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Extra Strength Policosanol

NOW
4.5
(616 ratings)
Hawthorn 150 mg
Policosanol 40 mg
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Score 55.0

This product offers a blend of Policosanol, Pine Phytosterols, and Hawthorn for heart and cardiovascular support. While it provides a relatively high dose of Policosanol and includes other beneficial ingredients, the scientific evidence for Policosanol's efficacy is mixed, and the Hawthorn dose is modest.

Quantity: 90 Capsule(s)Servings size: 1 Veg Capsule(s) (90 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
Heart Health
Cardiovascular Support
Anti-Aging

Score 55.0

This product offers a blend of Policosanol, Pine Phytosterols, and Hawthorn for heart and cardiovascular support. While it provides a relatively high dose of Policosanol and includes other beneficial ingredients, the scientific evidence for Policosanol's efficacy is mixed, and the Hawthorn dose is modest.

Analysis

This supplement combines 40mg of Policosanol, 200mg of Pine Phytosterol powder, and 150mg of Hawthorn Berry. Policosanol, often derived from sugar cane, has been studied for its potential to lower cholesterol, although a significant body of independent research has cast doubt on the robust effectiveness observed in earlier Cuban studies. Pine phytosterols are well-established cholesterol-lowering compounds, working by blocking absorption, but typically require higher doses (800mg-2g daily) for significant clinical effects. Hawthorn berry is a traditional botanical widely recognized for supporting cardiovascular function, particularly blood flow and mild heart failure, but the 150mg dose in this product is relatively low compared to doses used in clinical studies or found in dedicated Hawthorn supplements. Online reviews are generally positive, suggesting user satisfaction, but this doesn't replace comprehensive scientific evidence for efficacy.

Pros
  • Contains multiple ingredients aimed at heart health and cholesterol support.
  • Very affordable price per serving.
  • Policosanol dose of 40mg is higher than many Policosanol-only supplements.
  • Hawthorn is a well-regarded herb for cardiovascular health.
Cons
  • Scientific evidence for Policosanol's efficacy in lowering cholesterol is inconsistent and debated in independent research.
  • The 150mg dose of Hawthorn Berry is relatively low compared to clinically studied doses or standalone Hawthorn products.
  • The 200mg dose of Pine Phytosterol Powder is below the typical daily intake recommended for significant cholesterol reduction (800mg to 2g).
Warnings
  • Individuals on blood thinners or heart medications should consult a healthcare professional before using, as Hawthorn can interact with these medications.
  • Those seeking significant cholesterol reduction might find more effective results with higher doses of plant sterols or other proven lipid-lowering agents.
$19.01($0.21 per serving)
Vitacost
$ 21.49
Daily Vita
$ 22.00
Amazon
$ 19.01
Pure Formulas
$ 20.57
iHerb
$ 23.26
Ingredients
IngredientAmount per serving
Policosanol (Sugar Cane) 40 mg
Pine Phytosterol powder 200 mg
Hawthorn Berry 150 mg
Gluten Free Adults 18–50 Vegan Dairy Free Vegetarian
Categories
Policosanol 60.0
The product contains a relatively high dose of 40mg of Policosanol, making it 'Extra Strength' for this ingredient compared to common 10-20mg offerings. However, the score is capped due to the ongoing scientific debate and inconsistent findings in large, independent studies regarding Policosanol's overall efficacy in cholesterol reduction compared to placebo.
Hawthorn 45.0
While Hawthorn is included, the dose of 150mg of Hawthorn Berry is considerably lower than many dedicated Hawthorn supplements, which often provide 300mg to over 1000mg of standardized extract, making its contribution to benefits primarily from Hawthorn less impactful.
Goals
Heart Health 55.0
While Hawthorn is excellent for heart health, its 150mg dose is minimal, and the primary ingredient, Policosanol, has inconsistent data regarding its direct benefits for overall heart health beyond debated cholesterol effects. Pine phytosterols do support cholesterol management, a component of heart health, but the dose here is modest for substantial impact.
Cardiovascular Support 55.0
This product offers some cardiovascular support through Hawthorn's recognized benefits for circulation and heart function, and phytosterols' role in cholesterol management. However, the low dose of Hawthorn and the debatable efficacy of Policosanol mean it may not provide robust support compared to alternatives featuring more potent, evidence-backed ingredients like CoQ10 or higher concentrations of heart-specific botanicals.
Anti-Aging 40.0
The connection between this product's ingredients and general anti-aging is indirect and less pronounced. While managing cardiovascular health can contribute to healthy aging, none of the ingredients are specifically recognized as strong anti-aging compounds in the same vein as potent antioxidants or cellular rejuvenators. Its contribution to anti-aging is largely limited to its potential, albeit debated, cardiovascular benefits.
75 Value

Double Strength Policosanol 20 mg

NOW
4.6
(1743 ratings)
This product offers double the Policosanol dosage (20mg) compared to the standard 10mg often studied, along with beneficial complementary ingredients like Alpha Lipoic Acid, Milk Thistle, and Grape Seed extract, all at a lower price per serving ($0.16 vs $0.22) than the original. This offers potentially enhanced effects and broader antioxidant support for a better cost.
85 Value

