Red Yeast Rice

Botanical: Monascus purpureus - (also known as Monascus rubus)
Family: Mucorales  (mostly saprophytic fungi)

Other common names:  Chinese Red Yeast Rice, Red Rice, Fermented Rice, Red Yeast, Anka, Ankak, Hung-Chu, Hongu

Red Yeast Rice has been used as a food product and a medicine in China since the ninth century.  Then, it was prescribed for healthy circulation, digestive disorders and congestion of the spleen.  Today, Red Yeast Rice is being studies as a very effective means for reducing LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

History and Uses:
Red Yeast Rice is composed of rice upon which red yeast has been grown.  This product has been used in China as a food product and a medicine for over a thousand years.  Red Yeast Rice has been used as a flavoring and preservative for fish and meat, as well as a means to make rice wine.  In Chinese medicine, Red Yeast Rice was prescribed for circulatory problems, problems of the spleen, colic, hangover, and as a digestive aid. Recently, Red Yeast Rice has been studied extensively for its role in cholesterol reduction. It contains many beneficial constituents including protein, fiber, fatty acids, sterols and several forms of monacolin, including monacolin K.   Monacolin K has been shown to halt a key enzyme manufactured in the liver that is responsible for cholesterol production much in the same way as popular prescription drugs.  Researchers believe that other, as yet undiscovered, components of Red Yeast Rice work synergistically with monacolin K to reduce LDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, while raising levels of HDL-cholesterol.

Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) capsules, one (1) to two (2) times each day with water at mealtimes. 

Do not exceed recommended dosage.

Contraindications:
Pregnant and nursing women should avoid Red Yeast Rice, and those with active liver disease or who take prescription bloodthinners, hyperlipidemia drugs, prescription statins, antifungals, antibiotics and/or protease inhibitors, should consult with a health care provider before using Red Yeast Rice.  Side effects of red yeast rice are rare but can include: headache, stomachache or bloating, gas, dizziness, heartburn, muscle aches and weakness.   People taking prescription statins should not take Red Yeast Rice at the same time.  Since statins inhibit synthesis of CoQ10, consult your doctor about increasing levels of this vital compound to enhance muscle metabolism, including that of the heart muscle.

Capsule Information:
Our Red Yeast Rice supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs.