Policosanol for Cholesterol: Does It Work?

observational-study PMID: 18167048

Quick Summary: This study looked at whether a daily dose of policosanol, a supplement made from sugar cane, could lower cholesterol. The results showed that it didn't significantly change cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol.

What The Research Found

The research found that taking 20mg of sugar cane policosanol every day for two months didn't help lower cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol. The study looked at total cholesterol, "bad" cholesterol (LDL), "good" cholesterol (HDL), and triglycerides (another type of fat in your blood). None of these changed significantly.

Study Details

Who was studied: 68 adults with high cholesterol.

How long: 8 weeks (about 2 months).

What they took: 20mg of sugar cane policosanol daily, or a placebo (a "dummy" pill).

What This Means For You

If you're considering policosanol to lower your cholesterol, this study suggests it might not be effective, at least at the dosage tested. It's important to talk to your doctor about the best ways to manage your cholesterol. There are other proven methods, like diet changes, exercise, and sometimes medication, that are more likely to help.

Study Limitations

Small Group: The study involved a relatively small number of people, which means the results might not apply to everyone.

Short Time: The study only lasted for 8 weeks. It's possible that longer-term use might show different results.

Specific Type: The policosanol used in this study came from sugar cane. Other types of policosanol might have different effects.

Key Findings

The study found that daily supplementation with 20 mg of sugar cane-derived policosanol for 8 weeks did not significantly alter lipid profiles in individuals with primary hypercholesterolemia. No changes were observed in total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides, or body mass index (BMI) compared to placebo.

Study Design

This was a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial (RCT) conducted in 2008. Sixty-eight participants with primary hypercholesterolemia were enrolled, with 32 completing the policosanol group and 31 in the placebo group. The study duration was 8 weeks, and all subjects maintained a normocaloric diet. Policosanol content in tablets was verified via gas chromatography.

Dosage & Administration

Participants received 20 mg of sugar cane policosanol daily in tablet form. The placebo group received identical tablets without active ingredients. Administration occurred once daily, with compliance monitored through tablet counts.

Results & Efficacy

Total Cholesterol (TC): No significant change (p > 0.05) between groups.
LDL-Cholesterol (LDL-C): No reduction observed (p > 0.05).
HDL-Cholesterol (HDL-C): No statistically meaningful increase (p > 0.05).
Triglycerides: No significant differences detected (p > 0.05).
BMI: No changes in either group (p > 0.05).
The study reported no adverse effects, but efficacy outcomes were null across all measured parameters.

Limitations

Small Sample Size: Only 63 participants completed the trial (32 policosanol, 31 placebo), potentially limiting statistical power.
Short Duration: An 8-week intervention may be insufficient to detect long-term lipid-lowering effects.
Source-Specific Policosanol: Results may not generalize to policosanol derived from other sources (e.g., beeswax, wheat germ).
Population Specificity: Findings apply only to primary hypercholesterolemia patients; effects in mixed dyslipidemia or secondary hypercholesterolemia remain unknown.
Lack of Detailed Statistics: The abstract does not provide exact p-values, confidence intervals, or effect sizes, limiting interpretation of marginal trends.

Clinical Relevance

This trial suggests that 20 mg/day of sugar cane policosanol is ineffective for improving lipid profiles in adults with primary hypercholesterolemia. The lack of significant changes in TC, LDL-C, HDL-C, or triglycerides challenges its utility as a standalone supplement for cholesterol management. However, the study does not rule out potential benefits at higher doses, with longer-term use, or in combination with other therapies. Consumers should prioritize evidence-based interventions (e.g., statins, plant sterols) for lipid-lowering goals, while recognizing that policosanol’s efficacy may vary by formulation and population.

Note: The study’s classification as "observational" in the source may be an error; the described methodology aligns with an RCT.