ANYONE FAMILIAR WITH POLICOSANOL?

[cjbrooksjc]

For those with a high cholesterol count they feel NEEDS management - below is one of many internet excerpts regarding POLICOSANOL. Does anyone have any experience or anecdotal evidence regarding this cholesterol-reducing supplement?

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While statin drugs simply cut cholesterol, clinical studies now confirm that Dr. Wright’s discovery can (I DOUBT Dr. Wright actually discovered this)

* slash LDL cholesterol by a whopping 25%
* cut TOTAL cholesterol as much as 17%
* yet raise “good” HDL cholesterol by over 29%
* reduce dangerous triglycerides up to 14%, and
* lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure

All without blocking your CoQ10.

So what is this awesome new powerhouse? Some ultra-risky drug that still needs years of testing and tinkering? Something we’ll have to pay hundreds of dollars for, when it finally appears?

Not at all!

This new wonder is made from nothing more dangerous than sugar cane extract. And it’s not even the sugar component, but the part we’ve been throwing away!

In fact, this extract has practically zero carbohydrate content. It’s so harmless that even type II diabetics can use it without raising their blood sugar. And when scientists tested it for any other bad side-effects, it proved even safer than the placebo!

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This particular site goes on to offer you FREE stuff and info on this wonder supplement, but I KNOW, based on the fact it derives from sugar cane extract, what it is. I have been interested in policosanol for some time, but for the first time I have read that is DOES NOT work like statins and does not reduce CoQ10.

Any comments?

Regards,

Brooks

[catspajamas]

I have taken policosanol for 8 years....no side effects...get it at i herb or vitacost at a reasonable price...it keeps my total cholesteral about 220 which I am satisfied with ( and I don't watch my diet as well as I should)..I understand people in denmark have used it for quite some time....I have a supplement of it now that includes a little niacin and plant esters...I have stopped worrying about my cholesteral as long as I have no indications of heart disease...I have periferal neuropathy and residual muscle damage from zocor so I am very leary of what I take anymore....I have been taking aquatic therapy and in 6 weeks it has made my muscles stronger...that may be a option for some...

[cjbrooksjc]

Thanks, CPJs. That's what I was wanting to know. My Total C went up a bit (260), and I want to push it down just a few points to around 220-230; so, this sounds like a good option.
My new Dr., although I gave them my Statin history, recommended Crestor! I just said we should wait and see... brother! Next appt. in October.

Best,

Brooks

[Biologist]

Brooks, did you decide to give this stuff a try? Please keep us posted if you did/do.

You say your numbers creeped up a bit. What might you have changed? Eating more carbohydrates maybe these days? Knowing the mechanism for how this stuff works would be good to know. My guess is that it is well known. Maybe not well disciminated knowledge, but well known to science. I have zero knowledge about it. I am sure it must be safer than statins and maybe plain safe period.

If you want, give some thought to doing your own "spit tests" for a saliva lab (or "pin prick" blood spot tests) on the same day you do your blood work for cholesterol levels with your doctor's lab, and then compare results. That way, once comfortable with interpreting results (i.e., the differences between the labs' calibrations and methods and corresponding value findings), you can do your own work and not depend on the doctor -- then you can do your own experimenting if you like (say with diet and cutting out the carbs). You can call this lab and they will send you the test kits for free. I have five kits right here. You only pay when you send the samples in.

BTW, as you know, your new doctor is dangerous -- you are more of a doctor than he/she is regarding heart health, so please keep that in mind. For example, as far as I am concerned, you are also a better chef than the highest paid, most experienced, most acclaimed five-star chef in the world if that particular chef might insist on a new "industry standard" of say, two scoops of fresh skunk-urine-cultured activated tuberculosis extract powder sprinkled atop his/her best dishes. That's the equivalent of otherwise decent doctors prescribing statins. As you know, just say, "Thanks, but I'll pass on that one" regarding the Crestor.

