Red yeast rice benefit
Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is one of the benefits of red yeast rice extract. See cholesterol for natural ways to lower this lipid with diet and supplements. Eating less can also prevent a rise in cholesterol levels. Some people find Diet Rx helps them eat less.

Red Yeast Rice supplement, 600 mg

Red yeast rice is a natural compound that supports cholesterol wellness.
  

If you would like to eat less, and thus have a lower rise in cholesterol levels from your meals, consider Diet Rx, an effective appetite suppressant.


Click Red Yeast Rice supplement for more information, to buy Diet Rx appetite suppressant, or to sign up to a popular and FREE newsletter
Subscribe to a FREE Supplement Research Update newsletter. Twice a month you will receive an email with a review of several studies on various supplements and natural medicine topics - including red yeast rice and cholesterol - and their practical interpretation by Ray Sahelian, M.D.

Supplement Facts
Red Yeast Rice - 600 mg (Monascus purpureus)

Suggested Use: Take 1 red yeast rice capsule two  times daily with a meal or a glass of water, or as recommended by your health care professional. An additional daily use of 30 to 50 mg of Coenzyme Q10 is suggested a few times a week. Take red yeast rice only with supervision by your doctor.
* Red yeast rice capsule daily value not established
Warning: Do not take red yeast rice capsule along with cholesterol medications such as statins without consulting with your physician.

Diet Rx weight control management - Diet Rx does not have red yeast rice extract
This natural appetite suppressant works without stimulants. Diet Rx has no added caffeine, ephedra, ephedrine alkaloids, synephrine, hormones, guarana, ginseng, or stimulating amino acids. 

Benefits of Diet Rx
All natural appetite suppressant, decreases appetite so you eat less
Helps you maintain healthy blood sugar levels
Helps you maintain healthy cholesterol and lipid levels. When you eat less, your cholesterol and blood lipids are less likely to rise as high as when you eat a lot of food.
Provides a variety of antioxidant from two dozen herbs and nutrients
Provides healthy fiber

Red yeast rice side effects - risk, caution
Rhabdomyolysis (breaking down of muscle tissue) is a known side effect of hepatic 3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMG-CoA) inhibitor (statin) therapy such as atorvastatin and other statin drugs. Since red yeast rice is supposed to work in a similar way as statins, such as LIpitor, it is possible that the risk of red yeast rice use in high doses or for prolonged periods could be similar to side effects as statins in terms of muscle tissue damage. One newly evaluated red yeast rice side effect is depletion of CoQ10. Perhaps supplementing with CoQ10 could prevent or reverse the myopathy due to the use of a red yeast rice supplement. The following are some reports found on the red yeast rice side effect of muscle tissue damage and depletion of coenzyme Q10.

Symptomatic myopathy due to red yeast rice. Mueller PS. Annals Internal Medicine. 2006 Sep 19;145(6):474-5. No abstract available.

Chinese red rice depletes muscle coenzyme Q10 and maintains muscle damage after discontinuation of statin treatment. Vercelli L, et al. Journal American Geriatric Society. 2006 Apr;54(4):718-20. No abstract available.

Acute administration of red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus) depletes tissue coenzyme Q10 levels in ICR mice.
Yang HT, et al. School of Pharmaceutical Science, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan. British Journal of Nutrition. 2005 Jan;93(1):131-5.
In this study, we attempted to evaluate the effect of administration of a high quantity of red yeast rice on coenzyme Q10 ( CoQ10 ) synthesis in the tissues of mice. Eighty-eight adult male IC mice were housed and divided into control and experimental groups for red yeast rice treatment. Animals were gavaged with a low (1 g/kg body weight) or a high dose (5 g/kg body weight, approximately five times the typical recommended human dose) of red yeast rice dissolved in soyabean oil. Liver and heart CoQ10 levels declined dramatically in both groups administered red yeast rice, especially in the high-dose group, within 30 min. After 24 h, the levels of hepatic and cardiac CoQ10 were still reduced. A similar trend was also observed in the heart, but the inhibitory effect began after 90 min. The higher dose of red yeast rice presented a greater suppressive effect than did the lower dose on tissue CoQ10 levels. In conclusion, acute red yeast rice suppressed hepatic and cardiac CoQ10 levels in rodents; furthermore, the inhibitory effect was responsive to the doses administered.

