Red Yeast Rice For High Cholesterol

• Studies show that daily consumption of  Red Yeast Rice (RYR) is beneficial for managing mild to moderate Hypercholesterolemia in people with no additional Cardiovascular risk factors

• Monacolin K in Red Yeast Rice is effective in reducing LDL cholesterol levels up to 15 to 25% within 6 to 8 weeks of daily consumption due to its Statin like mechanism of action

• Studies show that RYR is Overall tolerable and safe lipid lowering supplement even in patients previously intolerant to statin treatment , especially when they are adequately monitored and contain low Monacolin K content (3mg/day) 

What is Red yeast rice ?

Red yeast rice is a nutraceutical prepared by fermenting yeast like (monascus purpureus , pleurotus ostreastus) with Red rice (oryza sativa)

What is nutritional profile of Red yeast rice ?

• 25-73% Sugars (Starch mainly)

• 14-31% Proteins

• 2-7% Water

• 1-5% Fatty acids 

• Sterols

• Isoflavones

• Pigments (Rubropunctamine and Monascorubramine , which gives red color to it)

What are the uses of Red yeast rice ?

1) Treats Mild to Moderate Hypercholesterolemia  -  

Monacolin K ( HMG COA Reductase Inhibitor similar to statins ) in Red Yeast Rice Lowers LDL cholesterol / Bad cholesterol up to 15 to 25% within 6 to 8 weeks of Daily consumption

It also reduces Total Cholesterol , Non-HDL cholesterol , Plasma Apolipoprotein B , Matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 , High sensitivity CRP

2) Anti-aging -

 Improves Endothelial function and Pulse wave activity and has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

3) Useful in Diabetes Prevention especially in prediabetics -

RYR increases acetylcholine release resulting in increased insulin secretion , increases insulin sensitivity and decreases insulin resistance and improves blood glucose levels in Type 2 Diabetes mellitus patients

4) Anti-Hypertensive effects -

By inhibition of angiotensin 1 converting enzyme by 4 active peptides that were found in monascus purpureus and other mechanisms involving acetylcholine chloride and GABA

5) Anti-Obesity effects -

By inhibiting adipocyte differentiation and increasing lipolysis and by suppressing appetite

6) Depression -

By their Monoamine oxidase inhibitory effect

7) Promotes bone health / Useful in Osteoporosis Patients  -

By increased proliferation of Osteoblasts

What are the side effects of Red Yeast Rice ?

Mostly safe in minimal doses (3 to 10mg/day Monacolin K ;  200 mg Red Yeast Rice has 3 mg Monacolin K) 

Myalgia (Muscle pain) can occur in Previously severely statin intolerant patients

At High doses Liver damage can occur

Note - Long term exposure to Citrinin , a mycotoxin produced during monascus fermentation is nephrotoxic and can cause renal adenomas and renal tumors at a dose of >/= 50mg/kg/day (Very High doses)

 INTERACTIONS ?

Don't take RYR with CYP450 Inhibitors like Grape fruit juice , Niacin , cyclosporine , HIV protease inhibitors , Fibrates , Coumarin , Nefazodone , Macrolides , Antifungals 

(as if combined may increase risk of Mycotoxicity and Rhabdomyolysis)

Interesting Fact - 

Lovastatin was first prepared by extraction of Monacolins by Fermentation of Monascus yeast 

CONCLUSION - 

200mg red yeast rice per day for 6 to 8 weeks can help improve lipid profile without side effects  / minimal side effects when combined with other dietary management and Regular aerobic exercise

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