The present invention provides methods for the treatment and/or amelioration of inflammation in a subject, including humans, by administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of a biologically active mixture of high purity, high molecular weight straight chain primary aliphatic alcohols (referred to collectively herein as policosanol). Also included are methods of reducing levels of C-reactive protein in a subject, comprising administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of policosanol.