Chinese red yeast rice induced myopathy.
South Med J. 2003 Dec;96(12):1265-7.
A middle-aged man presented with joint pain and muscle weakness that had begun 2 months before presentation. Three months before presentation, he had begun to take the herbal preparation Chinese red yeast rice. Laboratory testing revealed a moderately elevated creatine phosphokinase level. Symptoms and laboratory abnormalities resolved with discontinuation of the Chinese red yeast rice. Eight months later, he resumed the red yeast rice product and his creatine phosphokinase level rose again. Lovastatin is a naturally occurring component of Chinese red rice and was the probable cause of his myopathy.

Rhabdomyolysis due to red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus) in a renal transplant recipient.
Transplantation. 2002 Oct 27;74(8):1200-1.
We report a case of an herbal preparation-induced rhabdomyolysis in a stable renal-transplant recipient, attributed to the presence of red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus) within the mixture. The condition resolved when consumption of the product ceased. Rice fermented with red yeast contains several types of mevinic acids, including monacolin K, which is identical to lovastatin. We postulate that the interaction of cyclosporine and these compounds through the cytochrome P450 system resulted in the adverse effect seen in this patient. Transplant recipients must be cautioned against using herbal preparations to lower their lipid levels to prevent such complications from occurring.

My doctor is trying to help me lower my cholesterol level without prescription drugs and suggested I try red yeast rice supplements, which I purchased at an herbal store. The brand is Nature's Plus and 600 mg. After taking it for a week I began to develop a scalding red, itchy rash on the trunk of my body, which later went on to my arms and legs. It was as though someone had poured boiling water over me. I have always had an allergy to any kind of self tanning lotions and after having to go to my doctor each time I tried a new product, I decided I couldn't use any of these products, even the hypo-allergenic brands. I immediately associated the red yeast rice pills to my rash and stopped taking them and my rash gradually went away. Could there possibly be an association such as dyes in the products?
    I don't think dyes are the cause. If the skin rash was due to the supplement pills, most likely it is due to compounds that are normally found in this herbal product.

Red Yeast Rice Cholesterol research studies
Since different red yeast rice supplement products on the market may have different chemical compositions, it is difficult to know what benefits or side effects, or how your cholesterol level will be influenced by taking such a product. The chemical composition of the red yeast rice product you are taking may be quite different than the ones used in research studies.

Together with lifestyle changes, red yeast rice can help reduce so-called "bad" cholesterol. Red yeast rice does not seem to have the side effects, including muscle pain, often experienced by those who cannot tolerate statin treatment. Dr. David J. Becker, from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, studied 62 patients with high cholesterol who had stopped taking statins because of muscle pain. The patients received either red yeast rice (1800 milligrams) or dummy pills twice per day for 24 weeks. All of the subjects also participated in a 12-week therapeutic lifestyle change program, including visits with a cardiologist, dietician, exercise physiologist, and several experts in relaxation techniques. After a few months, those who received the red yeast rice saw their LDL levels, and their overall cholesterol levels, fall more than those who took the placebo pills. By contrast, levels of other forms of cholesterol and fats in the blood did not change.
Annals of Internal Medicine, June 16, 2009.

Simvastatin vs therapeutic lifestyle changes and supplements: randomized primary prevention trial.
Mayo Clin Proc. 2008 Jul;  Becker DJ, Gordon RY, Morris PB, Yorko J, Gordon YJ, Li M, Iqbal N. Division of Cardiology, Chestnut Hill Hospital, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
To compare the lipid-lowering effects of an alternative regimen (lifestyle changes, red yeast rice, and fish oil) with a standard dose of a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor (statin). This randomized trial enrolled 74 patients with high cholesterol levels. All participants were randomized to an alternative treatment group (AG) or to receive simvastatin 40 mg/d. The alternative treatment included therapeutic lifestyle changes, ingestion of red yeast rice, and fish oil supplements for 12 weeks. The simvastatin group received medication and traditional counseling. There was a statistically significant reduction in LDL-C levels in both the AG (-42%) and the simvastatin group (-39%). The AG also demonstrated significant reductions in triglycerides (-29% vs -9%) and weight (-5.5% vs -0.4%) compared with the simvastatin group. Lifestyle changes combined with ingestion of red yeast rice and fish oil reduced LDL-C in proportions similar to standard therapy with simvastatin.