This is a page you may want to spend some time on and maybe order their tests. I tend to think well of this group as my new doctor (who is very educated and very anti-statin) uses them, and you can get tested easily for the markers that really do appear to be effective "heart health indicators":

*http://provider.zrtlab.com/page.php?RecordID=8

Here's the main page.:

*http://www.salivatest.com/

It is, of course, quite possible that your numbers are fine and right where they should be for optimal health (e.g., the real science indicates that above 350 mg/dl is the start of the "concern zone" for most healty people), but regardless, we now know per the real science that cholesterol levels are not the correct/best markers anyway. You will see the correct markers (per the best science) are tested at this lab. I will likely do some of this testing myself when I get around to it. If my numbers appear to be in range then I will forget about being concerned about fixing things. I believe they comment on healthy / unhealthy range values or they can be researched. Again, an interpretation by the typical doctor might be suspect.

Just some thoughts.

Biologist

[Biologist]

Here is their "range page" I should have linked. It is a PDF file.

*http://76.12.104.180/pdfs/DataSheet_CardioMetabolicProfile.pdf

Biologist

[cjbrooksjc]

B: Thanks for the links. I'll take a look. My 'new' Dr. is just a pivot (PCP) I use to get insurance coverage for specialists; I don't rely on him for anything else. He has yet to recommend " fresh skunk-urine-cultured activated tuberculosis extract powder" sprinkled atop anything, but our relationship is still in its formative stages. As to the Polycosanol... I had some sytrinol (another natural supplement) I wanted to go thru before ordering anything else, but I'll probably order Poly today or tomorrow from Vitacost. I'll let you know how it works.

Best,

Brooks

[Biologist]

Brooks, skip this post until you have nothing better to do...

That is interesting. That is my next step. A specialist. I need my heart function evaluated, and after getting my tax return finished and sent off in the next few days (already paid, just getting the paper work done by the 15th like many Americans, I'm sure), that will be my next project unless I get covered up in work again. As I mentioned earlier, I believe I am getting to the point of being able to determine my permanent injuries. The most serious is a substantial lack of stamina from pre-statin days. My statin situation appears to be rather unique from most people's experience on this board and other accounts. My first awareness of statin problems, after years of use, came from an acute episode of energy loss. I was quite literally on my knees within an hour of doing one of my two-mile sprints on a stationary stair climber machine. I crawled to my desk, hardly able to think, and started researching statins on my computer (as that was all I could think of that this might could be) and quickly found this website and began reading. This was two years ago, I have never been the same since. If I had happened to have stumbled upon this site years earlier, I am sure I would have quit statins immediately had I been forced to read from it more than 60 seconds (otherwise, I might have instantly concluded statin damage was an anomaly such as asprin and children in ryes syndrome or something -- something very rare and not applicable to me). In fact, that is one of my biggest complaints with my doctor. Incredibly, I knew absolutely nothing about side effects except for a rare condition that I was already cleared of having due to the early liver testing (i.e., rabdomyolysis). I was like many doctors are now: entranced with the myth of statins without having done any real research other that to rely on Pharma magazine ads/propoganda and the popular notion that they were fantastic. I also almost believed that most anyone NOT on statins was to be pitied and counseled -- but I kept that to myself for the most part except to "lobby" my brothers to get their cholesterol checked.

Of course, I now am sure I NEVER should have been on them. I was tricked for profit. And my original prescribing doctor was probably tricked too. He moved to another city and I started going to the doctor he referred me to who took over my treatment and became my family doctor. So the new doctor never did the "screening" such as history of family heart problems, etc, and did not know my original lipid numbers (as far as I know, he did not have my old files. That is something that I will probably be checking into, as I do not know for sure if they were transferred to his office). I now view my statin use as a total and complete disaster and a time bomb. If was just a matter of time before I was to be placed on Doxycycline as it is the standard treatment for both stubborn sinus conditions (I get stopped up a lot) and for a potential eye infection after eye surgery (Lasiks), which I had planned for many years.

