Researchers in Cuba had earlier proved that Policosanols present in Cuban sugar cane had dramatic cholesterol-lowering effects . A new study contradicts this view
Two Canadian researchers Dr. Peter J. H. Jones and Dr. Amira N. Kassis studying Nutrition and Functional Foods at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg have disproved an earlier Cuban study regarding the dramatic cholesterol-lowering effects of Policosanols in Cuban sugar cane.
The Canadian pair conducted their study on 21 healthy men and women with high cholesterol.The participants had to consume ten milligrams of policosanols daily or a placebo for 28 days. Again, after a 28-day break, the participants switched to placebo or policosanols. No observable effect on the participants' cholesterol was found in those who consumed policosanols.A number of plant products are known to reduce cholesterol levels, but this study finds that Cuban sugar cane 'policosanols' are not effective, Jones reported.
However, he admitted some possibilities: that genetic differences in Cuban individuals make them react differently to policosanols. Or, the Cubans take policosanols in their normal diet whereas the study administered only the extract.
There seems to be need for more research and scrutiny of this herbal product claims, as policosanol extract is quite expensive, being sold for a dollar a pill!
Source-Medindia
PRI/ASH/L
