Red yeast rice for dysipidemia.

Abstract

Red yeast rice is an ancient Chinese food product that contains monacolins, chemical substances that are similar to statins in their mechanisms of action and lipid lowering properties. Several studies have found red yeast rice to be moderately effective at improving the lipid profile, particularly for lowering the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. One large randomized controlled study from China found that red yeast rice significantly improved risk of major adverse cardiovascular events and overall survival in patients following myocardial infarction. Thus, red yeast rice is a potentially useful over-the-counter cholesterol-lowering agent. However, many red yeast rice formulations are non-standardized and unregulated food supplements, and there is a need for further research and regulation of production.

• Authors: Shariq Shamim, Firas J Al Badarin, James J DiNicolantonio, Carl J Lavie, James H O'Keefe
• Journal: Missouri medicine (Mo Med) 2013 Jul-Aug Vol. 110 Issue 4 Pg. 349-54 ISSN: 0026-6620 [Print] United States
• PMID: 24003656 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Biological Products
• red yeast rice

Topics

• Ascomycota
• Biological Products (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Dietary Supplements
• Dyslipidemias (drug therapy)
• Humans