I believe the cause of my problems was a combination of:

1) Way too high a prescription of Zocor (40 mg.s) for several weeks where prior months and years I had been breaking an 80 mg pill three ways, now just cutting them in half as per my actual prescription. The new round pills made it difficult to cut in three pieces. My doctor did not know that I had been taking less than prescribed for years, and I partly was doing it for cost savings. The reason it was raised to 40 mg. from 20 mg early on in my treatment was that my numbers were not dropping enough (while my total cholesterol level was probably never over 240 even without statins, which I now recognize as being in a healthy range). This now makes perfect sense because I was not watching my diet for cholesterol. Again, I was not advised to do so. He may have assumed that I was, but sure never asked as far as I can remember. Of course, I had no idea that there were problems with taking statins, let a lone that such problems were dose dependent. I now consider that a stupid assumption on my part, and negligent on his part -- but again, he was under the trance of the "harmless drug myth" too as far as I know at the time. However, as the years went on and his knowledge accumulated, he should have been looking for reasons to lower my doseage, or better, to remove me from statins. Looking back, I experienced many signs he should have used to connect the dots: Not sleeping well (which necessitated prescriptions of Ambien; ED, another classic sign, where he prescribed very expensive medication to fix it too. He never uttered a single word that it could be the statins. He may have intentionally withheld that concern thinking it was for my own good to keep me on statins, or maybe worse, he did not know. Either way, it is outragious and unacceptable. The height of failure in medicine: take someone healthy as an ox, and have them pay you money to seriously damage their health and quality of life. That's not going to be working.

2) Having run out of CoQ10 a few weeks prior to the "attack" which I had no idea was so important to my health while on statins and exercising, but had read a good article about it and had been on it for many months. My doctor sure never mentioned CoQ10.

3) STRENUOUS aerobic exercise at least every other day for 18 months and getting more strenuous as the months progressed -- almost like training for a marathon -- only faster running for a shorter distance. I was trying to get into peak condition partly as I was noticing a lower level of stamina for the first time in my life over the preceding months where I was actually "less substantial" than my similarly-aged peers, including my brothers, for the first time in my life.

4) Taking Doxycycline during this time period days after Lasiks vision correction surgery. I have since researched this drug and documented on this website why it is not to be taken with statins -- pharmacists I have spoken with confirm that it is not on the "watch list."

Statins have screwed up my LIFE PLAN seriously. I had planned to beat the endless medical money pit by staying healthy into very old age. However, ironically, now, treating, paying for and learning about statin damage has remained high on my priority list for the last two years, you too I'm sure. I had other things to do! My biggest complaint with the medical community was the lack of warning about side effects. To me, no mention whatsoever. That pisses me off. I was denied the ability to make an informed decision. Had it not been for doctors as the false "gatekeepers" I would have done some research prior to taking them. I depended on them to do what I should have done myself -- and would have done myself if left to my own devices. That was a serious disservice to me. With the gradual loss of energy over the years, I became much more of a reader. Ironically, just by coincidence as I am interested in the subject, this is one of the books I was reading after my first or second or third year of statins:

*http://www.amazon.com/Molecular-Biology-Cell-Bruce-Alberts/dp/0815341059/ref=sr_1_1/105-3558645-9214807?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1223230761&sr=8-1

When the book arrived from Amazon, I immediately took it to Kinkos and had it cut into about eight smaller bound sections such that it was easier to read due to its almost seven pound wight in my lap. I do all my reading in a Lazy-Boy Rocker like I am in now with this laptop. This is the newest edition, which I will probably order soon in order to reread after its visit to Kinkos again. Much new knowledge in the past few years. In my version, Dr. James Watson was one of the contributors, who co-discovered the structure of the DNA molecule -- he taught one of my biology professors in college.. I was also very interested in life extension and physical fitness over the last 30 years, despite my light cigarette habit -- I have unending respect for those who have managed to break the nicotine habit. I predict Obama will not through the next eight years and Laura Bush has never been able to quit. I do not smoke anymore but use the patch, gum and other means for getting my "fix." Actually, nicotine itself may not be so bad, but smoking is a big no no for health reasons.

Anyway, the next step is to see if there is permanent damage to my heart. I am suspicious that is the case and at this point need to know.

