Derived from sugar cane wax, beeswax, or rice bran wax, policosanol consists of a mixture of higher primary aliphatic alcohols. Major alcohol components are octacosanol, triacontanol, and hexacosanol; tetracosanol and heptacosanol are minor components. Policosanol is postulated to lower cholesterol by inhibiting lipid synthesis and enhancing lipid clearance. Other purported policosanol benefits are that it inhibits platelet aggregation, prevents LDL peroxidation, and blocks smooth muscle proliferation, all of which may be important in reducing atherosclerotic risk.