PureBulk

What is Octacosanol?

Octacosanol is a solid, waxy, and insoluble compound that is a member of the fatty alcohol family. A long-chain saturated primary alcohol, Octacosanol is the active ingredient in wheat germ oil isolated from the wax usually found on the green blades of wheat. It can be derived from wheat germ oil, spinach and sugar cane wax. It is also the primary component of a sugar cane extract called policosanol. Octacosanol, or otherwise known as wheat germ oil, is one of the best available sources of Vitamin E. Wheat germ oil is very rich in vitamin E and is used frequently as a source of vitamin E for both internal use or for external application to burns, sores, and other skin problems. The antioxidant attributes of vitamin E make wheat germ oil more stable to oxidation than numerous other oils. For anyone concerned with a fatty diet or cholesterol, wheat germ may be exactly what you need to get a balanced and heart-healthy diet and supplement program.

Octacosanol is one of the many active ingredients of wheat germ oil. Wheat germ is the embryo or baby wheat plant of the wheat kernel. Wheat germ oil is a fatty substance that can be found in the wheat germ. Octacosanol is one of the many fatty, long-chain waxy alcohols that can be found present in the wheat germ oil extracted. Wheat germ oil is one of the most abundant sources of octacosanol, but the latter can also be taken from whole grains, nuts, vegetable oils, as well as sugar canes. A lot of people and groups who use and manufacture octacosanol claim that it improves endurance, reaction time, and general vitality, although these effects may take some time usually several weeks to become apparent. Though scientific research has not yet conclusively confirmed all of the claims, octacosanol has been demonstrated to improve oxygen utilization, which in turn improves performance, particularly at higher altitudes or when under stress, and it also has a mild cholesterol-lowering effect.

Wheat germ itself has a rich supply of protein, B vitamins, vitamin E, and many minerals, particularly iron, calcium, copper, magnesium, manganese, zinc, phosphorus, and potassium. Overall, nutritionally speaking, it is more balanced than its isolated oil because the latter is almost exclusively vitamin E plus other oils and thus more caloric. However our bodies need some of the oils for tissue health and to obtain natural vitamin E, so for these reasons wheat germ oil supplements can be a good addition to a low-fat or low-vitamin-E diet. Recently over the past few years, a concentrated waxy alcohol known as a Policosanol has been developed, consisting of octacosanol and a handful of others like triacontanol and hexacosaonol. Typically extracted from beeswax or sugar canes, one can find wheat germ in cereal or in a variety of baking products like breads, muffins, etc. It is also available in supplement form as a purebulk powder or concentrate.

While the action of octacosanol is still not certain, research conducted way back in the 1970s demonstrated that it could improve endurance, increase reaction time, and help athletes train longer. Other studies have demonstrated that it could strengthen grip power and visual acuity. Anecdotal research believes octacosanol may have blood cholesterol lowering benefits and may be helpful to patients with Parkinson's disease, but more research needs to be conducted in these areas.

What is Octacosanol used for and who uses it?

Octacosanol, or wheat germ oil, is a very good source of nutrients and compounds like Vitamin E, vitamin B, Vitamin E and essential fatty acids, as well as minerals like iron and calcium. In effect this makes Octacosanol work very similar to a multi-supplement providing many and varied benefits and filling many gaps, especially if your diet includes nuts, green vegetables, and other sources of Vitamin E. Linoleic acid is also available in wheat germ oil and is responsible for the precursors for omega-6 and omega-3 essential fatty acids. As many know, essential fatty acids have numerous health benefits like an improved heart function.

There are many theories that exist the action of wheat germ that gives it the ability to improve strength and endurance. Many theories have been proposed on the subject, including one that concentrates on some evidence that octacosanol may improve the efficiency of transferring nerve impulses. Another suggests it may have the ability to possibly increase oxygen transport and/or uptake. Other theories believe it boosts the energy applied to muscles by triggering the transfer of fatty acids in the muscles.

In Japan studies have shown that octacosanol can possibly reduce fat accumulation in the tissue of humans drastically, as research have shown with rats. Many of the actions and cardiovascular benefits associated with octacosanol may have to do with its ability to affect fat metabolism, blood platelet stickiness, and cholesterol production. Those looking for ways to lose weight or heighten their energy, as well as those who have certain cardiovascular problems can benefit from supplementing with octacosanol. This makes octacosanol supplementation very appealing for performance and strength athletes. However, you should consult with your doctor or a licensed medical professional just to be on the safe side before deciding to help treat a certain medical condition with a certain supplement.

How pure is your Octacosanol?

Octacosanol and Polycosanol are long chain saturated fatty acids derived from sugar cane wax. This pure bulk white powder is assayed by the manufacturer to be 71.63% Octacosanol and/or 99.32% Polycosanol. You will receive a sealed and labeled heavy duty 4 mil polyethylene bag of this white powdered product. Many people can reap benefits from supplementing with octacosanol. Athletes specifically can benefit from its use because of its ability to enhance endurance and improve oxygen usage. Aside from that, octacosanol can improve muscular strength and endurance by preventing the buildup of lactic acid and increasing the body's ability to store glucose as muscle glycogen. All in all this adds up to improved athletic performance and recovery. Because of its high vitamin E content, a powerful antioxidant and free-radical scavenger, muscle tissue, immune function, and DNA are shielded from oxidative stress and damage. For these reasons, it makes sense to consider taking this as a supplement.