Red yeast rice extract suppress adipogenesis by down-regulating adipogenic transcription factors and gene expression in 3T3-L1 cells.
Life Sci. 2004 Nov 12;75(26):3195-203.
The effects of red yeast rice extract on adipocyte differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells were studied. Red yeast rice extract was extracted from embryonic rice fermented with red yeast (Monascus ruber). These extracts significantly decreased glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity and lipid accumulation, a marker of adipogenesis, in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, mRNA expression levels of both CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) alpha and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma, the key adipogenic transcription factors, were markedly decreased by red yeast rice. Red yeast rice also inhibited the expression of PPARgamma at protein levels. Red yeast rice decreased significantly gene expression of adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (aP2) and leptin.. These results suggest that the inhibitory effect of red yeast rice on adipocyte differentiation might be mediated through the down-regulated expression of adipogenic transcription factors and other specific genes.

Identification and chemical profiling of monacolins in red yeast rice using high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detector and mass spectrometry.
J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2004 Sep 3;35(5):1101-12.
Monascus purpureus-fermented rice ( red yeast rice ) was one of the food supplements that had the ability of lowering the blood-lipid levels, and monacolins have been proved to be main active constituents. In total 14 monacolin compounds such as monacolin K (mevinolin), J, L, M, X, and their hydroxy acid form, as well as dehydromonacolin K, dihydromonacolin L, compactin, 3alpha-hydroxy-3,5-dihydromonacolin L, etc. were identified in red yeast rice, using high-performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detector and tandem mass spectrometry. A chemical fingerprint profiling method to display bioactive monacolins in red yeast rice was established and could be used for the quality control of the target material and its related products. Ten finish products labeled as red yeast rice from different manufacturers in marketing were traced using the chromatographic chemical profiling method, and the results show that only two of them were similar while the other eight were significantly different from the reference red yeast rice. All of these materials including raw material powder and finished products available were quantified and the contents of monacolins were calculated with reference of monacolin K (mevinolin) as the standard.

Monascus purpureus (red yeast rice) - Monograph.
Altern Med Rev. 2004 Jun;9(2):208-210.
Red yeast rice, a fermented product of rice on which red yeast (Monascus purpureus) has been grown, has been used in Chinese cuisine and as a medicinal food to promote blood circulation for centuries. In Asian countries, red yeast rice is a dietary staple and is used to make rice wine, as a flavoring agent, and to preserve the flavor and color of fish and meat. Red yeast rice forms naturally occurring hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMG-CoA reductase) inhibitors known as monacolins. The medicinal properties of red yeast rice favorably impact lipid profiles of patients with high cholesterol levels.

Red yeast rice: a new hypolipidemic drug.
Life Sci. 2004 Apr 16;74(22):2675-83.
Red yeast rice is a source of fermented pigment with possible bioactive effect. Evidence shows that fermented red yeast rice lowers cholesterol levels moderately compared to other statin drugs, but with the added advantage of underscores its potential as a new alternative to lipid level control. It is concluded from the present evidence that other types of pigmented rice possess opportunities for development as new functional foods.

Hypolipidemic and anti-atherogenic effects of long-term Cholestin (Monascus purpureus-fermented rice, red yeast rice) in cholesterol fed rabbits.
 J Nutr Biochem. 2003 Jun;14(6):314-8.
Long-term effects of Cholestin (Monascus purpureus rice; red yeast rice) on serum lipids and severity of atherosclerosis were examined in rabbits fed for 200 days on a semi-purified diet containing 0.25% cholesterol. Serum total cholesterol was 25 and 40% lower, respectively, in rabbits fed 0.4 or 1.35 g/kg/day of Cholestin (Monascus purpureus rice; red yeast rice) compared to controls. This treatment also lowered serum LDL cholesterol. This 200-day treatment significantly reduced serum triglycerides and atherosclerotic index (ratio of non-HDL-cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol). Although similar reductions of total, LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were observed, a parallel group of rabbits fed lovastatin failed to reduce the index significantly. Apolipoprotein A(1) was increased and apolipoprotein B was reduced in all treatment groups. Severity of atherosclerosis was reduced significantly in all treatment groups. The sudanophilic area of involvement was 80.6% in controls, and reduced significantly; to 30% on the low dose of Cholestin (Monascus purpureus rice; red yeast rice), and 17% on the high dose. Lovastatin reduced severity of lesions by 89% (sudanophilia) and 84% (visual). Visual grading of lesion severity showed reduction by 38% and 68%.

New monascus metabolite isolated from red yeast rice (angkak, red koji).
J Agric Food Chem. 2002 Jul 3;50(14):3999-4002.
Red yeast rice (angkak, red koji) obtained as cultures of Monascus purpureus on rice was extracted and analyzed by HPLC. In addition to the known red, orange, and yellow pigments and the mycotoxin citrinin, a new Monascus metabolite was detected. It is present in the original red yeast rice and formed in higher amounts when red yeast rice is heated. High-resolution mass spectrometry indicated the molecular formula C(15)H(12)O(4). The chemical structure was elucidated by analysis of NMR data. The new compound, named monascodilone, is characterized by a propenyl group on a pyrone ring, an aromatic ring, and a gamma-lactone group.

