Policosanol is the extract of a combination of alcohols obtained from wheat germ and beeswax in the US. The extract is used to raise the HDL (good) cholesterol level (by 8% to 15%), and to lower the LDL (by 21% to 29%) and cholesterol total levels (by 17% to 21%) in the body. These results are especially welcome because the HDL cholesterol not only maintains the body in a healthy state, but they also reduce the quantity of the LDL cholesterol in the body. These results were received without the bad side effect that statin drugs, like aspirin had.

It is believed that the extract works by preventing cholesterol production in the liver. However, as with all medications and natural extracts, there are side effects, and this writing will discuss the policosanol side effects.

There are three main side effects of policosanol:

1. Weight loss - This is one side effect of the supplement, and many people will take the supplement specifically to lose weight. This weight loss effect is possible if the person taking the supplement is exercising every day, and is also eating a balanced diet.

2. Insomnia - Some people on the supplement will start to experience difficulty falling asleep. In studies done on the supplement, this side effect only affected a few people and lasted for up to 3 weeks. So if you suffer with this side effect for longer than 4 weeks, you should seek the help of a doctor. But this reaction to the supplement isquite rare.

3. Headaches - This side effect is much more common that the other two already mentioned, but headaches are quite common when taking many prescription medications and herbal extracts. But it is good that you know ahead of time that headaches are a common reaction to policosanol.

Since the policosanol is derived from the alcohols from yams, bees wax, and the waxes from sugar cane, they will not raise blood sugar levels, and it is thought that they may also be useful in the treatment of diabetes. Policosanol is also stated to be effective in promoting optimal health and battling the causes of aging.