Octacosanol is insoluble in water but freely soluble in low molecular-weight
alkanes and in
chloroform.
Biological effects
Octacosanol is the main component in the mixture
policosanol.[3] Octacosanol has been subject to preliminary study for its potential benefit for patients with
Parkinson's disease.[4][5] Studies have also found that octacosanol may inhibit the production of
cholesterol.[3] In mice, octacosanol reduces stress and restores stress-affected sleep back to normal.[6]
References
^EA Baker (1982) Chemistry and morphology of plant epicuticular waxes. pp. 139–165. In "The Plant Cuticle". edited by DF Cutler, KL Alvin and CE Price. Academic Press, London.
ISBN0-12-199920-3
^"Octacosanol". Natural Products (Professional). drugs.com.
Archived from the original on 3 June 2009. Retrieved 9 July 2009. isolated from wheat germ oil or other plants