Benefits of Red Yeast Rice in Lowering Cholesterol

Red yeast rice, or Monascus purpureus, is a yeast grown on rice. Used as a dietary staple in many Asian countries, it is now being used as a nutritional supplement taken to lower cholesterol levels. Used in China for over a thousand years, red yeast rice has now found its way to American consumers looking for alternatives or complements to statin drug therapy.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, red yeast rice was used to improve blood circulation and to aid in digestion. It has now been found to lower blood lipids, including cholesterol and triglycerides. Recorded use of red yeast rice goes back as far as the Chinese Tang Dynasty in 800 A.D. Instructions for its manufacturing are found in the Chinese pharmacopoeia, Ben Cao Gang M-Dan Shi Bu Yi. As dry powder, red yeast rice is known as Zhi Tai and when extracted with alcohol, it is called Xue Zhi Kang. It has been used as a spice, preservative and food coloring, and is the reason that Peking Duck is red.

Modern research on red yeast rice conducted in China showed no damage to the kidneys or liver when animals consumed high doses of red yeast rice. Human trials produced only limited side effects, such as heartburn and indigestion, but the trials have generally been of short duration. Long-term tests are still needed to fully understand the benefits or dangers of taking this supplement. But most scientists agree that red yeast rice is safe to ingest in any size dose, as it has been a staple in Asian diet for thousands of years.

The healthy benefits of red yeast rice are contained in compounds known as monacolins, compounds known to inhibit cholesterol synthesis. One of these compounds, monocolin K, is known to inhibit HMG-CoA reductase. Also known as mevinolin or lovastatin, it is the basis of the drug Mevacor produced by Merck.

Not all red yeast rice is considered equal. Some of the manufactured products contain high levels of a toxic substance called citrinic acid. And not all have the same concentrations of the active ingredients, so it is important to read the label or check with your pharmacist. The FDA has not studied this product for safety, nor has it verified its health benefits.

Because the primary ingredient in red yeast rice is a known pharmaceutical prescriptive drug ingredient, the FDA has banned red yeast rice products that contain lovastatin so it is unclear if products currently on the market contain effective ingredients.

A study at the UCLA School of Medicine of 83 people with high cholesterol showed a significant reduction in their total cholesterol, LDL and triglyceride levels after twelve weeks. Study participants were given 2.4 grams of red yeast rice daily and ate a diet with no more than 30% fat intake.

Those who should not take red yeast rice include those at risk for heart attacks or stroke, and those with diabetes or atherosclerosis. For this population, red yeast rice does not provide enough protection or control over blood lipid levels. Pregnant women should not consume red yeast rice. It is unknown if the substance passes into breast milk, so nursing mothers should also avoid taking red yeast rice. Side effects can include nausea, diarrhea or upset stomach. Anyone on statin drugs should consult with their doctor before adding red yeast rice to their diet.

The FDA may now classify this healthy food, long utilized as a staple food around the world, as a prescription drug. Currently sold as a dietary supplement, red yeast rice offers unique health benefits and protection against heart disease for many.