Policosanol is one of the most promising nutritional supplements in recent history. It is a combination of long-chain fatty alcohols (no biological similarity to ethanol) that are isolated and refined from sugar cane wax (Saccharum officinarum). Octacosanol is the most important of these isolated alcohols, followed by seven other prominent high aliphatic (open-chain structure) alcohols. This unique extract was originally studied in Cuba as a cholesterol-lowering agent and is an approved Favorable Effects for high cholesterol in about two-dozen countries.

Policosanol appears to slow down cholesterol synthesis in the liver and increase liver re-absorption of low-density lipoproteins (LDL). Policosanol has also been shown to increase levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL). Cholesterol is a fat-related substance necessary for good health. It is a normal component of most body tissues, especially those of the brain, nervous system, liver and blood and is needed to form the sex and adrenal hormones, vitamin D and bile; a digestive secretion required for fat digestion. A high level of blood cholesterol, however, increases the likelihood of developing health problems such as heart problem. There are five types of cholesterol, but it is the HDL and LDL cholesterol that we look to in assessing the potential for problem.