The extract of red yeast rice (RYR) is the most effective cholesterol-lowering nutraceutical on the market. Longe, J., ed. So even though studies have shown that RYRE can lower cholesterol, you can't really know if the supplement brand you're using will have that effect. One component of red yeast rice, monacolin K, is similar to the active ingredient of some of the cholesterol lowering drugs called statins. These uses of red yeast rice, however, have not been tested scientifically. This confusion extends to how the supplement is sold in the U.S. Because red yeast rice extract contains a substance classified as a prescription drug, the FDA has requested that several RYRE products be withdrawn from the market because they contained monacolin K. The FDA cited a risk of severe muscle problems that could lead to kidney disease. We do know that some types may be more dangerous than others because of high levels of other substances such as citrinic acid. So on one hand, the extract is a traditional remedy that helps lower cholesterol. What Is Red Yeast Rice? The extract may not be safe for everyone. Drugs That May Help. Red yeast rice is capable of lowering blood cholesterol levels and total blood cholesterol levels. The recommended dose of red yeast rice is 1,200 mg taken orally twice daily with food. There are other traditional medicinal uses of red yeast rice: to reduce swelling and digestion problems, and to treat cuts and wounds, cancer, and other conditions. " Nies, L., Annals of Pharmacotherapy, November, 2006. And some studies have shown that certain red yeast rice supplements can lower LDL “bad” cholesterol. Several studies have shown good evidence that red yeast rice can significantly lower total and LDL -- "bad" -- cholesterol. Red yeast rice is made by culturing rice with various strains of the yeast Monascus purpureus. Red yeast rice extract (RYRE) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been purported to lower cholesterol. It can decrease your LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol without adversely impacting good HDL cholesterol levels in your body. Alternative Treatments for High Cholesterol, Diabetes? Background: In recent years, red yeast rice (RYR) supplements have been marketed aggressively as a natural way to lower cholesterol; however, the large majority of commercially available products have not been studied according to current research standards. RYRE naturally contains several ingredients that may help control cholesterol levels. In particular, its effectiveness is directly related to the amount of monacolin K within the extract (up to 10 mg/day). Studies have shown that certain red yeast rice products that contain statin can significantly lower levels of total cholesterol and specifically LDL, or "bad" cholesterol. Confusingly, the answer is both. However, the results of these studies depend on the amount of statin that is in the extract, and it can vary widely. The FDA considers extracts that contain statins to be illegal in the U.S., but many are still available. Doctors haven't established a set dosage for red yeast rice. Journoud, M. and Jones, P. LifeSciences, 2004. One of the most important ingredients in RYRE is monacolin K. It's also known as lovastatin, the active ingredient in the prescription drug Mevacor. One study of different brands of red yeast rice supplements showed that the amount of monacolin ranged from 0% to 0.58%. Though red yeast rice extract looks like a promising treatment, more research needs to be done. Of all the natural supplements available to help lower cholesterol, red yeast rice extracts are by far the most effective. How Long Does Coronavirus Live On Surfaces? All rights reserved. Alternative Medicine Review, 2004. If you are interested in adding red yeast rice to your diet, talk to your health care provider first. Red yeast rice has been used as a food additive and medicine in parts of Asia for centuries. Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter. Red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus) is a source of naturally occurring statins, the same class of prescription drugs used to lower and control cholesterol. While the supplement is generally considered safe, it might carry the same potential side effects as statin cholesterol drugs.Red yeast rice might cost less than a statin. ", Natural Standard Patient Monograph: "Red yeast rice.". On the other, the pharmaceutical manufacturer of Mevacor argues that it owns the rights to the ingredient lovastatin. According to some clinical studies with red yeast rice containing a “substatial amount” of monocolin K, the tested products lowered both total cholesterol levels as well as LDL cholesterol levels (the ‘bad’ cholesterol). PDRhealth web site: "Red Yeast Rice. What Are the Risks of Taking Red Yeast Rice? Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts. Quiz: Can Supplements Help Your Cholesterol. Another study showed that taking 1.2 grams per day lowered LDL levels by 26% in just eight weeks. However, with a supplement, there's less assurance regarding quality and how much active ingredient is actually in the product. Red yeast rice has been used as a possibly effective aid in reducing the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, or death in people with a history of heart attack . Red yeast rice does not seem to be as effective as most conventional statin drugs, however. Consuming monacolin K on a daily basis reduces low-density lipoprotein ( … You should not take it if you: In addition, anyone taking one of the following medicines should not use red yeast rice: People who have allergies to fungus or yeast should also be wary of using RYRE. Red yeast rice does not occur naturally in other foods. It's a substance extracted from rice that has been fermented with special yeast. Is Red Yeast Rice Extract a Drug or a Supplement? However, consuming red yeast rice may yield potentially dangerous side effects. Soy Protein and Cholesterol: Benefits, Risks, How Much to Eat, Drugs to suppress the immune system, like. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, red yeast rice is not recommended for children or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. These include a number of monacolins, most importantly monacolin K. It also contains sterols, isoflavones, and monounsaturated fatty acids, or "healthy fats.". The ideal dosing and its long-term safety are unclear. One study in 25 people showed that red yeast rice lowered total cholesterol by an average of 15% and “bad” LDL cholesterol by 21% over about two months of treatment . No. What Is the Correct Dosage of Red Yeast Rice Extract? WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is also a digestive stimulant. RYR is a rice product made by fermenting rice with the mold Monascus purpureus. The extract may also interact with other drugs for blood pressure and thyroid problems and interact with other herbs and supplements you may be taking. But these supplements may be a good choice for people who could benefit from only a slight lowering of cholesterol. It could be dangerous for some people. FDA web site: "FDA Warns Consumers to Avoid Red Yeast products Promoted on Internet as Treatments for High Cholesterol." Several types of the extract are sold as supplements. Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter. My bad cholesterol has been rising, and my doctor suggested that I start taking a statin. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. Different types of fermentation are used. All rights reserved. It's been used in China and other Asian countries for centuries as a traditional medicine. MedicineNet web site: "Red Yeast Rice and Cholesterol: A Critical Review." There are many different strains of the yeast. NIH web site: "Red Yeast Rice." Journoud, M. and Jones, P., Life Sciences, 2004. One component of red yeast rice, monacolin K, is similar to the active ingredient of some of the cholesterol lowering drugs called statins. I've read that red yeast rice has many of the cholesterol-lowering benefits of a statin, and I would rather go the natural route. How Long Does Coronavirus Live On Surfaces? Studies have shown that side effects are mild, like headaches, heartburn, and upset stomach. Red yeast rice contains natural substances called monacolins, and one of these - monacolin K -obstructs HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme involved in the production of cholesterol. Red yeast rice is an effective and well-tolerated alternative remedy for high cholesterol, especially for people who cannot tolerate statins. Experts have not studied it extensively. For now, you should be cautious.