| RED YEAST RICE SIDE EFFECTS AND BENEFITS zhion@zhion.com July 28, 2008 |
HOW DO THE SCIENTISTS TALK ABOUT RED YEAST RICE
EXTRACTS?
Thompson Coon JS and Ernst E from Universities of Exeter and
Plymouth, UK, reviewed 25 randomized clinical studies for 11 herbal
products in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol
levels). They concluded that guggul (Commiphora mukul), fenugreek
(Trigonella foenum-graecum), red yeast rice, and artichoke (Cynara
scolymus) have been most extensively studied and have
demonstrated reductions in total serum cholesterol levels of
between10% and 33%.
While, Patrick L and Uzick M explained that red yeast rice contains
lovastatin(a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor which inhibits cholesterol
synthesis in the body) as well as other cholesterol-lowering
compounds, some with antioxidant effects. [2] Heber D from
University of California, Los Angeles pointed out that red yeast rice is
likely to be able to directly impact the process of atherosclerosis
consequently, it may prevent cardiovascular diseases. [3]
ANIMAL STUDIES
Researchers have studied the tong-term effects of red yeast rice
extract on serum lipids and severity of atherosclerosis in rabbits. In
the study, the researchers fed the rabbit with the extract together
with 0.25% cholesterol for 200 days. They found 25% and 40%
reductions in total cholesterol with respect to doses of 0.4 and 1.35
g/kg/day of the red yeast rice. They also observed a reduction of
serum LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and atherosclerotic index. [7]
CLINICAL STUDIES
There are a few clinical studies about the effect of red yeast rice on
cholesterol levels. Most of the subjects are either patients suffered
from hyperlipidermia or coronary artery disease. All studies reviewed
show the efficacy of red yeast rice on cholesterol-lowering. To
simplify this report, I summarized the results of the "most recent
studies".
A recent clinical study has demonstrated that ingestion of a red
yeast rice extract (Xuezhikang) led to rapid reduction of C-reactive
protein levels within 24 h and lipid profile within 2 weeks. The
researchers believed that red yeast rice extract might have clinically
benefits for patients with coronary artery disease. In the study, they
randomly assigned 48 consecutive patients with stable angina to
1200 or 2400 mg/day of a red yeast rice extract (Xuezhikang). They
found that the red yeast rice extract Xuezhikang reduced total
cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, median plasma
C-reactive protein levels and in mean plasma C-reactive protein
levels significantly. AThe higher dose of the red yeast rice extract
Xuezhikang (2400 mg/day) resulted in significantly greater
reductions in total cholesterol TC and low-density lipoprotein LDL
cholesterol compared with 1200 mg/day group (p<0.05, p<0.01,
respectively. While, they observed a less reduction in triglycerides
(TG) levels and no significant difference in mean high-density
lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels compared with baseline. [5]
In another study of patients with coronary heart disease at dose of
1200 mg/d for 6 weeks, researchers also observed the reduction of
lipid levels and improvement of inflammation after the administration
of the red yeast rice extracts. [8]
Hyperlipidemia is a well-known risk factor for atherosclerosis and
statins are widely used to treat patients with elevated levels of
lipids in their plasma. Notwithstanding the proven benefits of statin
drugs on both primary and secondary prevention of heart disease,
the high cost of statin treatment, in addition to possible side effects
such as liver function abnormalities, may limit their widespread use.
We conducted a study on a natural product as an alternative to
statin treatment. Cholestin, a dietary supplement, is prepared from
rice fermented with red yeast (Monascus purpureus), which has
been shown to significantly decrease total cholesterol levels in
hyperlipidemic subjects. Our objective was to determine the cellular
effect of Cholestin on cholesterol synthesis in human hepatic cells
(HepG2) and the mechanism by which it caused a change in lipid
metabolism.
