RED YEAST RICE

About author: 
Prabhu Raj KJ*, Abhilash A,  Gopi Krishna B, Dr. Hindustan Abdul Ahad
B. Pharmacy, Balaji College of Pharmacy, Anantapur, AP, India
* e-mail: prabhuraj977@gmail.com

Introduction:
Red yeast is the product of rice fermented with Monascuspurpureus yeast. Red yeast supplements are different from red yeast rice sold in Chinese grocery stores. People use red yeast as medicine. Red yeast is used for maintaining desirable cholesterol levels in healthy people, reducing cholesterol in people with high cholesterol, for indigestion, diarrhea, improving blood circulation, and for spleen and stomach health.
Key words: Red Yeast rice, Monascuspurpureus, health.
Description:
In foods, red yeast is used as a food coloring for Peking duck. The active ingredient in red yeast is the same as the active ingredient in prescription drugs called statins used for high cholesterol. That’s why red yeast has all the possible side effects, drug interactions, and precautions associated with this type of drug. The American Heart Association warns against using red yeast until the results of long-term studies are in. You should talk with your healthcare provider if you plan to take red yeast.
Mechanism of Action:
Red yeast supplements are manufactured by culturing Monascuspurpureus yeast on rice at carefully controlled temperature and growing conditions to increase the concentrations of chemicals that lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides. These chemicals are similar to the prescription drugs known as “statins,” including lovastatin (Mevacor) and others.
Uses:
Red yeast rice is used to lower high cholesterol, Indigestion, Diarrhea, used for Improving blood circulation, Spleen and stomach problems. Some research showed that taking a specific red yeast product for two to three months could significantly lower total and “bad cholesterol” (low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol) levels and triglycerides. Lowering high cholesterol and triglyceride levels caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease (AIDS).
Side Effects:
Red yeast is possibly safe for most people when taken by mouth for up to 3 months. There isn’t enough information to know if taking it for longer periods is safe. It can cause stomach discomfort, heartburn, intestinal gas, and dizziness. Red yeast contains chemicals similar to the prescription drugs called “statins.” Therefore, red yeast might also cause side effects similar to statin drugs, such as liver damage and severe muscle pain and muscle damage.
Dosing:
The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
By Oral:
High cholesterol: 1200 mg to 2400 mg of red yeast once or twice daily. Only products containing chemicals similar to the prescription “statin” cholesterol drugs have been shown to lower cholesterol levels. Many of these products provide approximately 5-10 mg of the statin drug called lovastatin. High cholesterol related to HIV infection: 1200 mg twice daily.
Conclusion:
Use Red Yeast Rice under the supervision of Physician for getting the maximum benefits.