BTW, I would not expect your doctor to use the new delicious (but fictitious) super flavor enhancer "fresh skunk-urine-cultured activated tuberculosis extract powder" unless he is also a chef! There's a decent analagy to be found here though. Like transfats, the stuff may be very delicious as long as you don't know what it is and what it does to you.: Probably dangerous or deadly -- like transfats. I am glad these poisons are being removed from our food, and it should have happened years ago. While statins "in the diet" are an order of magnitude worse, the molecular biology of either is eye-opening and truly sickening.

BTW, here is another expensive book I will be ordering soon (probably right now), which may be nearly as sickening to read as statins are for your health. (Read the one review of it on this page.) I am likely to read every word though. Even biased junk science can sometimes be revealing. Often it is the facts that are of interest (which are ofen unadulterated), not the biased interpretation of the facts.

*http://www.amazon.com/HMG-CoA-Reductase-Inhibitors-Milestones-Therapy/dp/376436307X/ref=sr_1_2/002-5509414-7595229?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1223236077&sr=8-2

Biologist

[cjbrooksjc]

B: I empathize completely with your post. I used to be pleased to tell people my age and have them flush with incredulity. Today, there is NO WAY I could manage even ONE DAY of my past regimen without paying a terrible price. I, as you, expected this gift of youth to precede me into my later years; I no longer have this expectation. My fury has no outlet and no purpose; so, I try to keep positive and hope for one of those GOOD DAYS TOMORROW every night I lay down. I hope one day to take the stand in a court of law to depose the PHARMA kings. It has happened to Wall St. (sort of) why not BIG PHARMA? I have not yet, but I will look at the link you provided. Thanks.

BTW, my current total Cholesterol is 260. You had asked this before and I failed to reply. I don't sweat it!


Courage,

Brooks

[catspajamas]

I just had blood work done....my total cho 119...my good cho. went up , the bad down, normal triglys.....Goes to show that my policosanol regime is working....Source Naturals Policosanol cholesteral complex....I have been on it a year so it doesn't lower numbers quickly....

[cjbrooksjc]

Good to know Catspjs, thanks for sharing your results, but 119? Really? Not to dampen your enthusiasm, but that seems awfully low to me. How are you feeling? IDK, the body cranks the cholesterol up for a reason; maybe the policosanol is reducing the body's need for elevated cholesterol. There are moments I think I have a handle on this stuff and then moments, like now, I feel I don't know anything at all.


Best,

Brooks

[catspajamas]

Sorry...I had a 219 tot. cho. not a 119....you are sharp kiddo to catch that boo boo I made....219 is good for me and I am satisfied...my cousin called today and said her dr wants her on a statin..her cho was 217..I told her to tell the dr to go jump....she takes a lotof meds anyway being she is epileptic...I don't think she should add a statin to her mix...If a statin affected my nerves..what would one do to a epileptic?....what are these dr's thinking?

[peter s]

From what I read, the studies showing the efficacy of policosanol are all out of Cuba using the form produced there using sugar cane, and the studies using the form produced in the US (from beeswax) show that it does not work.

FWIW from the website of Dr. Sahelian who I usually find to be a balanced source of information on supplements.

Policosanol by Ray Sahelian, M.D. (natural medicine information)

Policosanol is a mixture of very-long-chain aliphatic alcohols purified from sugar cane wax whose main component is octacosanol. There is no strong evidence at this time that policosanol helps lower cholesterol levels. The research has provided mixed results with some studies showing certain benefits while other studies claiming that policosanol has no benefit in cholesterol management. I have included both positive and negative findings on this policosanol page. I am as confused as most everyone else regarding the role of this nutrient in health and disease, and for the time being I need to see more research with policosanol to determine if it is an effective nutrient to lower cholesterol, and whether higher dosages, such as 40 mg daily, may be more effective. See cholesterol for additional options. Perhaps policosanol has benefits in the human body other than lowering cholesterol, but we don't yet fully understand what these are, if any.

[Brian C.]

Because of its origins be aware that there would be strong political pressure over and above that from Pharma to rubbish this.

If the Cuban product is not available I would steer clear.


Brian.