Red Yeast Rice
Also known as: RYR, Monascus purpureus extract, Monacolin K-containing yeast rice
Meta-analyses and randomized trials report that red yeast rice extract reduces total cholesterol and LDL-C versus placebo, with one meta-analysis estimating mean LDL-C reductions around 35 mg/dL. A single-centre trial found no greater LDL lowering than a low-dose statin and another trial reported benefit with a preparation delivering 2 mg monacolin K daily.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-14 · 4 indexed studies
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Overview
Red yeast rice is a fermented rice product that contains monacolin K, an inhibitor of cholesterol synthesis. Clinical trials and meta-analyses report reductions in total cholesterol and LDL-C with red yeast rice extracts compared with control.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Contains monacolin K, which inhibits HMG-CoA reductase and thereby reduces endogenous cholesterol synthesis; the ingredient also contains other fermentation-derived compounds that may contribute to lipid effects (not detailed in the provided abstracts).
Physiological Role
Reduction of hepatic cholesterol synthesis leading to lower circulating LDL-C and total cholesterol.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
Relevant to metabolic and cardiovascular risk management through lowering of LDL-C and total cholesterol; not shown in the provided abstracts to improve exercise performance or athletic outcomes.
Evidence Review
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- 2 mg monacolin K daily (as used in one randomized trial: 200 mg red yeast rice containing 2 mg monacolin K)
- Optimal Range
- Not established from the provided abstracts
- Upper / Caution Level
- Not established from the provided abstracts
- Timing
- Oral, once daily in the trials reported
- Best Format
- Oral extract/capsule (standardised extract used in clinical trials)
- Bioavailability
- Clinical trials used oral preparations of red yeast rice extract; specific bioavailability data are not provided in the supplied abstracts.
- Absorption Considerations
- No absorption modifiers or special administration conditions were described in the provided abstracts.
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •Meta-analysis and randomized trials reported no frequent or life‑threatening side effects in the included studies
- •Individual trials reported no severe muscle, liver, or renal adverse effects in their cohorts
Monitoring
Clinical trials reported adverse event rates similar to placebo and no frequent serious events; clinical judgement and routine monitoring may be appropriate when used in people with lipid disorders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is Red Yeast Rice typically used or indicated?
Red Yeast Rice is most commonly used for: Lowering total cholesterol, Lowering LDL cholesterol, Cardiovascular risk adjunct in hypercholesterolemia. Reduction of hepatic cholesterol synthesis leading to lower circulating LDL-C and total cholesterol.
How does Red Yeast Rice work?
Contains monacolin K, which inhibits HMG-CoA reductase and thereby reduces endogenous cholesterol synthesis; the ingredient also contains other fermentation-derived compounds that may contribute to lipid effects (not detailed in the provided abstracts).
What is the recommended dose of Red Yeast Rice?
The optimal range is Not established from the provided abstracts. with a minimum effective dose of 2 mg monacolin K daily (as used in one randomized trial: 200 mg red yeast rice containing 2 mg monacolin K). Best taken: Oral, once daily in the trials reported. Upper / caution level: Not established from the provided abstracts.
What are the side effects of Red Yeast Rice?
Reported side effects include: Meta-analysis and randomized trials reported no frequent or life‑threatening side effects in the included studies; and Individual trials reported no severe muscle, liver, or renal adverse effects in their cohorts. Monitoring: Clinical trials reported adverse event rates similar to placebo and no frequent serious events; clinical judgement and routine monitoring may be appropriate when used in people with lipid disorders.
How strong is the evidence for Red Yeast Rice?
Evidence level: Moderate (overall score 64/100), based on 4 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (4)
Comparative Effects of Low-Dose Rosuvastatin, Placebo, and Dietary Supplements on Lipids and Inflammatory Biomarkers.
Randomized, single-blind trial comparing low-dose rosuvastatin, placebo, and several dietary supplements including red yeast rice over 28 days in adults with LDL-C 70–189 mg/dL and increased 10-year ASCVD risk.
Safety and Efficacy of the Consumption of the Nutraceutical "Red Yeast Rice Extract" for the Reduction of Hypercholesterolemia in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Systematic review and meta-analysis (Jan 2012–May 2022) of clinical trials of red yeast rice extract for lipid outcomes in humans; 14 double-blind trials were included with interventions lasting 4–24 weeks.
A network meta-analysis on the comparative effect of nutraceuticals on lipid profile in adults.
Network meta-analysis of 131 randomized trials (13,062 participants) comparing multiple nutraceuticals for effects on lipid profile up to Feb 2021; red yeast rice ranked among the most effective nutraceuticals for LDL-C and total cholesterol reduction.
Low dose red yeast rice with monacolin K lowers LDL cholesterol and blood pressure in Japanese with mild dyslipidemia: A multicenter, randomized trial.
Multicentre randomized trial in Japan comparing low-dose red yeast rice (200 mg/day containing 2 mg monacolin K) versus diet therapy alone for 8 weeks in 18 patients with mild dyslipidemia.
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Research Overview
Moderate EvidenceCite this ingredient
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Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/red-yeast-rice
SuppIndex. (2026). Red Yeast Rice: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/red-yeast-rice
Based on 4 indexed studies · Evidence level: Moderate.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Often used as an alternative or adjunct to conventional lipid-lowering approaches in studies, but direct combination with statins was not addressed in the provided abstracts.