Overview

Octacosanol is a chemical found in a variety of plants, including sugar cane and wheat germ oil. It is chemically similar to vitamin E. Octacosanol is also found in another product, called policosanol.

Octacosanol is used for athletic performance, Parkinson disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease), high cholesterol, and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Be careful not to confuse octacosanol with policosanol.

Classification

Is a Form of:

Chemical

Primary Functions:

Athletic performance

Also Known As:

1-Octacosanol, Hexacosanol (26-C), N-octacosanol, Octacosyl Alcohol, Tetracosanol (24-C)

How Does It Work?

Octacosanol might help improve the way the body uses oxygen.

Uses

• Lou Gehrig's disease (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS). Early research shows that taking octacosanol does not improve symptoms of ALS.
• Parkinson disease. Early research shows that taking octacosanol might improve some symptoms in people with Parkinson disease.
• Athletic performance.
• Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
• High cholesterol.
• Other conditions.

Recommended Dosing

The appropriate dose of octacosanol depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for octacosanol. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Octacosanol Supplements Frequently Asked Questions

What is Octacosanol good for?

Octacosanol is used to improve exercise performance including strength, stamina, and reaction time. It is also used for herpes infections, skin diseases, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease), high cholesterol, and “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis).

How much policosanol should I take?

Dosage and Preparation

A typical dosage of policosanol used in studies has been five to 10 milligrams twice daily. Studies generally find that it can take up to two months to notice benefits.

Is Policosanol a blood thinner?

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking policosanol if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use. Bleeding disorders: Policosanol can slow blood clotting and might increase the chance of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.

Does policosanol really work?

Does Policosanol Reduce Cholesterol? When you think of sugar, you don't think of lowering cholesterol. But Cuban researchers do. In fact they think that a byproduct of the sugar industry, policosanol, is an effective alternative to prescription drugs in reducing blood cholesterol levels.

What are the health benefits of policosanol?

Policosanol seems to decrease cholesterol production in the liver and to increase the breakdown of LDL (low-density lipoprotein or "bad") cholesterol. It also decreases the stickiness of particles in the blood known as platelets.

How good is Pycnogenol?

Pycnogenol may have benefits for heart and artery health. It seems to lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the legs. Some small studies suggest it may also protect against coronary artery disease and blood clots. There's good evidence that pycnogenol helps with eye damage caused by diabetes.

Does policosanol raise blood sugar?

Moreover, policosanol did not adversely affect glucose levels or glycemic control. The researchers conclude, "Policosanol is effective and safe in patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia."

Can I take Pycnogenol everyday?

Pycnogenol is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth in doses of 50 mg to 450 mg daily for up to one year, and when applied to the skin as a cream for up to 7 days or as a powder for up to 6 weeks. Pycnogenol can cause dizziness, gut problems, headache, and mouth ulcers.

Is Pycnogenol good for prostate?

New peer-reviewed and published research shows that daily supplementation with the natural antioxidant Pycnogenol® (pic-noj-en-all) French maritime pine bark extract can reduce symptoms related to enlarged prostate within 60 days.

What is the best Pycnogenol to take?

Best Pycnogenol Brand Overall

Viva Naturals offers Amazon's go-to pycnogenol supplement. Great for all purposes. When it comes to positive pycnogenol reviews on Amazon, Viva Naturals takes the cake.

Does Pycnogenol increase testosterone?

Testosterone levels and endothelial NO synthase (e-NOS) were monitored along with routine clinical chemistry. Intake of Pycnogenol for 1 month restored erectile function to normal. e-NOS in spermatozoa and testosterone levels in blood increased significantly. Cholesterol levels and blood pressure were lowered.

Is Pycnogenol good for erectile dysfunction?

Pycnogenol helps erectile dysfunction and diabetes through circulatory link. A new peer-reviewed study, published in the Bratislava Medical Journal, shows that daily supplementation with the natural antioxidant, Pycnogenol, a French maritime pine bark extract, can improve the symptoms of ED.

Clinical Studies