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It is estimated that 52% of total population have borderline high cholesterol levels (200 to 239 mg/dL) and about 21% have dangerously high levels of 240 or above. High levels of cholesterol are associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the "bad cholesterol", carries cholesterol in the blood and is associated with a greater risk of heart attacks and strokes.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL), the "good cholesterol", transports cholesterol to the liver where is is eliminated from the body. Higher levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with lower cardiovascular risk.
Policosanol Lowers Cholesterol and LDL and Raises HDL
Policosanol is a natural supplement made from sugar cane. A review article published in the American Heart Journal reported that: "At doses of 10 to 20 mg per day,
policosanol lowers total cholesterol by 17% to 21%,
policosanol lowers LDL cholesterol by 21% to 29%, and
policosanol raises HDL cholesterol by 8% to 15%.
Daily doses of 10 mg of policosanol have been shown to be equally effective in lowering total or LDL cholesterol as the same dose of simvastatin (Zocor) or pravastatin (Pravachol). At dosages of up to 20 mg per day, policosanol is safe and well tolerated, as studies of over 3 years of therapy indicate." The authors concluded that policosanol seems to be a very promising phytochemical alternative to classic lipid-lowering agents such as the statins and deserves further evaluation. [1]
Policosanol inhibits Oxidization of LDL Cholesterol
Oxidized LDL cholesterol can be found in atherosclerotic lesions. Oxidized LDL cholesterol creates a chronic inflammatory response which promotes the destruction of blood vessels. It accelerates lesion progression by enhancing monocyte adhesion and macrophage foam cell generation, which induces the lesion to migrate onto smooth muscle cells. Oxidized LDL cholesterol also contributes to plaque formation by triggering thrombosis and by impairing vasodilation of the arteries. All of these factors contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis, thereby increasing the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Policosanol has been shown to protect against the oxidation of LDL cholesterol. [2]
References
1. Gouni-Berthold, I. and H.K. Berthold, Policosanol: clinical pharmacology and therapeutic significance of a new lipid-lowering agent. Am Heart J, 2002. 143(2): p. 356-65.
2. Menendez, R., et al., Inhibition of rat lipoprotein lipid peroxidation by the oral administration of D003, a mixture of very long-chain saturated fatty acids. Can J Physiol Pharmacol, 2002. 80(1): p. 13-21.
About the author:
Dr. Steriti is a graduate of Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, an accredited medical school that teaches both conventional diagnosis and alternative therapies, including clinical nutrition, botanical medicine and classical homeopathy. Dr. Steriti's web site is http://www.naturdoctor.com
For more info on policosanol, please visit http://www.lifexpand.com
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