Red Yeast Rice supplement emails
Q. I have been taking policosanol with coq10 now for nearly 2 months, it is a 10 mg dose (2 before bedtime). Prior to starting these treatments I weighed 235, with vegetarian diet and exercise I am now weighing 193. However my concern is that even though my weight is down, my overall cholesterol numbers concern me-total cholesterol 211-HDL-49-LDL-144. Im not sure what I can do to bring the LDL in range with the pills/diet/exercise the HDL went from 39 to 49 but I have not seen any reduction in LDL. I used to take Lipitor for 3 yrs, but my joints became so sore that I had to give it up. I dont want to save my heart at the expense of my liver. I am considering using red yeast rice in combination with the policosanol and want to know if these two are safe in tandem or is that dangerous.. So far I have not experienced any side effects using policosanol to speak of. Please let me know about the red yeast rice-policosanol or even possibly guggul combination.
   A. There has been hardly any research combining red yeast rice with guggul, policosanol, and the herbs and nutrients you mention, therefore it is very difficult for us to give any kind of recommendations regarding combinations, plus, each person is unique in their response.

Q. I was advised by my MD to trial red yeast extract product to reduce my cholesterol level. Starting on two tabs daily for the first 2 weeks then reduce down until 1 tab nocte. After taking only 6 tabs of red yeast extract, i have developed severe oedema of the face and neck and a generalised rash mainly over my trunk and arms - pale in colour, more visible by touch rather than sight. Could this be due to the red yeast extract as I have not had contact with any known viruses etc or consumed any different foods.
   A. This is the first we have heard of this. It could be the red yeast extract, one of the additives in the product, or a coincidence, caused by another unknown factor.

Q. Q. Thanks for this writeup in your August 2006 newsletter regarding statin use and muscle damage. In your opinion, would the same be true for Red Yeast Rice which has statin-like properties?
   A. Red yeast rice and statins have similar yet different molecular structures, and hence it is difficult to say whether red yeast rice causes muscle damage to the same extent as a statin. However, early reports now indicate that red yeast rice side effect is myopathy and hence one needs to inform their doctor if they plant to take this supplement.

Q. How much CoQ10 would you recommend to prevent the red yeast rice side effect of harm to muscle tissue?
   A. I am guessing that 30 to 50 mg a few times a week should be sufficient, but I cannot be sure without clear studies.

Q. I have just started using Solaray red yeast rice 600 mg. Is Solaray a good brand? I am concerned about the danger of red yeast rice to lower cholesterol.
   A. We have not analyzed the Solaray red yeast rice product, but in general, Solaray is a reliable brand. The danger of red yeast rice would occur from any brand, and it remains to be seen whether the use of coq10 could lessen the red yeast rice danger. The  benefit of red yeast rice to lower cholesterol has to be balanced with the danger of high cholesterol and the alternative of statin use. However, there are other natural options to lower cholesterol besides red yeast rice. There are many brands of red yeast rice including Rexall and KAL.

Q. Can guggul and red yeast rice pill be taken together?
   A. I have not seen studies regarding the combination of guggul and red yeast rice pill.

Q. Is red yeast rice a vitamin?
   A. Red yeast rice is not a vitamin, rather a fermented product of rice on which red yeast (Monascus purpureus) has been grown.

Q. In reference to the letter concerning statins in Dr. Sahelian's January 2007 newsletter -- Red Yeast Rice is "Mevacolin" the very first statin synthesized by Merck and manufactured under the name Mevacor -- if one takes red yeast rice -- One is taking a statin. I would stop the red yeast rice and if I felt the need to lower cholesterol, would try to do so with natural products -- ie fish oil, vitamin b 6, folic acid, vita b 12. I am not a supplier of any products or supplements --am a spouse of an individual I feel developed Parkinson's after taking Lipitor for 4 plus yrs--hence my knowledge of red yeast rice and coq10 -- statins deplete not only coq10 but other prenylated products-- dolichol, selenoproteins including selenoprotein N, glutathione reductase to name just a few.

