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Octacosanol - Uses And Side Effects

Octacosanol (C28H58O) is a 28 carbon long-chain saturated primary alcohol, and is the active ingredient in wheat germ oil. It is found in wheat germ oil, spinach and sugar cane wax. It also has been isolated from some Euphorbia species, Acacia modesta, and other plants. Some people claim octacosanol enhances muscle endurance and athletic performance

Chief amongst these is its ability to enhance athletic performance by increasing the body's ability to use oxygen during exercise. The hard working muscles of an athlete need oxygen to perform and recover. Octacosanol improves oxygen usage by strengthening the heart, supporting low LDL cholesterol levels and higher HDL levels, thereby maintaining healthy heart function.

Common doses of Octacosanol

Octacosanol comes as:

• regular capsules (3,000 and 8,000 micrograms)
• softgel capsules (3,000 micrograms)
• tablets (1,000 and 6,000 micrograms).

Some experts recommend the following dose:

• 40 to 80 milligrams taken orally daily.

Uses of Octacosanol

Similarly, there is preliminary evidence suggesting that octacosanol may increase physical endurance and that it may benefit some with Parkinson's disease. Specifically, octacosanol may help to :-

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (lou gehrig’s disease)
• Heart and blood vessel disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• To enhance athletic performance

Side effects of Octacosanol

Call your health care practitioner if you experience any of these possible side effects of octacosanol:

• dizziness when rising from a sitting or lying position
• jerky, involuntary movements
• nervousness

Interactions

Combining octacosanol with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Don't use octacosanol while taking Sinemet.

Important points to remember

• Don't use octacosanol if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.

What the research shows

Medicinal claims for octacosanol aren't backed by solid evidence. More studies are needed to evaluate its effects in Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease), and heart and blood vessel diseases.

Other names for Octacosanol

Other names for octacosanol include octocosanol, 1-octacosanol, 14c-octacosanol, n-octacosanol, octacosyl alcohol, and policosanol.

Products containing octacosanol are sold under such names as Octacosanol Concentrate and Super Octacosanol.