Red yeast rice in its natural state consists of monacolin compounds such as monacolin K, which is a natural form of lovastatin. These monacolins, along with fatty-acids, anti-oxidants and other nutrients, work together to balance the cholesterol in the body without producing harmful side effects.
Red Yeast Rice extract, taken in the form of supplements has been found to reduce cholesterol levels drastically. It is prepared by the fermentation of rice using a type of red yeast. In Chinese medicine, it has been used for centuries to soothe upset stomachs and promote blood circulation.
Hyperlipidemia or high cholesterol is a well-known risk factor for heart disease as it causes atherosclerosis or formation of plaque in the blood vessels. The LDL or low density cholesterol deposits the excess cholesterol along the arterial walls causing them to thicken and hence narrows the arteries restricting flow of blood. Statins are widely used to combat this situation. Natural statin found in red yeast rice extract was found to have the same inhibitory effect on HMG-CoA reductase activity thereby reducing production of cholesterol in the liver.
Common prescription drugs used for lowering cholesterol contain about 20mg of Lovastatin and are known to decrease the coenzyme CoQ10, lead to liver dysfunction, muscle pain and kidney problems.
Certain red yeast rice supplements contain high levels of standardized extract of lovastatin. During the standardization process, a single ingredient is isolated and concentrated with the help of harsh chemicals. So, the high concentration leads to high potency, but at the same time, increases the risk of side effects too. Holistic herbal remedies therefore, don't use the standardization process.
Side effects from the supplement are possible if the levels of lovastatin are equivalent to those found in prescriptions. So, people who have faced side effects of statins should be careful in using these supplements.
Taking a combination of medications may put strain on the liver, thereby producing serious side effects. The liver may get damaged as a result of these over-medications. The medication may increase the concentration of enzymes of the liver. Therefore, people with liver damage should avoid the supplement altogether.
In severe cases, kidney damage due to breakdown of muscles, also known as rhabdomyolysis may occur. Since it's effect on pregnancy has not been studied, pregnant and lactating mothers should avoid taking red yeast rice supplements.
Red Yeast Rice has been shown to normalise cholesterol levels without harming the body when taken in conjunction with other key ingredients which offset its side effects.