Extra Strength Hawthorn Extract 600 mg

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(1301 ratings)
Providing 600mg of standardized Hawthorn extract at a significantly lower price per serving ($0.16 vs $0.22) makes this an excellent value for targeted heart health support. This dosage is more aligned with therapeutic levels recommended by herbalists and research, offering a potent and cost-effective option for those primarily seeking Hawthorn's benefits.
85 Value

CoQ10 100 mg

NOW
4.8
(4753 ratings)
This alternative offers a powerful combination of 100mg CoQ10 and 400mg Hawthorn Berry at a price per serving ($0.20) that is slightly less than the original product. CoQ10 is widely recognized for its strong heart health benefits, making this a highly valuable and cost-effective choice for comprehensive cardiovascular support.
95 Performance

Heart Health Complex

Thorne
4.7
(800 ratings)
This product is a superior comprehensive heart health supplement, combining clinically relevant doses of CoQ10 (45mg), Taurine (900mg), Hawthorn extract (350mg), and essential minerals like Magnesium and Potassium. These ingredients work synergistically to support various aspects of cardiovascular function, including energy production, muscle function, and blood pressure regulation, making it far more robust than the original product.
90 Performance

CholesterolBalance

Futurebiotics
4.6
(2537 ratings)
While more expensive, this product directly addresses cholesterol management far more effectively than the original. It includes a substantial dose of Plant Sterols (1.8g) and Beta-Glucan (750mg), both well-established and scientifically-proven ingredients for lowering LDL cholesterol, alongside Policosanol, offering a truly comprehensive and effective approach to lipid health.
88 Performance

CoQ10 100 mg

NOW
4.8
(4954 ratings)
This product combines a robust dose of CoQ10 (100mg), a vital antioxidant crucial for cellular energy production and highly recommended by nutritionists for heart health, with a strong dose of Hawthorn (400mg). This combination offers more proven and comprehensive support for cardiovascular function than the original Policosanol product, at a very competitive price.
80 Budget

Hawthorn Extract 300 mg

NOW
4.7
(2002 ratings)
This product offers a higher and more concentrated dose of Hawthorn extract (300mg vitexin-2'-O-Rhamnoside plus 200mg berry) compared to the original's 150mg Hawthorn berry, making it potentially more effective for heart health. It is significantly cheaper per serving ($0.04 vs $0.22), providing excellent value if Hawthorn is the primary desired ingredient.
75 Budget

Hawthorn Berry 565 mg

Swanson
4.6
(5132 ratings)
This alternative provides a substantially higher overall dose of Hawthorn berry (565mg) at an incredibly low price per serving ($0.04 vs $0.22), offering a highly cost-effective way to supplement with this beneficial herb. While not an extract, the higher raw berry dose can still contribute to heart health benefits.
55 Budget

Policosanol 10 mg

NOW
4.5
(1426 ratings)
For those specifically interested in Policosanol despite its debated efficacy, this product offers Policosanol as a standalone ingredient at a common dosage (10mg). It is significantly cheaper per serving ($0.09 vs $0.22) than the original product, providing a more economical option without the added cost of less-effective secondary ingredients.
75 Value

Double Strength Policosanol 20 mg

NOW
4.6
(1743 ratings)
This product offers double the Policosanol dosage (20mg) compared to the standard 10mg often studied, along with beneficial complementary ingredients like Alpha Lipoic Acid, Milk Thistle, and Grape Seed extract, all at a lower price per serving ($0.16 vs $0.22) than the original. This offers potentially enhanced effects and broader antioxidant support for a better cost.
85 Value

Extra Strength Hawthorn Extract 600 mg

NOW
4.7
(1301 ratings)
Providing 600mg of standardized Hawthorn extract at a significantly lower price per serving ($0.16 vs $0.22) makes this an excellent value for targeted heart health support. This dosage is more aligned with therapeutic levels recommended by herbalists and research, offering a potent and cost-effective option for those primarily seeking Hawthorn's benefits.
85 Value

CoQ10 100 mg

NOW
4.8
(4753 ratings)
This alternative offers a powerful combination of 100mg CoQ10 and 400mg Hawthorn Berry at a price per serving ($0.20) that is slightly less than the original product. CoQ10 is widely recognized for its strong heart health benefits, making this a highly valuable and cost-effective choice for comprehensive cardiovascular support.
95 Performance

Heart Health Complex

Thorne
4.7
(800 ratings)
This product is a superior comprehensive heart health supplement, combining clinically relevant doses of CoQ10 (45mg), Taurine (900mg), Hawthorn extract (350mg), and essential minerals like Magnesium and Potassium. These ingredients work synergistically to support various aspects of cardiovascular function, including energy production, muscle function, and blood pressure regulation, making it far more robust than the original product.
90 Performance

CholesterolBalance

Futurebiotics
4.6
(2537 ratings)
While more expensive, this product directly addresses cholesterol management far more effectively than the original. It includes a substantial dose of Plant Sterols (1.8g) and Beta-Glucan (750mg), both well-established and scientifically-proven ingredients for lowering LDL cholesterol, alongside Policosanol, offering a truly comprehensive and effective approach to lipid health.
88 Performance

CoQ10 100 mg

NOW
4.8
(4954 ratings)
This product combines a robust dose of CoQ10 (100mg), a vital antioxidant crucial for cellular energy production and highly recommended by nutritionists for heart health, with a strong dose of Hawthorn (400mg). This combination offers more proven and comprehensive support for cardiovascular function than the original Policosanol product, at a very competitive price.