If you are interested in a healthy lifestyle or natural dietary supplements, you may have come across red yeast rice. This traditional ingredient originates from Asia and is used not only in cooking but also in medicine. It contains substances that may help lower cholesterol levels, but it is also strictly regulated in some countries. Why is it regulated, and what are its effects?
What is Red Yeast Rice?
Red yeast rice, or in Latin Monascus purpureus, is fermented rice that gets its characteristic red color from a specific type of yeast. These microorganisms produce various bioactive compounds during fermentation, including monacolins. These compounds have effects similar to statins (medications used to lower cholesterol).
From a historical perspective, red yeast rice is a product of traditional Chinese medicine with many uses. In Chinese traditional medicine, it is used not only as food but also as a medicine. The first records of red yeast rice date back to China during the Tang Dynasty, which was the period from 618 to 907 AD. Even then, it was already documented for use in traditional medicine.
Main Active Compounds and Their Effects
We’ve already mentioned the most famous component of red yeast rice – monacolin K, a substance chemically similar to lovastatin. Lovastatin is a commonly prescribed medication for high cholesterol. It is monacolin K that makes red yeast rice a popular dietary supplement for supporting heart health.
In addition to monacolins, it also contains:
-
Phytosterols: These are plant-based compounds with a structure similar to cholesterol. They help lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol by preventing its absorption in the intestines. The main phytosterols found in red yeast rice include: Beta-sitosterol, Campesterol, and Stigmasterol.
-
Isoflavonoids: Isoflavonoids are plant polyphenols commonly found in soy products and are known for their antioxidant and hormonal effects. Although present in trace amounts in red yeast rice, they can still contribute to:
✔ Cardiovascular protection
✔ Anti-inflammatory properties
✔ Hormonal balance support (though not as significantly as soy)
Article tip: What is Turmeric and What Are Its Side Effects?
Effects of Red Yeast Rice
The main effects of red yeast rice are:
-
Reduction of "bad" LDL cholesterol – it blocks the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which is essential for cholesterol production in the liver. Studies confirm this effect, meaning that red yeast rice helps reduce the risk of heart disease.
-
Increase in "good" HDL cholesterol – on the other hand, some research suggests that red yeast rice may also slightly increase levels of "good" HDL cholesterol.
-
Support for heart and vascular health – lower cholesterol levels mean a lower risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
-
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects – helps reduce inflammatory processes in the body.
-
Possible improvement in fat metabolism – some people also report a positive effect on weight control.
However, similar to statins, there may also be side effects, such as muscle pain, digestive issues, or increased liver strain.
Legislation: Why Is It Banned in Some Places?
Although red yeast rice sounds like a great natural alternative to statins, its use is not allowed everywhere. The reason is the presence of monacolin K, which acts similarly to prescription drugs.
-
European Union tightened regulations in 2022, limiting the allowed daily dose of monacolin K in dietary supplements to a maximum of 3 mg per day. Higher doses may be classified as medicinal products and are not freely available.
-
USA does not have uniform regulations – some supplements may contain high doses of monacolin K, while others are withdrawn from the market.
-
Asia – in China and Japan, red yeast rice is a common part of traditional medicine and is also consumed in food products.
-
Due to these regulations, it is important to always check the composition and exact amount of monacolin K before purchasing, especially if you are taking cholesterol medications.
