Red yeast rice is a Chinese fermented rice product (Monascus purpureus) that some have claimed improves blood circulation by decreasing cholesterol and triglyceride levels in humans. The supplement contains naturally occurring monacolin K, the active ingredient found in Merck’s prescription agent lovastatin (Mevacor).

Does Monascus purpureus lower cholesterol?

Red yeast rice is a Chinese fermented rice product (Monascus purpureus) that some have claimed improves blood circulation by decreasing cholesterol and triglyceride levels in humans. The supplement contains naturally occurring monacolin K, the active ingredient found in Merck’s prescription agent lovastatin (Mevacor).

What is red yeast good for?

Red yeast rice is capable of lowering blood cholesterol levels and total blood cholesterol levels. While the supplement is generally considered safe, it might carry the same potential side effects as statin cholesterol drugs. Red yeast rice might cost less than a statin.

What foods contain monacolin K?

Red Yeast Rice

  • Some red yeast rice products contain substantial amounts of monacolin K, which is chemically identical to the active ingredient in the cholesterol-lowering drug lovastatin.
  • Other red yeast rice products contain little or no monacolin K.

Is Monascus purpureus the same as monacolin K?

Red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus) is rice fermented with red yeast. It contains several derivatives of mevinic acids, including lovastatin. Lovastatin is an active ingredient in cholesterol-lowering medicinal products, but when found in red yeast rice it is more often referred to by its synonymous name monacolin K.

Is Monascus purpureus a statin?

We examined the lipid-lowering efficacy of the natural fungal product Monascus purpureus (MP), which contains the natural statin monacolin K. Methods: Fifty-five patients with familial hypercholesterolaemia who had discontinued statins due to muscle symptoms.

Is Monascus purpureus a bacteria?

Manescus purpureus is a yeast used commercially in the production of blood cholesterol lowering statins. It is fungus most important because of its use in the form of red yeast rice in the production of fermented food in China.

When should I take red yeast rice morning or night?

Red yeast rice and its active principles act in the same way, so it’s best to take it in the evening before going to bed. It’s a natural alternative that should be taken under medical supervision, just like any supplement used for therapeutic purposes (3).

Can red yeast rice raise blood pressure?

May promote heart health One review of 21 studies found that red yeast rice was effective at reducing levels of total and LDL (bad) cholesterol, as well as triglycerides and blood pressure, when combined with statin drugs ( 6 ).

Is monacolin K safe?

The Panel concluded that exposure to monacolin K from RYR could lead to severe adverse effects on musculoskeletal system, including rhabdomyolysis, and on the liver. In the reported cases, the product contained other ingredients in addition to RYR.

What is a monacolin?

Monacolin, a fungal secondary metabolite very similar to natural statins, decreases plasma cholesterol levels by competitively inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A reductase (the hepatic enzyme that limits cholesterol synthesis) and by inducing the expression of LDL receptors in the liver.

What is Monascus purpureus used for?

What is the best natural supplement to lower cholesterol?

Natural Supplements to Lower Cholesterol

  • Niacin. Niacin, which is also known as vitamin B3, is a water-soluble nutrient that supports more than 400 enzyme reactions in the body.
  • Plant sterols.
  • Soluble fiber.
  • Psyllium.
  • Red yeast rice.
  • Soy.
  • Fish oil.

Is spirulina good for You?

Gram for gram, spirulina may be the single most nutritious food on the planet. A tablespoon (7 grams) of spirulina provides a small amount of fat — around 1 gram — including both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids in an approximately 1.5–1.0 ratio. The quality of the protein in spirulina is considered excellent — comparable to eggs.

Does Monascus purpureus fermented rice have higher TPC?

Monascus purpureus fermented rice products showed higher TPC, reducing power, free radical scavenging and chelating abilities as compared to uninoculated rice (Yang, Tseng, Lee, & Mau, 2006). Mohammed Bule, Kamal Niaz, in Nonvitamin and Nonmineral Nutritional Supplements, 2019

What is spirulina made of?

Spirulina is a blue-green algae, and is believed to be one of the oldest life forms on Earth. First used by the Aztecs as an endurance-booster, spirulina is considered a superfood — an all-in-one source of nutrients including protein levels comparable to eggs.

What does phycocyanin do in spirulina?

Phycocyanin can fight free radicals and inhibit production of inflammatory signaling molecules, providing impressive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects ( 6, 7, 8 ). Summary Phycocyanin is the main active compound in spirulina. It has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.