What is Policosanol?
Policosanol is a natural substance found in sugar cane and other plants. It is sometimes referred to as “sugar cane wax” or “cane alcohol.” Policosanol has been studied for its potential ability to lower cholesterol and improve heart health.
How does Policosanol work?
Policosanol appears to work in several ways to help lower cholesterol. First, it prevents the liver from making too much cholesterol. Second, it helps the body get rid of cholesterol that has already been made. Finally, policosanol can help keep low-density lipoprotein (LDL) from being damaged by oxidation. LDL is the “bad” type of cholesterol that can build up in arteries and lead to heart disease.
Side effects
Policosanol is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are mild and include headaches, dizziness, and stomach upset. Policosanol can also cause a rash in some people.
Policosanol is a promising supplement for cholesterol reduction, but more research is needed to confirm its safety and effectiveness. If you’re considering taking policosanol, talk to your doctor first to discuss whether it’s right for you.
Benefits
Policosanol might have certain benefits, such as reducing cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease. However, more research is needed to confirm these potential Policosanol uses and understand any Policosanol side effects. If you’re interested in trying Policosanol, speak with your doctor first to weigh the pros and Policosanol cons.
Do the benefits outweigh the risks?
Policosanol appears to be safe for most people, but Policosanol side effects can occur. The most common Policosanol side effect is mild and includes headaches, dizziness and stomach upset. Policosanol can also cause a rash in some people. If you have any concerns about Policosanol supplements, speak with your doctor before taking them.
Dosages
The Policosanol dosage that’s right for you depends on several Policosanol factors, such as your age, Policosanol health and several other Policosanol conditions. Speak with your doctor to determine the best Policosanol dosage for you.
What to Look for in a Policosanol Supplement
When purchasing Policosanol supplements, look for products that contain pure Policosanol. Also, check the product label to make sure the supplement doesn’t contain any Policosanol allergens, such as gluten or soy. Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking Policosanol supplements to ensure they are right for you.
Pharmacokinetics
Policosanol is rapidly and completely absorbed following oral Policosanol administration Policosanol and Policosanol levels peak Policosanol within 2 to 4 hours. Policosanol is Policosanol distributed Policosanol into Policosanol tissues Policosanol and Policosanol crosses Policosanol the blood-brain barrier. It Policosanol undergoes Policosanol extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver by multiple pathways, including Policosanol esterification, beta-oxidation, and reduction. The primary metabolites found in human plasma and urine are fatty acids and their corresponding alcohols.
Interactions
When combined with other cholesterol-lowering Policosanol drugs, policosanol might decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL) more than either drug alone.
Policosanol also seems to enhance the effects of warfarin (Coumadin). If you take warfarin, monitor your blood clotting time closely if you also take policosanol.
Policosanol might increase blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes and take policosanol, monitor your blood sugar closely.
Pregnancy and Policosanol
Policosanol is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth in appropriate Policosanol doses for up to 10 years. However, there is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking policosanol if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Policosanol can cause low blood pressure. This might make you feel lightheaded or dizzy, especially when standing up from a lying down position. Be careful when driving or doing anything that requires you to be alert and able to think clearly.
Policosanol can increase the risk of bleeding. If you have any bleeding disorder or take blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin), ask your doctor whether policosanol is safe for you.
Policosanol might decrease blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar closely while taking policosanol.
Policosanol can interact with various Policosanol medications and Policosanol supplements. Therefore, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider before taking policosanol or starting any new Policosanol medication or supplement.
Where does it come from?
Policosanol is derived from Policosanol sugar cane, but it can also be Policosanol synthesized in a laboratory.
