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Looking for a natural way to lower cholesterol? Besides changes in diet and exercise, red yeast rice is an herbal product found to be effective in reducing cholesterol. This product was listed in the Chinese pharmacopoeia (drug book) published during the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644) to promote blood circulation. There are multiple proposed mechanisms for its effect on cholesterol, but what is known is that it contains natural HMG CoA reductase inhibitors. HMG CoA reductase inhibitors are the same things as the class of drugs called “statins”. Examples include lovastatin (Mevacor), atorvastatin (Lipitor), pravastatin (Pravachol), and simvastatin (Zocor).

Studies of Red Yeast Rice

In a study using diet plus red yeast rice, 187 patients received 2.4 grams daily for 4 weeks. Total cholesterol decreased by 16.4%, LDL by 21%, triglycerides by 24.5%, and HDL cholesterol increased by 14.6%. A similar study of 324 patients with 0.6 grams twice daily had similar results. (Source: Thomson MICROMEDEX.2004).

How does this compare to other cholesterol medications?

Statin therapy with a low potency drug like lovastatin (Mevacor) may reduce LDL cholesterol by about 20-30% and raise HDL cholesterol by about 7%. Mild/moderate agents such as pravastatin (Pravachol) can reduce LDL about 30-40%. Moderate potency statins such as simvastatin (Zocor) may reduce LDL by about 45-50% at the highest doses. High potency statins such as atorvastatin (Lipitor) or rosuvastatin may reduce LDL cholesterol by as much as 60%. None of the statins are robust at raising good cholesterol (HDL). Triglycerides can be reduced 5-30%, perhaps higher in some patients. So overall, red yeast rice seems to be much like a low potency statin for LDL cholesterol. However, its effect on triglycerides and HDL are more pronounced that what you expect with a low potency statin. In that regard, red yeast rice is more like niacin which is like a mild/moderate statin for LDL but has a high potency for increasing good HDL cholesterol and a moderate potency for decreasing triglycerides.

Side effects of red yeast rice

Preparations should be well tolerated. There is a less than 2% reported incidence of flatulence and heartburn. Extremely rare cases of muscle aches have been reported like with statins.

Red yeast rice tainted with statins

Buyer beware! The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found some red yeast rice preparations tainted with statins such as lovastatin. This may give it more effect, but it also raises the chances for drug interactions and greater side effects. (http://www.FDA.gov. 2007) Find a reputable natural products or dietary supplement company, and you should be OK. Overall these products might be appropriate for preventing first heart attacks, but if you’ve had a heart attack, a prescription medication may be needed.