Red Yeast Rice
Monascus purpureus
Use with Caution
evidence: strong
Scientific Summary
Red yeast rice is a fermented rice product that contains the mold _Monascus purpureus_, which produces compounds such as monacolin K—structurally identical to lovastatin. It is used mainly to lower blood cholesterol, blood glucose and blood pressure, and may help reduce heart‑disease risk in people with metabolic syndrome. Because it contains monacolin K, it can act like a statin, raising the risk of liver injury, muscle problems, and drug interactions, and the FDA classifies such products as unapproved drugs; people on statins, with liver disease, or who are pregnant should avoid it.
Source: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/red-yeast-rice
