In studies, patients started to see a reduction in cholesterol levels at about 12 weeks. 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. How Long Does Coronavirus Live On Surfaces? ", Natural Standard Patient Monograph: "Red yeast rice.". How Long Does Coronavirus Live On Surfaces? Keep in mind that the amount of monacolin -- perhaps the most important ingredient -- in a red yeast rice extract can vary a lot. But more research needs to be done before we can know about the long-term safety of red yeast rice extract. So on one hand, the extract is a traditional remedy that helps lower cholesterol. Nies, L. Annals of Pharmacotherapy, November 2006. It can decrease your LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol without adversely impacting good HDL cholesterol levels in your body. It contains several substances that may reduce cholesterol levels, including beta-sterols, monounsaturated fatty acids, and a statin. 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. At the end of the treatment period, the patients given the red yeast rice showed a significant reduction in low-density lipoprotein (bad) cholesterol levels, compared to a control group. MedicineNet web site: "Red Yeast Rice and Cholesterol: A Critical Review." However, in all the studies that showed red yeast rice helped lower cholesterol, all the products studied contained substantial amounts of monacolin K. RYRE is a substance that's extracted from rice that's been fermented with a type of yeast called Monascus purpureus. Red yeast rice is made by culturing rice with various strains of the yeast Monascus purpureus. Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter. Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter. 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). All rights reserved. SOURCES: This makes it very hard to establish a standard dose. Red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus) is a source of naturally occurring statins, the same class of prescription drugs used to lower and control cholesterol. Red yeast rice does not seem to be as effective as most conventional statin drugs, however. Quiz: Can Supplements Help Your Cholesterol. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. Consuming monacolin K on a daily basis reduces low-density lipoprotein ( … 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. Experts have not studied it extensively. No. My bad cholesterol has been rising, and my doctor suggested that I start taking a statin. " What Is the Correct Dosage of Red Yeast Rice Extract? The extract may not be safe for everyone. Get Tips to Avoid Health Problems, Slideshow: 16 Tips to Lower Cholesterol and Prevent Heart Disease, Slideshow: Cholesterol Too High? Nies, L., Annals of Pharmacotherapy, November, 2006. Red yeast rice has been used in alternative medicine as a likely effective aid in reducing levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood. 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. Another study showed that taking 1.2 grams per day lowered LDL levels by 26% in just eight weeks. One study of different brands of red yeast rice supplements showed that the amount of monacolin ranged from 0% to 0.58%. In particular, its effectiveness is directly related to the amount of monacolin K within the extract (up to 10 mg/day). 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. 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. RYRE also shares some of the same risks as statins, the class of drugs containing lovastatin. 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. Several studies have shown good evidence that red yeast rice can significantly lower total and LDL -- "bad" -- cholesterol. Red yeast rice is known for its ability to lower cholesterol levels and promote blood circulation. Although this was a small study, further studies and reviews have determined similar cholesterol-lowering effects, though some to more modest degrees. We do know that some types may be more dangerous than others because of high levels of other substances such as citrinic acid. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts. Is High Cholesterol Putting Your Health at Risk? Longe, J., ed. Though red yeast rice extract looks like a promising treatment, more research needs to be done. One showed that taking 2.4 grams per day reduced LDL levels by 22% and total cholesterol by 16% in 12 weeks. 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. It is also a digestive stimulant. Several types of the extract are sold as supplements. Is Red Yeast Rice Extract a Drug or a Supplement? Get Tips to Avoid Health Problems, Slideshow: 16 Tips to Lower Cholesterol and Prevent Heart Disease, Soy Protein and Cholesterol: Benefits, Risks, How Much to Eat, Lower Your Cholesterol Fast With These 11 Easy Tips. Red yeast rice is an effective and well-tolerated alternative remedy for high cholesterol, especially for people who cannot tolerate statins. And because the ingredients of different brands of red yeast rice extract might vary so much, it's hard to make firm statements about its effectiveness or safety. Quality and active ingredients in supplements may vary widely from maker to maker. Whatever the state of your health, always talk to your doctor before you start using red yeast rice or any other supplement. If you are interested in adding red yeast rice to your diet, talk to your health care provider first. It could be dangerous for some people. NIH web site: "Red Yeast Rice." Journoud, M. and Jones, P., Life Sciences, 2004. PDRhealth web site: "Red Yeast Rice. These uses of red yeast rice, however, have not been tested scientifically. However, I recently heard on a newscast that red yeast rice can have adverse effects on … Remember that not all brands are equal, and that RYRE isn't safe for everyone. Red yeast rice has been used as a food additive and medicine in parts of Asia for centuries. One component of red yeast rice, monacolin K, is similar to the active ingredient of some of the cholesterol lowering drugs called statins. 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 . How Well Does Red Yeast Rice Lower Cholesterol? Different types of fermentation are used. Alternative Medicine Review, 2004. And some studies have shown that certain red yeast rice supplements can lower LDL “bad” cholesterol. However, consuming red yeast rice may yield potentially dangerous side effects. Alternative Treatments for High Cholesterol, Diabetes? WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. ", Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database: "Red Yeast.". It's been used in China and other Asian countries for centuries as a traditional medicine. The recommended dose of red yeast rice is 1,200 mg taken orally twice daily with food. On the other, the pharmaceutical manufacturer of Mevacor argues that it owns the rights to the ingredient lovastatin.