Q. After only 5 tablets of Red Yeast Rice, I developed a rash and swelling in the neck. It was actually a mixed product (Cholesterol Care from Healthy Choice Nutritionals - beta-sistosterol, guggul lipid, beta glucan, red rice extract and soy isoflavones). Don't know if it is the combination of supplements or just the Red Yeast Rice.
   A. It may be the red yeast rice or the combination. Thanks for letting us know.

Q. I would like to know if taking red yeast rice capsules will cause me to gain weight I am on the jenny Craig diet and it is strict about calories and yeast is usually given to help people gain.
   A. We have no reason to believe that taking red yeast rice capsules will influence weight one way or the other.

Q. Dr. Sydney Spiesel wrote for Slate magazine in April 1007. He was questioning the FDA decision to withdraw support of Tigan suppositories in favor of the new drug Zofran. Tigan's patent had run out and he expressed his scepticism of the FDA and the drug maker of Zofran. He used a parallel story, of which I have been aware, as follows: For many years, "red rice yeast" had been available as a nutritional supplement in health food stores. Used in China for about 1,200 years, this product contains a statin, a cholesterol-lowering drug. As a nutritional supplement, red rice yeast was freely available and inexpensive. But then the pharmaceutical manufacturer of the same statin the yeast contains alerted the FDA. And the FDA decided that red rice yeast was no longer a cheap and unregulated nutritional supplement, but instead a medication, protected by patent and available only as an expensive prescription product. A modified form of red rice yeast is available again as a nutritional product— without the statin component. I have been intolerant of the statin drugs. Lipitor specifically...with muscle cramping and elevated liver enzyme panels. I have been using red rice yeast extract in combination with others, especially policosanols. This business of red rice being marketed without the statin component...it's only claim to health...is a surprise to me. Can you please comment about the veracity of Dr. Spiesels article. If correct, why would anyone advocate further use of red rice yeast extract?
   A. We have not studied this topic in enough detail to have an informed opinion but we are trying to find more information.
      Q. I am still able to purchase Solar Ray Brand Red rice yeast and it says it is in the 'pure' form. Up in Canada, they are aware of the lacking statin, and their suppliers have re-issued a substitute that contains NO red rice yeast extract at all.

Q. I recently read that the FDA has mandated that Red Yeast Rice formulations eliminate the "naturally" occurring lovastatin ingredient. Apparently this is the active cholesterol lowering ingredient rendering the reformulated Red Yeast Rice ineffective. Please comment.
   A. See below.

Q. I have taken red yeast rice for over a year, 4 tablets a day. I now suddenly started having my bowel movements turn from brown to bright reddish brown. Could this be effected by the red yeast rice after prolonged periods of time. I had a rectal exam to see if there was blood in the stool, and there was not, also a blood test was done, and it came back fine. I'm thinking the red yeast rice is absorbed in my body and has turned the bowl movements bright reddish brown. Could this be correct?
   A. This is the first we have heard of a report regarding change in stool color from the use of red yeast rice. We don't know the answer.

Q. Is there any research that indicates red yeast rice pills may help lower blood pressure in borderline cases?
   A. I have not seen research that has tested blood pressure effects of RYR.

I know each person is different, but are there any major concerns combining low dosages of RYR and curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties?
    Not that I am aware of.

August 2007 FDA warning letter
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to buy or eat three red yeast rice products. The potentially harmful products are: Red Yeast Rice and Red Yeast Rice / Policosonal Complex, sold by Swanson Healthcare Products, Inc. and manufactured by Nature’s Value Inc. and Kabco Inc., respectively; and Cholestrix, sold by Sunburst Biorganics. FDA testing revealed the products contain lovastatin, the active pharmaceutical ingredient in Mevacor, a prescription drug approved for marketing in the United States as a treatment for high cholesterol. These red yeast rice products are potentially harmful since lovastatin can cause muscle problems leading to kidney impairment. This risk is greater in patients who take higher doses of lovastatin or who take lovastatin and other medicines that increase the risk of muscle adverse reactions. These medicines include the antidepressant nefazodone, certain antibiotics, drugs used to treat fungal infections and HIV infections, and other cholesterol-lowering medications. FDA has issued warning letters advising Swanson and Sunburst Biorganics to stop promoting and selling the products. The FDA warning letters state that the products Red Yeast Rice, Red Yeast Rice / Policosonal Complex, and Cholestrix, sold on the firm’s websites, are unapproved new drugs that are marketed in violation of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
   At least one raw material supplier that I know of sells Red Yeast Rice Extract 0.4%, 5% Lovastatin

Additional information on nutritional topics
5-htp for serotonin and mood balance
vinpocetine brain supplement
tongkat ali sexual enhancer