Rice and yeast are natural products that result in a powerful drug.
Red yeast rice is often used in the treatment of cholesterol. Red yeast rice is the product of yeast grown on rice, and the resulting compounds are known as monacolins. Studies have shown that monacolins are capable of reducing total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (or LDL, the "bad" cholesterol) and triglycerides. Red yeast rice can be eaten on its own, as it often is in China; but most patients in the United States consume red yeast rice extracts in capsule form.
The Effects of Red Yeast Rice Extract
Patients who suffer from high cholesterol are often prescribed statins by their physicians. Statins are powerful cholesterol-lowering drugs that work by blocking a substance the body needs to make cholesterol. They also can help the body reabsorb cholesterol that has accumulated on artery walls, which helps prevent blockage in blood vessels. Although red yeast extract is sold primarily in health-food stores as a supplement, it in fact contains a powerful statin---lovastatin---which means that it functions as a drug rather than a supplement. In fact, lovastatin is manufactured by Merck and is marketed as a prescription drug. Therefore, those using red yeast extract must practice extreme caution, since they are usually not under a physician's care like those who are taking prescription statins. Also, because red yeast extract is considered a supplement, it is not subject to regulation by the Food and Drug Administration. As a result, the levels and additives in bottles of red yeast extract can vary widely from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Caution is also advised because statins can cause side effects such as liver damage and muscle problems. (Patients with liver damage and pregnant women should avoid them.) Statins are generally prescribed for the patient's lifetime, since stopping them can cause cholesterol levels to rise. Therefore, it's important to be under a doctor's care for proper monitoring.
The main advantage of taking red yeast extract is the cost; red yeast extract is typically much less expensive than prescription statins. However, statins are not prescribed by all doctors, who may also treat high cholesterol with prescribed dietary changes, alternative medications, exercise or nutrient supplements. As a result, a complete evaluation by a doctor is recommended before beginning a red yeast extract regimen.
Tags: yeast extract, high cholesterol, liver damage, prescription statins, Rice Extract, supplement fact, yeast rice