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Botanical

Red Yeast Rice

Red yeast rice is rice fermented with the mold Monascus purpureus. It contains monacolin K, a compound chemically identical to the drug lovastatin.

Also listed as RYR, Red Rice Yeast, Red Rice Yeast Powder, Red Rice Yeast Extract

Essential HealthCardiovascular

What it is studied for

The strongest rated effects first. Bars show the size of the effect, the letter grades the evidence, and each rating lists the studies behind it.

Essential HealthStrongA3 studies
Blood pressureCardiovascularSmallCNo linked study
Every rating with its studiesGrouped by health goal, with the publications behind each rating

Why can fermented rice lower cholesterol?

Fermenting rice with Monascus fungi can produce monacolins. Monacolin K is chemically identical to lovastatin, a medicine that slows cholesterol production. Its natural origin does not separate its action from that of a statin. 1

Key studies

The most recent publications linked to Red Yeast Rice's ratings.

The current trend and challenges of developing red yeast rice-based food supplements for hypercholesterolemia2023Impact of red yeast rice supplementation on lipid profile: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials2022The effect of red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus) in dyslipidemia and other disorders.2012

Why people take it

Cardiovascular29.6%
Longevity21.1%
Essential Health19.3%
Energy9.7%
Organ Function9.4%
Detox3.5%

SuppCo community snapshot, 2026-09-28. Reasons for use are not evidence that it works.

Questions people ask

Does red yeast rice really lower LDL?

The pooled trials found an average reduction of about 29 mg/dL, but the response depends on the preparation. 2

Is monacolin K different from lovastatin?

They are chemically identical. This helps explain both cholesterol lowering and shared risks. 1

Did EFSA identify a safe daily amount?

No. Its 2025 assessment could not identify one, including for doses below 3 mg of monacolins daily. 3

Sources