Overview
Fermented rice product containing natural monacolin K (chemically identical to lovastatin).
- Monascus purpureus fermented rice
- Standardized monacolin K
Mechanism of action
Monacolin K inhibits HMG-CoA reductase (same as lovastatin).
- · HMG-CoA reductase inhibition
Effects on the body
Organ system effects
Same hepatic risks as statins.
Risk of myopathy.
Evidence-based benefits
Reduces LDL ~15–25%
Strong evidencePotential side effects
- · Myalgia
- · Liver enzyme elevation
- · Rhabdomyolysis (rare)
Drug interactions
Safety & non-supplemental interactions
Educational summary — always confirm with your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining with prescription therapy.
- ·Pregnant or breastfeeding
- ·Active or chronic liver disease
- ·Muscle disease
- ·Statins (additive — duplicate therapy)
- ·Fibrates
- ·Cyclosporine, gemfibrozil
- ·CYP3A4 inhibitors (grapefruit, clarithromycin)
Supplement interactions
None listed.
- PregnancyStatin-class teratogen.
- Active liver diseaseHepatotoxicity.
Dosing & bioavailability
Where to buy
Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.
Scientific evidence (8)
Red yeast rice for hyperlipidemia: a meta-analysis
Gerards MC, et al.
Meta-analysis of 20 RCTs of RYR for cholesterol.
LDL-C reduction of ~1.0 mmol/L comparable to low-dose statins.
PubMed: Red Yeast Rice — Reduces LDL ~15–25%
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PubMed: Red Yeast Rice — dose response
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