A red yeast extract was found to have a direct inhibitory effect on
HMG-CoA reductase activity (78-69% of control). In the study,
researchers found this red yeast extract (25-100 microg/mL) were
significantly reduced cholesterol levels in human hepatic cells
HepG2in a dose-dependent manner (81-45% of control,
respectively). They found and association of this reduction with the
decreased synthesis and secretion of both unesterified cholesterol
(54-31 and 33-14% of control, respectively) and cholesteryl ester
(18-6 and 37-19% of control, respectively). Thus, one of the
anti-hyperlipidemic actions of the red yeast rice in the study was a
consequence of an inhibitory effect on cholesterol biosynthesis in
hepatic cells. [9]
RED YEAST RICE SIDE EFFECTS
Researchers from Taipei Medical University evaluated the effect of
high doses of red yeast rice on coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) levels in the
tissues of 85 ICR mice. They found that CoQ10 levels in liver and
heart declined dramatically 30 minutes after the ingestion of red
yeast rice. And, the effect persists for 24 hours and it is dose
proportional. [4]
A case of red yeast rice side effects was reported by researchers at
James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State
University. A middle-aged man presented with joint pain and muscle
weakness that had begun 2 months before presentation. Three
months before presentation, he had begun to take a herbal
preparation of red rice. Laboratory testing revealed a moderately
elevated creatine phosphokinase level. Symptoms and laboratory
abnormalities resolved with discontinuation of the red rice. Eight
months later, he resumed the product and his creatine
phosphokinase level rose again. The researchers believed that the
active ingredient, i.e. lovastatin, in the red rice was the cause of his
myopathy.. [6]
Because the active ingredient of red yeast rice is lovastatin,
theorically the side effects of red yeast rice should be similar to the
side effect of the prescription lovastatin (i.e. Mevacor), assuming
that their absorption rate and extent (i.e. AUC) are identical.
A few manufacturers developed red yeast rice product containing
CoQ10 to support healthy cardiovascular and immune system
function.
HOME
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. YOU SHOULD DISCUSS WITH
YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION OR USING THIS PRODUCT. ALL
RIGHT RESERVED 2008 ZHION. THIS ARTICLE IS NOT ALLOWED TO BE
COPIED TO OTHER WEBSITES OR OTHER TYPES OF PUBLICATION WITH
ZHION'S PERMISSION.
Reference [1] Herbs for serum cholesterol reduction: a systematic view. J
Fam Pract. 2003 Jun;52(6):468-78. [2] Patrick L and Uzick M Cardiovascular
disease: C-reactive protein and the inflammatory disease paradigm:
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, alpha-tocopherol, red yeast rice, and olive oil
polyphenols. A review of the literature. Altern Med Rev. 2001
Jun;6(3):248-71. [3] Herbs and atherosclerosis. Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2001
Jan;3(1):93-6. [4] Yang HT et al, Acute administration of red yeast rice
(Monascus purpureus) depletes tissue coenzyme Q(10) levels in ICR mice. Br
J Nutr. 2005 Jan;93(1):131-5. [5] Li JJ et al, Effects of xuezhikang, an
extract of cholestin, on lipid profile and C-reactive protein: a short-term time
course study in patients with stable angina. Clin Chim Acta. 2005
Feb;352(1-2):217-24. [6] Smith DJ and Olive KE Chinese red rice-induced
myopathy. South Med J. 2003 Dec;96(12):1265-7. [7] Wei W et al,
Hypolipidemic and anti-atherogenic effects of long-term Cholestin (Monascus
purpureus-fermented rice, red yeast rice) in cholesterol fed rabbits. J Nutr
Biochem. 2003 Jun;14(6):314-8. [8] Zhao SP et al, Xuezhikang, an extract of
cholestin, protects endothelial function through antiinflammatory and
lipid-lowering mechanisms in patients with coronary heart disease. Circulation.
2004 Aug 24;110(8):915-20. Epub 2004 Aug 16. [9] Man RY et al, Cholestin
inhibits cholesterol synthesis and secretion in hepatic cells (HepG2). Mol Cell
Biochem. 2002 Apr;233(1-2):153-8.
EXTRACTS?
Thompson Coon JS and Ernst E from Universities of Exeter and
Plymouth, UK, reviewed 25 randomized clinical studies for 11 herbal
products in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol
levels). They concluded that guggul (Commiphora mukul), fenugreek
(Trigonella foenum-graecum), red yeast rice, and artichoke (Cynara
scolymus) have been most extensively studied and have
demonstrated reductions in total serum cholesterol levels of
between10% and 33%.
While, Patrick L and Uzick M explained that red yeast rice contains
lovastatin(a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor which inhibits cholesterol
synthesis in the body) as well as other cholesterol-lowering
compounds, some with antioxidant effects. [2] Heber D from
University of California, Los Angeles pointed out that red yeast rice is
likely to be able to directly impact the process of atherosclerosis
consequently, it may prevent cardiovascular diseases. [3]
ANIMAL STUDIES
Researchers have studied the tong-term effects of red yeast rice
extract on serum lipids and severity of atherosclerosis in rabbits. In
the study, the researchers fed the rabbit with the extract together
with 0.25% cholesterol for 200 days. They found 25% and 40%
reductions in total cholesterol with respect to doses of 0.4 and 1.35
g/kg/day of the red yeast rice. They also observed a reduction of
serum LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and atherosclerotic index. [7]
CLINICAL STUDIES
There are a few clinical studies about the effect of red yeast rice on
cholesterol levels. Most of the subjects are either patients suffered
from hyperlipidermia or coronary artery disease. All studies reviewed
show the efficacy of red yeast rice on cholesterol-lowering. To
simplify this report, I summarized the results of the "most recent
studies".
