Abstract | OBJECTIVES: It is now accepted that inhibition of cholesterol biosynthesis is effective in the primary and secondary prevention of heart disease. However, the perceived side-effects on muscle and liver reduce the general acceptance of statin drug therapy as well as compliance over the long term, which is necessary for prevention efforts to be successful. Chinese red yeast rice (CRYR) is a supplement containing lovastatin ( monacolin K), eight other monacolins, pigments, tannins, and other phytochemicals. The authors previously reported on a double- blind placebo-controlled trial of CRYR supplement in 80 individuals demonstrating a significant decrease in cholesterol levels from 250 mg/dL to 210 mg/dL over 8 weeks independent of diet. The current study compared the pharmacokinetics of CRYR with lovastatin at the same bioeffective dose for lowering cholesterol. METHODS: Eleven (11) healthy volunteers were randomized to a crossover study taking 2400 mg CRYR or 20 mg of lovastatin. RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that the effect of CRYR on the cholesterol concentration might be caused by the additive and/or synergistic effects of monacolin K with other monacolins and substances in CRYR. It may lead to the ultimate development of a botanical supplement based on CRYR.
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Authors | Zhaoping Li, Navindra P Seeram, Rupo Lee, Gail Thames, Chayo Minutti, He-Jing Wang, David Heber |
Journal | Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.)
(J Altern Complement Med)
Vol. 11
Issue 6
Pg. 1031-8
(Dec 2005)
ISSN: 1075-5535 [Print] United States |
PMID | 16398595
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural)
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Chemical References |
- Anticholesteremic Agents
- Biological Products
- red yeast rice
- Cholesterol
- Lovastatin
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Topics |
- Adult
- Anticholesteremic Agents
(administration & dosage, blood, pharmacokinetics)
- Area Under Curve
- Biological Products
(administration & dosage, blood, pharmacokinetics)
- Cholesterol
(blood)
- Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
- Cross-Over Studies
- Female
- Humans
- Lovastatin
(administration & dosage, blood, pharmacokinetics)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Plasma
(metabolism)
- Reference Values
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