Natural Medicines Newsletter

Volume 2, Issue 44, 11/16/2010

Question

How does red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus rice) decrease cholesterol levels and possibly the risk for atherosclerosis?

Answer

Red yeast rice is made from fermented rice containing the mold, Monascus purpureus and historically has been marketed in China for its medicinal properties and as a food preservative to maintain taste and color of meat and fish.  Other marketed names or brands include Cholestin and Xuezhikang.  As it relates to its medicinal properties, the most cited effect includes its ability to improve the lipid profile and possibly reduce the risk for cardiovascular events.(1-13)  This appears to be due to red yeast rice's ability to reduce...

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