Red yeast rice is rice that has been fermented by the red yeast, Monascus purpureus. It has been used by the Chinese for many centuries as a food preservative, food colorant (it is responsible for the red color of Peking duck), spice, and ingredient in rice wine.

Is Red Yeast Rice safe for all users?

Red yeast rice should not be taken with cholesterol-lowering (statin) medications known as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, fluvastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin, cerivastatin), because it may enhance the effect of these medications, thereby increasing the risk of liver damage.

The safety of red yeast rice during pregnancy and breast-feeding has not been evaluated. Until further information is available, it should be avoided in these cases.

What are the benefits of taking Red Yeast Rice?

Its therapeutic benefits are lowering cholesterol, promoting blood circulation and a digestive stimulant.

What is the recommended dosage for Red Yeast Rice?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the dosage of dietary or supplemental red yeast rice is as high as 6,000 to 9,000 mg per day, but the appropriate dosage for adults may vary, depending on the form of the supplement.

Standardized extract: 600 mg (oral doses), 2 to 4 times per day has been used in scientific studies to date.