A recent clinical study has demonstrated that ingestion of a red
yeast rice extract (Xuezhikang) led to rapid reduction of C-reactive
protein levels within 24 h and lipid profile within 2 weeks. The
researchers believed that red yeast rice extract might have clinically
benefits for patients with coronary artery disease. In the study, they
randomly assigned 48 consecutive patients with stable angina to
1200 or 2400 mg/day of a red yeast rice extract (Xuezhikang). They
found that the red yeast rice extract Xuezhikang reduced total
cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, median plasma
C-reactive protein levels and in mean plasma C-reactive protein
levels significantly. AThe higher dose of the red yeast rice extract
Xuezhikang (2400 mg/day) resulted in significantly greater
reductions in total cholesterol TC and low-density lipoprotein LDL
cholesterol compared with 1200 mg/day group (p<0.05, p<0.01,
respectively. While, they observed a less reduction in triglycerides
(TG) levels and no significant difference in mean high-density
lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels compared with baseline. [5]
In another study of patients with coronary heart disease at dose of
1200 mg/d for 6 weeks, researchers also observed the reduction of
lipid levels and improvement of inflammation after the administration
of the red yeast rice extracts. [8]
Hyperlipidemia is a well-known risk factor for atherosclerosis and
statins are widely used to treat patients with elevated levels of
lipids in their plasma. Notwithstanding the proven benefits of statin
drugs on both primary and secondary prevention of heart disease,
the high cost of statin treatment, in addition to possible side effects
such as liver function abnormalities, may limit their widespread use.
We conducted a study on a natural product as an alternative to
statin treatment. Cholestin, a dietary supplement, is prepared from
rice fermented with red yeast (Monascus purpureus), which has
been shown to significantly decrease total cholesterol levels in
hyperlipidemic subjects. Our objective was to determine the cellular
effect of Cholestin on cholesterol synthesis in human hepatic cells
(HepG2) and the mechanism by which it caused a change in lipid
metabolism.
A red yeast extract was found to have a direct inhibitory effect on
HMG-CoA reductase activity (78-69% of control). In the study,
researchers found this red yeast extract (25-100 microg/mL) were
significantly reduced cholesterol levels in human hepatic cells
HepG2in a dose-dependent manner (81-45% of control,
respectively). They found and association of this reduction with the
decreased synthesis and secretion of both unesterified cholesterol
(54-31 and 33-14% of control, respectively) and cholesteryl ester
(18-6 and 37-19% of control, respectively). Thus, one of the
anti-hyperlipidemic actions of the red yeast rice in the study was a
consequence of an inhibitory effect on cholesterol biosynthesis in
hepatic cells. [9]
RED YEAST RICE SIDE EFFECTS
Researchers from Taipei Medical University evaluated the effect of
high doses of red yeast rice on coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) levels in the
tissues of 85 ICR mice. They found that CoQ10 levels in liver and
heart declined dramatically 30 minutes after the ingestion of red
yeast rice. And, the effect persists for 24 hours and it is dose
proportional. [4]
A case of red yeast rice side effects was reported by researchers at
James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State
University. A middle-aged man presented with joint pain and muscle
weakness that had begun 2 months before presentation. Three
months before presentation, he had begun to take a herbal
preparation of red rice. Laboratory testing revealed a moderately
elevated creatine phosphokinase level. Symptoms and laboratory
abnormalities resolved with discontinuation of the red rice. Eight
months later, he resumed the product and his creatine
phosphokinase level rose again. The researchers believed that the
active ingredient, i.e. lovastatin, in the red rice was the cause of his
myopathy.. [6]
Because the active ingredient of red yeast rice is lovastatin,
theorically the side effects of red yeast rice should be similar to the
side effect of the prescription lovastatin (i.e. Mevacor), assuming
that their absorption rate and extent (i.e. AUC) are identical.
A few manufacturers developed red yeast rice product containing
CoQ10 to support healthy cardiovascular and immune system
function.
