Octacosanol and health benefits: Biological functions and mechanisms of action

Octacosanol is a widely distributed natural higher aliphatic alcohol that can be isolated and purified from rice bran, sugarcane, beeswax, insect wax, etc. Octacosanol exerts various biological effects, including anti-fatigue, anti-hypoxia, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, etc. Meanwhile, it has the effects of regulating the body's immune function and energy metabolism and has potential benefits for cardiovascular disease, cere-brovascular disorders, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and others. Octacosanol is primarily responsible for regu-lating multiple signaling pathways, such as AMPK, PI3K/Akt, and MAPK/NF-kappa B, to achieve different physiological functions. This review systemically summarized the progress in characterization, extraction and purification, biological functions, molecular mechanisms, and bioavailability of octacosanol. This study will provide a reference for many investigators to further explore the physiological functions of higher aliphatic alcohols and apply them as supplements in functional foods.