Policosanols are a group of long-chain aliphatic alcohols (“fatty alcohols” like the main octacosanol) which are mainly derived from waxes present in sugar cane, but also from rice bran, spinaches, broccoli, oat and alfalfa. Most important clinical studies with policosanols were originally performed in Cuba; these tests showed that policosanols are able to reduce intrahepatic and serum cholesterol, mainly by an antagonization of HMG-CoA, the rate-limiting step of cholesterol synthesis.
Aneddotical information also suggest a possible use for policosanols to support male sexual performance and energy.