Octacosanol


Introduction: 

Octacosanol is a waxy substance naturally present in some plant oils and is the primary component of the sugar cane extract called policosanol.

Sources: 

"Octacosanol is a waxy substance found in vegetable oils and sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum). Another compound, called policosanol, contains a large amount of octacosanol, along with several similar compounds."

Treatment For: 

Athletic performance

Symptoms of Deficiency: 

"Because octacosanol is not an essential bodily constituent, deficiencies do not occur."

Recommended Dosages: 

"When octacosanol is taken as part of policosanol, 5–10 mg of policosanol is taken twice each day with meals. For exercise performance, 1 mg per day of octacosanol has been used."

Side Effects: 

"Long-term trials in humans using amounts up to 20 mg per day have not shown any negative effects. At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with octacosanol."