Red Yeast Rice Extract

Red yeast rice has been used in some Asian countries, especially China, for a very long time. As the name rightly suggests, red yeast rice is produced by fermenting rice with a reddish yeast called Monascus purpureus. This gives the characteristic reddish-purple color to the rice. In China and some other Asian countries, this cultured rice is either prepared and consumed as white rice or is added to other foods, especially for the color. It is also used as a coloring agent in some Chinese wines.

Medicinal Properties of Red Yeast Rice

Red yeast rice is also a part of traditional Chinese medicine. This rice is considered to be good for energizing the body, aiding digestion and for revitalizing blood. Studies conducted during the latter half of the twentieth century came up with some interesting and healthy facts about red yeast rice. According to this study, red yeast rice contains some compounds, called monacolins, which can inhibit cholesterol synthesis. One of these compounds, monacolin K is identical to lovastatin, which is a prescription drug for lowering cholesterol. This study resulted in the large-scale production and marketing of red yeast rice as a nutritional supplement and cholesterol lowering agent. Now, red yeast rice is available in different forms, like dried grain, wet grain, powder and as extract.

Red Yeast Rice Extract - Benefits and Side Effects

This extract is widely used for its cholesterol lowering properties. Even though, there is no scientific evidence for its effectiveness in humans, most of the users of this product are satisfied with the results. Some people even use as it as a substitute for 'statins', which are prescription drugs for cholesterol control. It is contended that red yeast rice extract can help to reduce total cholesterol levels, lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol, increase levels of HDL (good) cholesterol, and lower levels of unhealthy fats called triglycerides. It is also claimed that this product may reduce the risk of heart disease and other related health problems.

However, there are some speculations about this health benefit offered by red yeast rice extract. According to some health experts, even though this extract is used as a supplement and not a medicine, it contains compounds which act in the body, in a similar fashion as prescription drugs (statins) work. So, it can cause the same side effects which can be caused by the prescription drugs. Such side effects include muscle, liver and gastrointestinal problems. Even kidney failure is suspected as a possible side effect of this rice. Apart from that, the FDA has regulated the sale of red yeast rice extract, as it contains compounds similar to prescription drugs. So, now the manufacturers have altered the fermentation methods, so as to lower the monacolin levels. This also makes the product less effective. However, pure and original red yeast rice can be effective, provided you take it as per the instructions of a physician. The dosage of this extract is decided as per the amount of CoA reductase inhibitors and lovastatin equivalents. In case of standardized red yeast rice extract, the dosage is around 2,400 milligrams daily, which gives 9.6 milligrams of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. However, red yeast rice or supplements are not recommended for small kids and pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Now, you know more about red yeast rice extract benefits and side effects. However, this product should be taken strictly under the guidance of a physician.