Evaluation of policosanols as functional foods for cholesterol‐lowering

Abstract

Studies conducted in Cuba have reported substantial reductions in plasma lipids using Cuban sugar cane policosanol mixtures. However, external research groups using different mixtures have failed to reproduce the efficacy of policosanols observed in the earlier studies. Objectives Evaluate the effect of the authentic sugar cane policosanols (SCP) on plasma lipids in healthy hypercholesterolemic volunteers. Design and Methods The effect of policosanols on lipid levels in humans was nested in a randomized, double-blind crossover design. 21 volunteers were administered 10 mg of SCP per day or a placebo incorporated in margarine as an afternoon snack, for a period of 28 days. Subjects were asked to maintain their habitual diet and physical activity, and body weights were monitored daily throughout the study period. Blood was collected at the start and end of the feeding period and lipid levels were measured using enzymatic kits. Results No significant difference was observed between treatment and control groups in plasma total, LDL-, HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Body weights did not vary significantly throughout the trial, and did not impact plasma lipid values. Conclusion The present study is the first to be conducted in North America using the authentic mixture of policosanols in order to examine their effect on lipid levels. Our results show no beneficial effect of policosanols on lipid parameters in hypercholesterolemic individuals and question the clinical usefulness of policosanol mixtures as cholesterol-lowering natural health products. Funded by AFMnet of NCE.