Heptacosanol

Fatty-acidPolicosanolBest with a meal

What is it

Heptacosanol is a 27-carbon long-chain primary alcohol that is a minor component of policosanol, a mixture of long-chain alcohols isolated from sugar cane wax, beeswax, or rice bran.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Component of policosanol

Mixed Evidence

Cuban trials suggested benefit; independent replication has been negative. Heptacosanol alone has not been studied.

How it works

Heptacosanol is one of several alcohols (with octacosanol, triacontanol, and others) in the policosanol blend. Cuban policosanol research suggested cholesterol-lowering effects via inhibition of cholesterol synthesis, but later independent trials in different populations have not replicated these findings. There are no isolated heptacosanol clinical trials.

Dosage

No RDA. Heptacosanol is not sold individually; doses depend on its share of policosanol products.

When and how to take it

WHEN: With meals. HOW: As part of policosanol product.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Within policosanol blend

Not sold separately.

Poor oral absorption of long-chain alcohols.

Safety

Considered safe at policosanol doses (5-20 mg/day). Mild GI upset is occasional.

Who should be cautious

Limited pregnancy data. Otherwise low risk.

Interactions

No significant interactions reported. Theoretical antiplatelet activity in early policosanol research not confirmed.

Food sources

Sugar cane wax (trace)

Amount
n/a
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is heptacosanol the same as policosanol?⌄

No, it is one of several alcohols in the policosanol mixture.

References

Heptacosanol on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Heptacosanol on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Heptacosanol (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.