Octacosanol is a 28-carbon alcohol sometimes referred to as octacosyl alcohol. It is a component of wax extracted from plants such as wheat germ, from which it is typically available as part of a mixture called policosanol. Although there is no known biological need for octacosanol, it has been marketed as an ergogenic aid and may have cholesterol-lowering effects and provide cytoprotective and antiaggregatory properties. There is little research available for assessing its ergogenic potential. A recent review indicates that supplementation with 1 mg of octacosanol may improve reaction time and grip strength in humans and that maximal oxygen consumption is improved in patients with cardiovascular disease after consumption of 5 mg of policosanol twice per day for 20 months.