Red Yeast Rice

Red yeast rice (RYR) is a fermented rice used traditionally in East Asia as a medicine and food. Supplementation with RYR seems to reduce cholesterol levels and may improve overall cardiovascular health. The main active compound in RYR is monacolin K, which is identical to the cholesterol-lowering medication lovastatin.

Quick Answer

What it is

Red yeast rice (RYR) is a fermented rice used traditionally in East Asia as a medicine and food. Supplementation with RYR seems to reduce cholesterol levels and may improve overall cardiovascular health.

Key findings

  • Grade A: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (Type 2 Diabetes)
  • Grade B: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) (Type 2 Diabetes)
  • Grade D: Apolipoprotein A (Dyslipidemia)

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Red Yeast Rice

Quick Facts: Red Yeast Rice

  • Best Evidence:Grade A
  • Conditions Studied:2
  • Research Outcomes:10
  • Grade A Findings:1
  • Grade B Findings:1
  • Key Effect:Type 2 Diabetes
Outcomes by grade:
A1
B1
C0
D1
2 conditions · 10 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

A
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
Moderate Improvement
moderate↓Improves
B
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
Moderate Improvement
5 studies
moderate↑Improves
?
Total cholesterol
5 studies
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
5 studies
↓Improves
D
Apolipoprotein A
No effect
5 studies
none
?
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
9 studies
↑Improves
?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
↓Improves
?
Total cholesterol
9 studies
↓Improves
?
Triglycerides
9 studies
↓Improves
?
Apolipoprotein B
5 studies
↓Improves

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