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Red Yeast Rice

Red Yeast Rice (RYR) is a rice product fermented by bacteria that contains the drug lovastatin, and is currently the most effective naturally occurring statin. It is able, like most statins, to reduce circulating cholesterol levels.

Our evidence-based analysis on red yeast rice features 59 unique references to scientific papers.

Kamal Patel
Research analysis led by and reviewed by the Examine team.
Last Updated:

Things to Note

Primary Function:

Also Known As

RYR

Do Not Confuse With

Lovastatin (active ingredient), Monascus purpureus (mold used in processing)

  • It appears that the FDA (American) has banned sales of any RYR product with 'non-negligible' levels of Monacolin K/Lovastatin[1] due to the position of Lovastatin as a pharmaceutical drug;[2] this significantly reduces the supposed benefits associated with red yeast extract

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Research Breakdown on Red Yeast Rice

1Skeletal Muscle Interactions

1.1Cholesterol uptake

1.2Myopathy

1.3Hypertrophy

2Interactions with Hormones

2.1Thyroid

3Peripheral Organ Systems

3.1Liver

4Nutrient-Nutrient Interactions

4.1CoQ10

4.2Sterols

4.3Schweinfurthins

5Safety and Toxicology

5.1General

5.2Genotoxicity

5.3Case Studies
Click here to see all 59 references.

This page is regularly updated, to include the most recently available clinical trial evidence.

Each member of our research team is required to have no conflicts of interest, including with supplement manufacturers, food companies, and industry funders. The team includes nutrition researchers, registered dietitians, physicians, and pharmacists. We have a strict editorial process.

This page features 59 references. All factual claims are followed by specifically-applicable references. Click here to see the full set of research information and references for Red Yeast Rice.

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