What is the daily suggested dose of Octacosanol?

The commonly recommended dose for Octacosanol varies from as little as 1,000 micrograms (1 milligram) to as much as 10,000 micrograms (10 milligrams) or more per day, depending upon individual needs. Taking 1.25 milliliters (about one level 1/4 teaspoon) of dissolved Octacosanol/Polycosanol in virgin coconut oil will yield an equivalent dose of approximately 10 milligrams (10,000 micrograms or 10,000 mcg) Octacosanol. When taken as part of policosanol, slightly higher doses may be consumed.

As always, if you have concerns or questions, consult a physician or a health care professional before taking any supplements. Before taking any kind of medicine, check with your doctor to ensure that the supplement you want to take is right for you. You may be allergic or you may have a sensitive stomach which may raise the need for special instruction as far as dosage goes.

Safety, Interactions, and Potential side effects of Octacosanol

Because of octacosanol’s almost inability of toxicity and its short list of drug interactions, encountering danger or negative reactions from taking this supplement are slim. Both wheat germ oil and octacosanol are considered very safe and nontoxic when taken in recommended doses. However, pregnant or nursing women should consult their physician before taking it.

Drug interaction may be with a single drug, levodopa. This is used to help combat Parkinson’s disease. In addition, Policosanol may have the ability to thin the blood and should be taken cautiously by those with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning drugs.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

Taste, solubility, and suggested preparation of Octacosanol

This pure bulk powder Octacosanol has a waxy feel and bitter taste and is completely insoluble in water. Octacosanol is, however, readily soluble in hot ethyl alcohol and/or hot oils. The bioavailability of Octacosanol and/or Polycosanol powder is somewhat limited owing to its insolubility in aqueous solutions (water). Increased bioavailability and efficacy of Octacosanol powder supplementation can be achieved if it is first dissolved in hot oil such as virgin coconut oil. Octacosanol has a melting temperature of approximately 83° centigrade (181.4° Fahrenheit) and when placed in hot virgin coconut oil at a temperature slightly higher than 83°C (but not exceeding 90°C for safety considerations) will dissolve quickly and completely into the oil after a minute or so of stirring. Virgin coconut oil is an ideal medium and vehicle for Octacosanol delivery owing to its high absorption (bioavailability), long shelf life at room temperature, and great taste. As compared with the vast majority of retail Octacosanol capsules available from the marketplace with little to no bioavailability, this Octacosanol/Polycosanol dissolved in virgin coconut oil has vastly greater bioavailability and efficacy.

Dissolving about 1.142 grams (one level 1/2 teaspoon) Octacosanol-70% powder in 100 milliliters (3.38 fluid ounces) hot virgin coconut oil will result in a solution of approximately a 0.8% Octacosanol. Once cooled the virgin coconut oil and Octacosanol/Polycosanol solution will form a uniformly homogenous semi-solid oil (paste) with high bioavailability and efficacy. Since the 1.142 grams Octacosanol/Polycosanol powder mixed into the 100ml virgin coconut oil contains approximately 0.8 grams of pure Octacosanol, each milliliter of virgin coconut oil with dissolved Octacosanol/Polycosanol will contain about 1/125th gram, or 8 (eight) milligrams. Keeping your virgin coconut oil and Octacosanol/Polycosanol mixture in the refrigerator will help keep it fresh and maintain its full potency for many months or years.

Octacosanol is used in the following Proprietary Formulas

Berkeley Premium Altovis, iSatori Energize, KAL Enhanced Energy, KAL Enhanced Energy Supreme, Metabolic Diet Resolve Competition, NOW Energy, NOW Wheat Germ Oil, Pure Essence Life Essence Powder, Universal Natural Sterol Complex

References & Further Research

Nutritional significance and metabolism of very long chain fatty alcohols and acids from dietary waxes
Very long chain fatty alcohols obtained from plant waxes and beeswax have been reported to lower plasma cholesterol in humans. This review discusses nutritional or regulatory effects produced by wax esters or aliphatic acids and alcohols found in unrefined cereal grains, beeswax, and many plant-derived foods. Reports suggest that 5-20 mg per day of mixed C24-C34 alcohols, including octacosanol and triacontanol, lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by 21%-29% and raise high-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 8%-15%. Existing data support the hypothesis that VLCFA exert regulatory roles in cholesterol metabolism in the peroxisome and also alter LDL uptake and metabolism.

Octacosanol supplementation increases running endurance time and improves biochemical parameters after exhaustion in trained rats
This study evaluated the effects of octacosanol on running performance and related biochemical parameters in exercise-trained rats run to exhaustion on a treadmill. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of three groups - sedentary control group (SC), exercise-trained control group (EC), and exercise-trained, octacosanol-supplemented group (EO) - and raised on either control or octacosanol (0.75%)-supplemented diet with (or without for SC rats) exercise-training for 4 weeks. EC rats ran 184% longer until exhaustion than SC rats, while octacosanol-supplemented trained rats ran 46% longer than EC rats. Dietary supplementation of octacosanol resulted in significantly higher creatine phosphokinase activity in plasma (44% increase) and citrate synthase activity in muscle (16% increase) of exercise-trained rats. These results suggest that the ergogenic properties of octacosanol include the sparing of muscle glycogen stores and increases in the oxidative capacity in the muscle of exercise-trained rats.

Octacosanol for International Customers

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