The composition, biological trafficking and cholesterol-lowering efficacy of sugarcane-derived policosanol supplements /

The cholesterol-lowering efficacy of the original sugarcane-derived Cuban policosanol (OPC) supplement has been attributed to an exclusive policosanol purity and composition. The first objective of the following study was to compare the purity and composition of the OPC and alternative sugarcane derived policosanol (APC) products. Second, to measure blood lipids and policosanol levels in tissues, plasma and feces in hamsters receiving diet fortified with no policosanols, OPC, or an APC (APC1) product. Results indicated that the policosanol purity and composition of the OPC and APC formulations are similar. Lipid levels were not significantly different between groups. Policosanols were undetectable in the plasma and tissues of any animals following policosanol supplementation. Policosanols were excreted at a higher rate in animals consuming APC1. Sugarcane-derived policosanols are not an efficacious cholesterol-lowering therapy. The purity and relative percent composition of the OPC supplement cannot account for its efficacy as a lipid lowering agent