Red yeast rice

Studied for: Hypercholesterolemia

Hypercholesterolemia

What the research found

Red Yeast Rice (Monascus purpureus): Monacolin K is structurally and pharmacologically identical to lovastatin 2. While clinical trials show LDL-C reductions comparable to low-dose prescription statins (15% to 25%), clinical use is complicated by wide batch-to-batch variation in monacolin K content and the potential for contamination with citrinin, a nephrotoxic and teratogenic fermentation byproduct 2. Health Canada treats products with therapeutic levels of monacolin K with caution due to unregulated statin exposure and statin-equivalent risks of myopathy and hepatic transaminase elevation.

Dose used in studies

1 to 2.5 g/day, split into two doses with food

Side effects reported

same as statins; muscle pain, drug interactions

References

Angelopoulos2023, Magno2018, Cicero2023

Not medical advice

Trials are run on specific people, for specific reasons, over a set period. Your medications, conditions and bloodwork can change what is safe for you. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before starting.