Supplement Scholar
Compound

Red Yeast Rice

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Red Yeast Rice. Fermented rice product containing natural monacolin K (chemically identical to lovastatin).

How it works. Monacolin K inhibits HMG-CoA reductase (same as lovastatin).

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Reduces LDL ~15–25% (strong).

How much to take. Typical dose: Up to 10 mg monacolin K/d (EU regulated).

Side effects and interactions. 3 medication interactions listed. Serious: Rhabdomyolysis (rare).

Stacking. Pairs well with Omega-3, CoQ10. Avoid combining with Pregnancy, Active liver disease.

Common forms. Available as Standardized monacolin K.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Red Yeast Rice. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Red Yeast Rice. Fermented rice product containing natural monacolin K (chemically identical to lovastatin).

Key compound: lovastatinC24H36O5 · 404.5 g/mol

What it is

Fermented rice product containing natural monacolin K (chemically identical to lovastatin).

Also called

Monascus purpureus

Food sources

Monascus purpureus fermented rice

Goals

Cardiovascular Health

How it works

Monacolin K inhibits HMG-CoA reductase (same as lovastatin).

Pathways

  • HMG-CoA reductase inhibition

Effects

  • ↓LDL cholesterol decreases

What the research supports

Reduces LDL ~15–25%strong

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
Up to 10 mg monacolin K/d (EU regulated)
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodWith a meal containing fat for fat-soluble compounds; otherwise either.
Best formMost evidence is based on the standardized monacolin k form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Myalgia

Serious

  • Rhabdomyolysis (rare)

Medication interactions

Statins / fibratessevere

Same class; additive myopathy.

Macrolides / azolessevere

CYP3A4 inhibition.

Grapefruitmoderate

Increases blood levels.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • Omega-3Anti-inflammatory cardiovascular synergy.
  • CoQ10Supports mitochondrial energetics in cardiac tissue.

Avoid combining

  • PregnancyStatin-class teratogen.
  • Active liver diseaseHepatotoxicity.

Common forms

  • Standardized monacolin K

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

Red yeast rice for hyperlipidemia: a meta-analysis ↗
Meta-analysis · Atherosclerosis · 2015

LDL-C reduction of ~1.0 mmol/L comparable to low-dose statins.

PubMed: Red Yeast Rice — Reduces LDL ~15–25% ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Red Yeast Rice and "Reduces LDL ~15–25%". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Red Yeast Rice — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Red Yeast Rice and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

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