formula: Molecular formula for octacosanol: C₂₈H₅₈O, molecular weight ≈ 410 g·mol⁻¹.
- Properties: The compounds are saturated, non‑polar, with a terminal hydroxyl group that imparts limited aqueous solubility but high lipophilicity (log P > 8).
- Physical Characteristics: Their long hydrocarbon chain confers a high melting point (~ 80 °C for octacosanol) and a characteristic waxy texture.
- Extraction Requirements: The mixture’s physical‑chemical properties (e.g., low polarity, high lipophilicity) dictate extraction using organic solvents (hexane, ethanol) and necessitate emulsification or lipid‑based delivery systems for oral supplementation.
Sources & Quality
- Primary Source: Policosanol is most commonly extracted from sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) wax, where it constitutes ~ 70 % of the wax’s alcohol component; wheat (Triticum spp.) and rice (Oryza sativa) bran are alternative sources.
- Extraction Process: The extraction process typically involves solvent extraction (hexane or ethanol) followed by saponification, followed by distillation or crystallization to isolate the alcohol fraction.
- Alternative Extraction: Some manufacturers use a combination of solvent‑based extraction and super‑critical CO₂ extraction to avoid residual solvents.
- Standardization: Because the composition (ratio of C24‑C34 alcohols) varies with plant source and processing, high‑quality supplements are standardized to contain 70–80 % octacosanol.
- Quality Control: Supplements should be certified by third‑party labs (e.g., USP, GMP) for purity, heavy‑metal limits, and absence of pesticide residues.
- Product Selection: Choosing products from reputable manufacturers that provide certificate‑of‑analysis (COA) ensures a consistent, contaminant‑free product.
Where to Buy Policosanol
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