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Octacosanol is a 28 carbon long-chain saturated primary alcohol
found in a number of different vegetable waxes, especially that
found on green blades of wheat. It is also found in wheat germ oil.
Octacosanol is also the primary component of the sugar cane extract
called policosanol.
Wheat germ oil in particular has been
studied by researchers as an exercise and physical performance
enhancing agent. Studies indicate that the octacosanol found in
wheat germ oil may help to enhance endurance, reaction time, and
exercise capacity. Octacosanol may also have cholesterol-lowering
effects, but additional research is needed to confirm these
findings.
Octacosanol is a waxy substance found in vegetable
oils and sugar cane (saccharum officinarum). Another compound,
called policosanol, contains a large amount of octacosanol, along
with several similar compounds. Typical doses used are 1 to 8
milligrams (1,000 to 8,000 micrograms) per day taken with meals. A
dose of 20 milligrams daily should not be exceeded. Octacosanol
frequently comes in mixtures with other long-chain
alcohols.
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