Sugar Cane Extract Policosanol Useless to Lower Cholesterol?

Recent studies from South Africa and Germany have demonstrated that policosanol, a sugar cane derivative found in many over-the-counter dietary supplements, has no effect in lowering cholesterol. The Wall Street Journal today (and previously reported by MedPage Today) disclosed that this is in direct opposition to dozens of former studies, almost all of which were from Cuba (a large sugar cane producing country). Officials from Cuba's National Center for Scientific Research and Dalmer Laboratories couldn't be reached for comment. Alternative medicine enthusiasts would be wise to take notice.

--Wes