Red Yeast Rice
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Evidence Summary
Red yeast rice is a supplement containing monacolin K (lovastatin) used primarily for managing lipid profiles. Research, including multiple meta-analyses, consistently demonstrates its effectiveness in reducing LDL cholesterol levels.
Evidence by Condition
Meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials consistently show that red yeast rice supplementation significantly reduces LDL cholesterol.
Effective Doses
Specific dose ranges are not explicitly provided, though several studies highlight the efficacy of 'low dose' monacolin K formulations.
Key Findings
- Red yeast rice supplementation significantly impacts lipid profiles (PMID: 36259545).
- Low-dose monacolin K combined with CoQ10, grape seed, and olive leaf extracts lowers LDL cholesterol in patients with mild dyslipidemia (PMID: 37375586).
- Red yeast rice results in significant LDL reduction, but its safety profile remains uncertain (PMID: 25897793).
- Low-dose red yeast rice with monacolin K can lower both LDL cholesterol and blood pressure (PMID: 34587702).
Limitations
There is significant uncertainty regarding the long-term safety of red yeast rice due to the variable concentrations of monacolin K in different supplements.
Safety & Interactions
CRITICAL: Red yeast rice contains monacolin K (lovastatin); combining it with prescription statins can effectively double the statin dose and significantly increase the risk of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
AI-generated summary from 13 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Drug-Supplement Interactions
⚠️ This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before combining supplements with medications.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 99% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 74% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 7% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
| Qualified Health | 0% | Tier B (FDA Qualified Health Claim) | ✅ Supported |
| Approved Health | 0% | Tier A (FDA Approved Health Claim (21 CFR 101.9)) | ⚠️ Unsupported |
Research by Topic
Research Evidence (13)
**Rahmani et al., 2023** | Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol | Meta Analysis Rahmani Parisa, Melekoglu Ebru, ... Sohouli Mohammad Hassan. Impact of red yeast rice supplementation on lipid profile: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlle...
**Angelopoulos et al., 2023** | Nutrients | Rct Angelopoulos Nicholas, Paparodis Rodis D, ... Livadas Sarantis. Low Dose Monacolin K Combined with Coenzyme Q10, Grape Seed, and Olive Leaf Extracts Lowers LDL Cholesterol in Patients with Mild Dyslipid...
**Peng et al., 2017** | Am J Nurs | Meta Analysis Peng Diane, Fong Amy, Pelt Amanda van. Original Research: The Effects of Red Yeast Rice Supplementation on Cholesterol Levels in Adults. Am J Nurs. 2017-Aug;117(8):46-54. doi:10.1097/01.NAJ.0000521973...
**Protic et al., 2022** | Nutrients | Rct Protic Olga, Di Pillo Raffaele, ... Bonfigli Anna Rita. Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial to Test the Effects of a Nutraceutical Combination Monacolin K-Free on the Lipid and Inflammatory Pro...
**Minamizuka et al., 2021** | Asia Pac J Clin Nutr | Rct Minamizuka Takuya, Koshizaka Masaya, ... Yokote Koutaro. Low dose red yeast rice with monacolin K lowers LDL cholesterol and blood pressure in Japanese with mild dyslipidemia: A multicenter, ra...
**Jamialahmadi et al., 2026** | Endocrinol Diabetes Metab | Meta Analysis Jamialahmadi Tannaz, Mirhadi Elaheh, ... Sahebkar Amirhossein. Impact of Monacolin K-Containing Supplements on Lipid Profile: A Meta-Analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials. E...
**Gerards et al., 2015** | Atherosclerosis | Meta Analysis Gerards Maaike C, Terlou Ruben J, ... Gerdes V E A. Traditional Chinese lipid-lowering agent red yeast rice results in significant LDL reduction but safety is uncertain - a systematic review ...
**Millán et al., 2016** | Clin Investig Arterioscler | Meta Analysis Millán Jesus, Cicero Arrigo F G, ... Anguera Anna. Effects of a nutraceutical combination containing berberine (BRB), policosanol, and red yeast rice (RYR), on lipid profile in hype...
**Verhoeven et al., 2015** | BMC Complement Altern Med | Rct Verhoeven Veronique, Van der Auwera Anastasia, ... Hermans Nina. Can red yeast rice and olive extract improve lipid profile and cardiovascular risk in metabolic syndrome?: A double blind, p...
**Lee et al., 2017** | Chin J Integr Med | Rct Lee Chien-Ying, Yu Min-Chien, ... Shih Hung-Che. No additional cholesterol-lowering effect observed in the combined treatment of red yeast rice and Lactobacillus casei in hyperlipidemic patients: A doubl...
**Severity**: CRITICAL **Evidence**: well-established Red yeast rice contains monacolin K (lovastatin). Combined with prescription statins, this doubles statin dose and increases myopathy/rhabdomyolysis risk. Additive statin effect; increased myopath...
**NCT ID**: NCT00897975 **Phase**: PHASE2 **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 200 **Completion**: 2011-07
**NCT ID**: NCT04677335 **Phase**: NA **Status**: COMPLETED **Enrollment**: 40 **Completion**: 2017-09-19
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is red yeast rice and what is it used for?
Red yeast rice is a supplement that contains monacolin K, which is the same active ingredient found in the prescription drug lovastatin. It is primarily used to help manage lipid profiles and reduce LDL cholesterol levels.
Does red yeast rice work for high cholesterol?
Yes, there is strong evidence from multiple meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials showing that red yeast rice significantly reduces LDL cholesterol. It is considered an effective supplement for managing hypercholesterolemia and dyslipidemia.
Is red yeast rice safe to take with prescription statins?
No, this is a critical safety concern. Because red yeast rice contains monacolin K, combining it with prescription statins can effectively double your dose and significantly increase the risk of serious muscle issues like myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.
What is the effective dose of red yeast rice?
While specific dose ranges are not explicitly defined, research highlights the efficacy of low-dose monacolin K formulations. Some studies suggest that combining low doses with CoQ10, grape seed, or olive leaf extracts can be effective for patients with mild dyslipidemia.
Can red yeast rice help lower blood pressure?
There is evidence suggesting that low-dose red yeast rice containing monacolin K can help lower both LDL cholesterol and blood pressure. However, the long-term safety profile of the supplement remains uncertain.
Who should avoid taking red yeast rice?
Individuals currently taking prescription statin medications should avoid red yeast rice due to the high risk of dangerous drug interactions. You should also consult a doctor before use, as the overall safety profile of the supplement is still being studied.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.