Does Red Yeast Rice Lower Cholesterol?

Red yeast rice has come under scrutiny in the past few years due to claims that it helps lower cholesterol naturally. Soon after red yeast rice first appeared in natural health food stores, it was removed from the market because of complaints that it was unsafe. Then, after further study supported its use as a safe, cholesterol lowering substance, it made its way back onto store shelves. This article examines the different studies done on this relatively new herb to the U.S. and offers a few answers to some common questions.

Definition of Cholesterol

• Cholesterol is not fat, as some assume, but an alcohol-based hormone. It is manufactured in the liver, as well as found in certain foods. It is carried through the bloodstream to various parts of the body via lipo-proteins. Low density lipo-proteins carry the cholesterol into the bloodstream, and high density lipo-proteins carry excess cholesterol back to the liver where it is converted into bile salts. Cholesterol is used by the body to build cells, and help regulate other hormones. Blood cholesterol levels may increase with a poor diet, in response to stress or due to other factors. Excess cholesterol in the bloodstream can lead to hardening of the arteries, known as atherosclerosis. This is why physicians prescribe medication to help lower or control cholesterol levels.

Statin Drugs

• Cholesterol lowering drugs, or statin drugs, are the primary method of treatment for patients with high cholesterol. They work by slowing the production of cholesterol in the body. However well they effectively accomplish this, there are a few common side effects, that often cause patients to stop taking their medication. According to a study cited on Web MD, "as many as 10 percent of people who take cholesterol-lowering statins experience troubling muscle pain." Additionally, statin drugs are known to cause upset stomach, abdominal pain, gas, constipation and possible liver damage. The most commonly prescribed statins are Lipitor, Crestor, Mevacor, Zocor, Pravachol and Lescol.

Red Yeast Rice - a Natural Alternative

• Red yeast rice is actually a fungus (monascus purpureus) that grows on polished white rice. It is reddish in color, and very proliferate, hence its name. It is commonly used in Chinese foods such as red rice vinegar and Peking duck, and gives the food its reddish color. Its chemical constituents, monacolins, behave in a similar manner as statin drugs, by inhibiting the production of cholesterol, however, without the harmful side effects.

Studies Support Red Yeast Rice

• Red yeast rice is a safe alternative to statin drugs, according to studies. A double-blind controlled study published by UCLA Center for Human Nutrition, showed that "red yeast rice significantly reduced cholesterol levels beyond effects that could be accounted for by diet alone, and without significant adverse effects." A report from the Annals of Internal Medicine, June 16, 2009 issue, recommends "red yeast rice for dyslipidemia in statin-intolerant patients." Another study by Dr. David Becker and Dr. Ram Y. Gordon, which has appeared in several medical periodicals, concluded that red yeast rice was an effective treatment for lowering cholesterol in patients who suffered from statin drug-related muscle pain.

Precautions

• Red yeast rice appears to be a safe, effective alternative to cholesterol lowering prescriptions. However, if you are currently taking medication for treatment of high cholesterol, speak with your physician before attempting to alter your prescription. There are currently no regulations in place which guarantee the quality of herbs or other alternative supplements in the United States. Safety and quality are another concern physicians may have before fully recommending red yeast rice as an alternative treatment. Further studies are being conducted, and red yeast rice may not be appropriate for everyone.