Drug Made from Beeswax Helps Lower Cholesterol

Joe Graedon and Teresa Graedon, The Bradenton Herald (Florida), 12/22/05

What can you tell me about policosanol? A friend has lowered her cholesterol by 50 points over the last year by taking it.

Policosanol is made from sugar cane wax, rice or beeswax. Studies have shown that this compound can lower bad LDL cholesterol. A new study published in the journal Clinical Drug Investigation (November 2005) confirms that policosanol lowers total cholesterol. Side effects are uncommon but may include digestive upset, skin rash and headache.