HOME
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. YOU SHOULD DISCUSS WITH
YOUR DOCTOR IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION OR USING THIS PRODUCT. ALL
RIGHT RESERVED 2008 ZHION. THIS ARTICLE IS NOT ALLOWED TO BE
COPIED TO OTHER WEBSITES OR OTHER TYPES OF PUBLICATION WITH
ZHION'S PERMISSION.
Reference [1] Herbs for serum cholesterol reduction: a systematic view. J
Fam Pract. 2003 Jun;52(6):468-78. [2] Patrick L and Uzick M Cardiovascular
disease: C-reactive protein and the inflammatory disease paradigm:
HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors, alpha-tocopherol, red yeast rice, and olive oil
polyphenols. A review of the literature. Altern Med Rev. 2001
Jun;6(3):248-71. [3] Herbs and atherosclerosis. Curr Atheroscler Rep. 2001
Jan;3(1):93-6. [4] Yang HT et al, Acute administration of red yeast rice
(Monascus purpureus) depletes tissue coenzyme Q(10) levels in ICR mice. Br
J Nutr. 2005 Jan;93(1):131-5. [5] Li JJ et al, Effects of xuezhikang, an
extract of cholestin, on lipid profile and C-reactive protein: a short-term time
course study in patients with stable angina. Clin Chim Acta. 2005
Feb;352(1-2):217-24. [6] Smith DJ and Olive KE Chinese red rice-induced
myopathy. South Med J. 2003 Dec;96(12):1265-7. [7] Wei W et al,
Hypolipidemic and anti-atherogenic effects of long-term Cholestin (Monascus
purpureus-fermented rice, red yeast rice) in cholesterol fed rabbits. J Nutr
Biochem. 2003 Jun;14(6):314-8. [8] Zhao SP et al, Xuezhikang, an extract of
cholestin, protects endothelial function through antiinflammatory and
lipid-lowering mechanisms in patients with coronary heart disease. Circulation.
2004 Aug 24;110(8):915-20. Epub 2004 Aug 16. [9] Man RY et al, Cholestin
inhibits cholesterol synthesis and secretion in hepatic cells (HepG2). Mol Cell
Biochem. 2002 Apr;233(1-2):153-8.
| Red Yeast Rice is a unique natural product native to China that's been used in Asian traditional medical systems since approximately 800 A.D. It is produced by the fermentation of red yeast (Monascus purpureus) with white rice. However, manufacturers need to carefully produce the product to avoid the presence of citrinin, a toxic by-product of the fermentation process. |
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Acetyl-L Carnitine
Acidophilus
Alfalfa
Almond
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Arnica
Ashwagandha
Asian Pears
Asparagus
Astaxanthin,
Astragulus
Artichoke
Avena sativa
Avocados
Barley
Banana
Basil
black cohosh
Bladderwrack
Blackberry
Black Currant
Blueberry
Bilberry
Bitter Melon
Borage Seed Oil
Boswellia
Broccoli
Bromelain
Brown Seaweed
Brussels Sprout
Butterbur
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Cabbage
Calcium
Calendula
Canola oil
Cauliflower
Cat's Claw
Cayenne
Celadrin
Celery
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Cherry
Chondroitin
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Chlorophyll
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Fenugreek
Feverfew
Folate
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Garcinia C.
Garlic
Galangal
Ghrelin
Ginger
Ginseng
Ginseng/Ginkgo
Ginkgo Biloba
Glucosamine
Goldenseal
Gotu Kola
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Green Tea
Growth Hormone
Stimulants
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Guar Gum
Guggul
Gymnema
Hawthorn
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Hop
Horse Chestnut
Horsetail
Huperzine A
Hyaluronic acid
Isothiocyanates
Kava Kava
Kelp
L-arginine
Lavender
Lecithin
Lemon balm
Licorice
Lingonberry
Lutein
Lycopene
Maca
Mango
Marshmallow
Melatonin
Milk Thistle
Mistletoe
N-Acetylcysteine
Nattokinase
Nectarines
Olive Oil
Omegic Fatty
Acids
Onion
Orange
Oregon Grape
Pantethine
Papaya
Passion Flower
PEANUT
Peach
Pepper
Peppermint
Persimmons
Phosphatidyl
serine
Phyllanthus
Potato
Plum
Pomegranate
Probiotics
Policosanol /
Polycosanol
Propolis
Pumpkin
Pycnogenol
Pyruvate
Quercetin
Radish
Red Clover
Red Yeast Rice
Reishi / Lingzhi
Resveratrol
Rhodiola
Rosemary
Royal Jelly
Rutin
S-adenosyl-L-
methionine
Saffron
Saw Palmetto
Schisandra
Selenium
Spinach
Spirulina
Squash
Stinging Nettle
St John Wort
Strawberry
Sweet Potatoes
Taxifolin
Tea Tree Oil
Turmeric [Curry]
Tyrosine
Shark Cartilage
Stevia
Valerian
Walnuts
Watermelon
Whey
Xylitol
Yohimbe
Yucca
5-Hydroxytrpto
phan
Food Industry
Organic Label
HOME
Herb Side Effect
Resource
DIET.
