Research from Cuba shows a cholesterol lowering effect of sugar cane policosanols. Policosanols are part of the wax of the sugar cane. The Cuban studies show that sugar cane policosanol lowers cholesterol synthesis. The results of independent studies, however, do not duplicate those results. Kassis, et al, studied whether sugar cane policosanol is effective in treating a group of hypercholesterolemic (high cholesterol) patients.

Twenty-two subjects were tested in this study. A placebo-controlled, double-blind and cross-over study was done. The subjects were given 10 mg/day policosanol or a placebo. The subjects were tested for the absorption of cholesterol, also.

The study showed no change in LDL cholesterol as a result of taking policosanols. The Cuban studies have, previously, shown up to 30% reduction in serum LDL cholesterol. Lowering of LDL cholesterol is highly desirable and difficult.

Sugar cane policosanol is known to have poor absorption.

CONCLUSION: No effect or benefit to LDL cholesterol was seen from the therapeutic used of sugar cane policosanols in the present study. The LDL cholesterol lowering results seen in the previous Cuban studies of sugar cane policosanol were not confirmed by this study.

NOTE: An attempt is being made by researchers to find treatments to lower LDL cholesterol which do not have the side effects of the statin drugs. Effective treatments for low HDL cholesterol are already known.

To read the author’s abstract of the article click on the link to the author’s title of the article above.

PMID: 18447941.

Summary #286.