Octacosanol is a 28 carbon long-chain saturated primary alcohol found in a number of different vegetable waxes, especially that found on green blades of wheat. It is also found in wheat germ oil. Octacosanol is also the primary component of the sugar cane extract called policosanol.

Wheat germ oil in particular has been studied by researchers as an exercise and physical performance enhancing agent. Studies indicate that the octacosanol found in wheat germ oil may help to enhance endurance, reaction time, and exercise capacity. Octacosanol may also have cholesterol-lowering effects, but additional research is needed to confirm these findings.

Octacosanol is a waxy substance found in vegetable oils and sugar cane (saccharum officinarum). Another compound, called policosanol, contains a large amount of octacosanol, along with several similar compounds. Typical doses used are 1 to 8 milligrams (1,000 to 8,000 micrograms) per day taken with meals. A dose of 20 milligrams daily should not be exceeded. Octacosanol frequently comes in mixtures with other long-chain alcohols.