Policosanol is a popular dietary supplement that consists of a mixture of alcohols and beeswax. Many of the alcohols are derived from sugar cane, and include policosanol, hexacosanol, triocontanol, and several others.
As a dietary supplement, policosanol has been used to lower levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood. Studies have shown that policosanol supplementation can reduce both total cholesterol and LDL levels, while raising HDL cholesterol levels, with positive results lasting up to two years. These results have been seen in various patient populations, ranging from postmenopausal women to patients with Type II diabetes.
Clinical studies have shown that policosanol may benefit patients suffering from other conditions, as well. It appears to inhibit the formation of blood clots, and shows a synergistic effect when used with aspirin for this purpose. Polocisanol may also reduce inflammation and protect the body from certain types of viruses.
The recommended dose of policosanol is 10 milligrams once per day, usually taken during the evening, with meals. Animal studies using much higher doses for prolonged amounts of time have demonstrated no adverse side-effects or signs of toxicity.
Policosanol is available in supplement form as a tablet, capsule or pill. Policosanol is often sold as part of a larger dietary supplement that includes coenzyme Q10 and various antioxidants.
Some minor side-effects have been associated with long-term policosanol use, including dizziness, upset stomach, and headaches. Because policosanol acts as a blood thinner, it should not be taken by patients using blood-thinning medications such as warfarin or coumadin, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen or ibuprofen, without first consulting with a licensed health care provider. In addition, because policosanol is made in part from beeswax, some patients who are allergic to bee stings or bee products may have an allergic reaction to policosanol.
As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions with policosanol. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking policosanol or any other dietary supplement or herbal remedy.
References
Governor Gavin Newsom has retracted the proposed budget cuts to the Medi-Cal acupuncture program for low-income Californians for the 2024-2025 budget year. This decision marks a significant victory for health care providers and advocates who have long championed acupuncture as a vital component of comprehensive medical care.
There’s no doubt that many of your patients visit your practice because they are in pain. And there’s certainly no doubt that curcumin from turmeric (Curcuma longa) can be incredibly effective in stopping that pain, whether due to chronic conditions like arthritis or acute pain from intensive workouts. But your patients may also benefit from curcumin for other reasons.
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Fair and appropriate wages in health care are typically based on economic evaluations. A simple literature review illuminates that acupuncture is missing economic evaluations; which implies you are either underpaid or overpaid. The complexity of services provided by most American acupuncturists, which they are trained and certified to provide, must be reimbursed fairly.
