Red Yeast Rice

USAGE AND EFFECTIVENESS

Usage	Effectiveness
Heart Attack	Mild effectiveness (Reduce risk of heart attack) Several clinical studies showed reduction in incidence of non-fatal heart attack (59%), clogged blood vessels (42%), and sudden death (29%) but no significant improvement in probability of fatal heart attack); clinical study is not robust enough (only one type of red yeast rice extract is used, and researches were conducted only in China); more evidence is needed
High Cholesterol	Mild effectiveness (Reduce cholesterol level) • Shown in several clinical studies to reduce total cholesterol (23%), bad cholesterol (34%), fat levels, and improve good cholesterol level • A very small clinical study also showed that it is effective in lowering cholesterol as compared to no active ingredient when used in patients with HIV related high cholesterol • More evidence is needed
Cancer	Unclear effectiveness (Reduce risk of cancer) Shown in one clinical study to reduce the risk of death by 22-56%; but clinical study is not robust enough (unclear if red yeast rice reduces the probability of appearance of new cancer or re-emergence of cancer after initial bout(s) has subsized); more evidence is needed
High Blood Pressure	Unclear effectiveness (Reduce blood pressure) In one small clinical study, red yeast rice did not further reduce blood pressure; more evidence needed
Metabolic Syndrome	Unclear effectiveness (Improve symptoms of metabolic syndrome) Shown in two clinical studies to reduce blood pressure, fat levels, and heart mass; but clinical study is not robust enough (small clinical study and effect of red yeast rice when used alone is unknown); more evidence is needed
Postoperative Recovery	Unclear effectiveness (Improve recovery after surgery) One clinical study showed reduction in bleeding after operation, lung infection, stroke, death risk, and duration of hospital stay; more evidence is needed
Diabetes	Unknown effectiveness No clinical study to support the above point; More evidence needed
Heart & Blood Vessel Diseases	Unknown effectiveness No clinical study to support the above point; More evidence needed
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease	Unknown effectiveness No clinical study to support the above point; more evidence needed. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease is a condition where excess fats are accumulated in the liver of individuals who drink little to no alcohol, causing inflammation and liver damage.

General Safety

• Generally safe when used orally and appropriately; however, given that it contains cholesterol medicine-like ingredient, it may have liver and muscle damaging properties.

Pregnant/Breastfeeding

• Generally unsafe when used orally during pregnancy; unknown safety when used during breast-feeding; avoid using.

Children

• Little data to show it is safe or otherwise; avoid if possible.

Elderly

• Little data to show it is safe or otherwise; avoid if possible.

Special to Note

• Unknown.

Contraindications

• May worsen liver condition in individuals with liver disorders.

Side Effects

• Generally safe; side effects may include:
  • Heart: Very rare cases of chest pain and fast heart rate reported.
  • Skin: May cause itchy, dry skin, and rashes; very rare cases of an autoimmune disease which caused hair loss reported.
  • Digestive System: May cause stomach discomfort, bloating, heartburn, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, inflammed stomach, and decreased appetite.
  • Genital/Urinary: Very rare case of erectile dysfunction and bladder inflammation.
  • Liver: May cause liver toxicity.
  • Immune System: Very rare case of difficulty in swallowing reported; very rare case of anaphylaxis - serious and dangerous allergy with symptoms such as breathing difficulty and low blood pressure, has been reported after inhaling red yeast rice powder.
  • Muscle/Skeletal: May cause muscle pain, spasm, and injury.
  • Brain/CNS: May cause dizziness, headache, tiredness, and tingling sensation; very rare case of nerve damage reported.
  • Eye: Very rare of case of blurry vision reported.
  • Kidney: May cause kidney toxicity and kidney damage.
  • Others: Rare cases of swelling/ fluid accumulation.

• Medicines
  Medium to High severity interactions with medicines for organ transplant & high cholesterol, medicines that may damage the liver, niacin, and a wide range of medicines such as antibiotics, and sleeping pills (due to the ability to block medicine clearance).
• Supplements
  Medium to High severity interactions with CoQ10, grapefruit, niacin, St. John's wort and supplements that may damage the liver.
• Food
  None known.
• Lab Tests
  None known.

• Oral (Adults)
  600mg twice daily after food for up to 4.5 years.

• General Information
  • While there is a lack of clinical studies, Red Yeast Rice is used by consumers for high cholesterol, heart attack, and others.
• How does it work?
  • Contains chemicals that reduce microorganisms, risk of cancer, blood sugar level, inflammation, risk of heart diseases, and body weight; helps with immunity; has antioxidant.