The nutritional supplement policosanol does not lower cholesterol levels according to a study published in the May 17 issue of JAMA, contradicting previously reported studies.

"Our results suggest that [policosanol] is devoid of clinically relevant lipoprotein-lowering properties in white patients. Still, more independent studies are required to counterbalance the vast body of available positive trials.

Although policosanol has been used for more than a decade in clinical trials, there are still no data on patient-related outcomes, such as cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Moreover, independent information should be given to consumers who might take policosanol to improve their cardiovascular risk profile," the authors conclude.

Policosanol, a natural substance produced from the waxy coating of sugar cane is sold in more than 40 countries mainly because of its supposed lipid-lowering effects. Also, policosanol products (sugar cane, wheat germ, rice bran, beeswax) are sold over the internet and over-the-counter with emphasized lipid-lowering effects, comparable with statins, the prescription medications taken to lower cholesterol.

Read more at JAMA news release.

Photo Credit: Zuckerman Pharmacy