Potent LDL cholesterol-lowering activity and other anti-inflammatory, antiviral and neuroprotective properties have been shown in animal studies and human clinical trials of a class of phytochemicals made up of very long-chain aliphatic alcohols and their metabolites, which are extracted from sugar cane wax. These results are reported in a series of five papers by Cuban scientists in the Summer 2001 issue (Volume 4, Number 2) of Journal of Medicinal Food. "The very long-chain aliphatic alcohols represent a class of phytochemicals with some rather remarkable therapeutic as well as preventive potential," said Journal Editor Sheldon S. Hendler, Ph.D., M.D., commenting on the findings of Cuban researchers. "Policosanol, a mixture of very long-chain aliphatic alcohols derived from sugar cane wax and other plant sources, has shown potent LDL cholesterol-lowering activity in animal studies and in human clinical trials. The safety profile of these substances appears excellent. These alcohols have also demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and neuroprotective activities, among others."
