Policosanol Ineffective in Lowering Cholesterol

PADUA, Italy—Sugar cane policosanol may not lower cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic subjects, according to a new study conducted at Azienda Ospedaliera (Phytother Res. 2007; Epub ahead of print). In the double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 68 hypercholesterolemic subjects received a placebo or 20 mg of sugar cane policosanol for eight weeks. Results showed no significant change in body mass index, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride plasma levels in either group. Researchers concluded sugar cane policosanol, at a dose of 20 mg/d, showed no lipid lowering effects in subjects with hypercholesterolemia.