Traditional Chinese
red yeast rice contains only small amounts of monacolin K.
Effect of Xuezhikang, an extract from
red yeast rice, on coronary events in a Chinese population with previous myocardial infarction.
Recent ConsumerLab tests of
red yeast rice supplements on the market found most did not contain amounts of lovastatins shown to lower cholesterol in clinical trials.
A
Red yeast rice has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries, and contains several substances that are known to inhibit cholesterol synthesis--in fact one of these forms the basis of lovastatin (Mevacor).
Red yeast rice extract (Monascus purpureus) contains monacolins that compete structurally at HMGCoA reductase level with HMGCoA, precursor of mevalonate, thus reducing plasma cholesterol (Heber et al.
Review of the studies on the
red yeast rice (Monasus purpureus).
One daily dose of the nutraceutical combination was composed of the following; berberine 500mg, policosanol 10mg,
red yeast rice 200mg, folic acid 0.2mg, coenzyme Q10 2.0mg, and astaxanthin 0.5mg.
(2009)
Red yeast rice for dyslipidemia in sttin- intolerant patients: randomized trial.
A narrative review of alternative therapies for heart failure and hypercholesterolemia states that
red yeast rice may be a cost-saving option for hypercholesterolemia in patients who can't afford other medications (purchased mostly online, cost $8-$20/month for a dosage equivalent to lovastatin 20 mg/d).
The
red yeast rice (RYR) capsules were obtained from Cosway M Sdn Bhd (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia).
Not to be confused with
red yeast rice, which is fermented white rice treated with a mold that results in a red color, the naturally red rice variety can be short, medium or long, making it a versatile culinary delight.