Red Yeast Rice
Cardiovascular Health
Overview
- Red yeast rice (RYR) is a fermented product of Monascus purpureus grown on rice.
- The fermentation produces a suite of naturally occurring statin‑like compounds, most notably monacolin K, which is chemically identical to lovastatin.
- RYR is chiefly used as a dietary supplement for managing blood lipids, especially low‑density‑lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
Chemistry
- The principal statin‑like molecule in RYR is monacolin K (lovastatin).
- Its molecular formula is C₂₄H₃₆O₅, with a molecular weight of 404.54 g mol⁻¹.
- IUPAC name: (3S,5R,6R,7E,10R,13R,14R,15S)-7,13‑dimethyl‑3‑[2‑(1‑oxor‑3‑hydroxy‑2‑propyl)‑1‑oxo‑2‑propyl]‑2‑[2‑(1‑oxo‑2‑propyl)‑1‑ox… (the full systematic name is lengthy; the structure is a 2‑methyl‑3‑hydroxy‑5‑dimethyl‑6‑(3‑hydroxy‑3‑methyl‑butanoyl)‑octa‑hydro‑1‑benzopyran).
- The molecule contains a lactone ring, a side‑chain hydroxy‑acid moiety, and a lipophilic aliphatic chain, conferring high membrane permeability.
- Monacolin K is a pro‑drug; after oral absorption the lactone opens to the active β‑hydroxy‑acid (the HMG‑CoA reductase inhibitor).
Sources & Quality
- Commercial RYR is produced by inoculating polished rice with Monascus purpureus strains under controlled fermentation (temperature ≈ 30 °C, pH ≈ 5.5).
- After fermentation, the rice is dried, milled, and extracted with ethanol or water to obtain a powder or capsule‑grade product.
- Quality varies widely.
- The presence of monacolin K is verified by HPLC.
- Manufacturers must test for citrinin—a nephrotoxic mycotoxin occasionally produced by Monascus under poor conditions.
- High‑quality supplements come from certified manufacturers that conduct batch‑specific monacolin K quantification (≥5 mg per dose) and certify low‑citrinin levels (<2 ppb).
- Asian countries (China, Korea) are the primary sources.
- Stringent GMP practices are essential to ensure safety and potency.
Where to Buy Red Yeast Rice
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