Figure 1.
Main cholesterol-lowering mechanism of action of red yeast rice.
Table 1.
Positive effects of red yeast rice in humans. LDL: low-density lipoprotein; HDL: high-density lipoprotein; hsCRP: high-sensitivity C-reactive protein; MMP-2: matrix metalloproteinase-2; MMP-3: matrix metalloproteinase-3
| PARAMETER | MODIFICATION | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
| Total, LDL, and non-HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) | Mild-to-moderate reduction | Confirmed in different ethnicities |
| Apolipoprotein B | Mild-to-moderate reduction | Confirmed in different trials |
| Triglycerides | Mild reduction | Confirmed in different trials |
| HDL-C | Mild increase | Confirmed in different trials |
| hsCRP, MMP-2, MMP-9 | Mild decrease | Reported in some trials |
| Flow-mediated dilation | Mild increase | Reported in some trials |
| Pulse wave velocity | Mild decrease | Reported only when red yeast rice is combined with other nutraceuticals |
| Cardiovascular disease prevention | Moderate reduction | Limited to one large study examining secondary prevention of coronary artery disease in elderly Chinese patients |