Journal of Clinical Trials
Open Access

Abstract

Effects of Cuban Sugarcane-Derived Policosanol on Lipid Profiles in Healthy Individuals with Normal LDL Cholesterol Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Taiki Yamamoto, Bo Zhang, Tomohiro Komatsu, Shin’ichiro Yasunaga, Yoshinari Uehara*

Recent studies have examined the use of supplements as a preventative measure against heart disease, along with the development of pharmaceutical drugs. Policosanol, a particularly interesting supplement, improves conditions such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, and inflammation. In addition, in patients diagnosed with hyperlipidemia, policosanol enhances lipid metabolism with respect to Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL). The efficacy of plant-derived policosanol varies depending on its specific type and origin. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effect of Cuban sugarcane-derived policosanol on the lipid profile of healthy individuals with normal LDL cholesterol levels via randomized placebo-controlled trials. A comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Radelyc and Ichushi was conducted until August of 2025. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool (RoB 2). The mean difference of lipid concentrations in the policosanol and placebo arms were pooled using a random-effects meta analysis. A subsequent meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials (395 participants) revealed that policosanol supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in serum LDL- cholesterol levels (17.8 mg/dL) in comparison with the placebo (effect size: -17.8 mg/dL; 95% CI: -26.8 to -8.8). Additionally, it was observed to increase the HDL- cholesterol levels by an average of 3.5 mg/dL, with this effect being adjusted for the placebo effect (effect size: 3.5 mg/dL; 95% CI: 1.9-5.1). Moreover, the Cuban policosanol supplementation group exhibited a substantial increase in HDL cholesterol levels.

In conclusion, policosanol, a derivative of Cuban sugarcane, was effectively improved lipid profiles in healthy individuals with normal LDL cholesterol concentrations.

Published Date: 2025-12-31; Received Date: 2025-12-01