Red Yeast Rice is a unique natural product native to China that’s been used in Asian traditional medical systems since approximately 800 A.D. Produced by fermenting red yeast (Monascus purpureus) with white rice, Red Yeast Rice is commonly used in cooking applications to enhance the color and flavor of foods. Peking Duck is an example of the coloration and flavor imparted by Red Yeast Rice. NOW® Red Yeast Rice Extract is carefully produced to avoid the presence of citrinin, a sometimes toxic by-product of the fermentation process.

Serving Size: 2 VCaps®

Servings per container: 30

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take 2 Vcaps® 1-2 times daily, preferably with meals. We also recommend taking this product with NOW® CoQ10 capsules, softgels or chewable lozenges for enhanced benefit.

Free of: sugar, salt, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, milk or preservatives.

Other Ingredients: Cellulose (capsule), Magnesium Stearate (vegetable source) and Silica.

Warnings:Caution: Not intended for pregnant or lactating women.  Individuals with liver disease or those currently taking any medications should consult with a health practitioner prior to use. PLEASE DISCARD THE INEDIBLE FRESHNESS PACKET ENCLOSED.

Disclaimers: None

Vegetarian Formula.

Vcaps® is a registered trademark of Capsugel.

Red Yeast Rice Information

Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies): Since 800 A.D., red yeast rice has been employed by the Chinese as both a food and a medicinal agent. Its therapeutic benefits as both a promoter of blood circulation and a digestive stimulant were first noted in the traditional Chinese pharmacopoeia, Ben Cao Gang Mu-Dan Shi Bu Yi, during the Ming Dynasty Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine use red yeast rice to treat abdominal pain due to stagnant blood and dysentery, as well as external and internal trauma. In addition to its therapeutic applications, red yeast rice has been used for centuries as a flavor enhancer, a food preservative, and a base for a Taiwanese alcoholic rice-wine beverage.

Active constituents: In addition to rice starch, protein, fiber, sterols, and fatty acids, red yeast rice contains numerous active constituents, including monacolin K, dihydromonacolin, and monacolin I to VI.

Researchers have determined that one of the ingredients in red yeast rice, called monacolin K, inhibits the production of cholesterol by stopping the action of a key enzyme in the liver (e.g., HMG-CoA reductase) that is responsible for manufacturing cholesterol. The drug lovastatin acts in a similar fashion to this red yeast rice ingredient. However, the amount per volume of monacolin K in red yeast rice is small (0.2% per 5 mg) when compared to the 20-40 mg of lovastatin available as a prescription drug. This has prompted researchers to suggest that red yeast rice may have other ingredients, such as sterols, that might also contribute to lowering cholesterol.

Along with its evaluation in animal trials, red yeast rice has been clinically investigated as a therapy for reducing cholesterol in two human trials. In one trial, both men and women taking 1.2 grams (approximately 13.5 mg total monacolins) of a concentrated red yeast rice extract per day for two months had significant decreases in serum cholesterol levels. In addition, people taking red yeast rice had a significant increase in HDL good cholesterol and a decrease in LDL cholesterol. Elevated triglycerides were also found to be lowered.

A double-blind trial at the UCLA School of Medicine determined that red yeast rice in the amount of 2.4 grams per day (approximately 10 mg total monacolins) in capsules significantly decreased total- and LDL-cholesterol levels in a sample of people with elevated cholesterol after 12 weeks of therapy. Triglycerides were also reduced in those taking red yeast rice. However, unlike the original study, HDL values did not increase substantially.

How much is usually taken? Red yeast rice is commercially available in capsules and 2.4 grams (approximately 10 mg monacolins) per day is often recommended in divided amounts for a trial period of up to 12 weeks. If successful after this period of time, it may be used for long-term management of high cholesterol

Are there any side effects or interactions? Red yeast rice is generally well tolerated with possible temporary mild side effects such as heartburn, gas, and dizziness. This product should not be used by people with liver disorders and its safety during pregnancy has not been established. As in the case of medications that inhibit HMG-CoA, it is advisable that people using red yeast rice products also supplement 30-60 mg of coenzyme Q10 daily.

The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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