SUPPLEMENT
PhytoChemicals
Antioxidants
A-Z Health Foods,
Products
Acetyl-L Carnitine
Acidophilus
Alfalfa
Almond
Aloe vera
Aniseed
Apple
Arnica
Ashwagandha
Asian Pears
Asparagus
Astaxanthin,
Astragulus
Artichoke
Avena sativa
Avocados
Barley
Banana
Basil
black cohosh
Bladderwrack
Blackberry
Black Currant
Blueberry
Bilberry
Bitter Melon
Borage Seed Oil
Boswellia
Broccoli
Bromelain
Brown Seaweed
Brussels Sprout
Butterbur
Burdock
Cabbage
Calcium
Calendula
Canola oil
Cauliflower
Cat's Claw
Cayenne
Celadrin
Celery
Chamomile
Chaparral
Cherry
Chondroitin
Chitosan
Chlorophyll
Chromium
Cinnamon
CLA
Cocoa
Cod Liver Oil
Coenzyme Q
Coffee
Comfrey
Conj. Linoleic Acid
Colostrum
Colloidal Silver
Corn
Cranberry
Creatine
Curcumin
Dandelion
Devil's Claw
DHEA
Dill
Dong Quai
Echinacea
Eleuthero
Ellagic Acid
Eucalyptus G.
Eve. Primrose Oil
Falcarinol
Fennel
Fenugreek
Feverfew
Folate
Fish Oil
Flaxseed /Linseed
Garcinia C.
Garlic
Galangal
Ghrelin
Ginger
Ginseng
Ginseng/Ginkgo
Ginkgo Biloba
Glucosamine
Goldenseal
Gotu Kola
GRAPE SEED
EXTRACT
Green Tea
Growth Hormone
Stimulants
Goldenseal
Guar Gum
Guggul
Gymnema
Hawthorn
Hoodia
Hop
Horse Chestnut
Horsetail
Huperzine A
Hyaluronic acid
Isothiocyanates
Kava Kava
Kelp
L-arginine
Lavender
Lecithin
Lemon balm
Licorice
Lingonberry
Lutein
Lycopene
Maca
Mango
Marshmallow
Melatonin
Milk Thistle
Mistletoe
N-Acetylcysteine
Nattokinase
Nectarines
Olive Oil
Omegic Fatty
Acids
Onion
Orange
Oregon Grape
Pantethine
Papaya
Passion Flower
PEANUT
Peach
Pepper
Peppermint
Persimmons
Phosphatidyl
serine
Phyllanthus
Potato
Plum
Pomegranate
Probiotics
Policosanol /
Polycosanol
Propolis
Pumpkin
Pycnogenol
Pyruvate
Quercetin
Radish
Red Clover
Red Yeast Rice
Reishi / Lingzhi
Resveratrol
Rhodiola
Rosemary
Royal Jelly
Rutin
S-adenosyl-L-
methionine
Saffron
Saw Palmetto
Schisandra
Selenium
Spinach
Spirulina
Squash
Stinging Nettle
St John Wort
Strawberry
Sweet Potatoes
Taxifolin
Tea Tree Oil
Turmeric [Curry]
Tyrosine
Shark Cartilage
Stevia
Valerian
Walnuts
Watermelon
Whey
Xylitol
Yohimbe
Yucca
5-Hydroxytrpto
phan
Food Industry
Organic Label
HOME
Herb Side Effect
Resource
Supplements of fish oil and
red yeast rice, coupled with
lifestyle changes in diet and
exercise habits, can reduce
cholesterol as much as
standard cholesterol- lowering
medications known as statins,
according to a new study.
Fish Oil, Red Yeast Rice Cut
Cholesterol WebMed July 23,
2008
red yeast rice, coupled with
lifestyle changes in diet and
exercise habits, can reduce
cholesterol as much as
standard cholesterol- lowering
medications known as statins,
according to a new study.
Fish Oil, Red Yeast Rice Cut
Cholesterol WebMed July 23,
2008