Hexacosanol

Fatty-acidPolicosanolBest with a meal

What is it

Hexacosanol (1-hexacosanol) is a 26-carbon long-chain primary alcohol present in policosanol blends derived 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.

Policosanol component

Mixed Evidence

Benefit signals come from older Cuban trials; independent replications have been negative.

How it works

Hexacosanol is one of several long-chain alcohols in the policosanol mixture. Original Cuban research suggested cholesterol-lowering and platelet-related effects for the blend; independent international trials have not replicated these findings. No isolated hexacosanol trials exist.

Dosage

No RDA. Not sold individually.

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.

Safety

Considered safe at policosanol blend doses.

Who should be cautious

Limited pregnancy data.

Interactions

No significant interactions reported.

Food sources

Plant waxes (trace)

Amount
n/a
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Does hexacosanol lower cholesterol?⌄

Evidence is for policosanol blends, not isolated hexacosanol, and independent replication has been negative.

References

Hexacosanol on Wikidata — Wikidata link

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

Research on Hexacosanol (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Hexacosanol with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store
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.