Skip to content
Heart/Inflammation/Weight

Red yeast rice

Fermented rice containing monacolin K (a natural statin) that lowers LDL cholesterol in adults with elevated lipids who prefer a non-pharmaceutical approach.

Red yeast rice
68
score
B
evidence
Caution
risk

Our methodology: How we evaluate supplements and turn the underlying research into a single rating.

Read full methodology
Use with caution

This supplement may interact with medications, medical conditions or sensitive populations. Review safety before use.

Quick Take

Effective for LDL lowering but behaves like a low-dose statin — same risks, variable potency, and possible contaminants. Use with caution.

Red yeast rice is rice fermented with the yeast Monascus purpureus, a traditional food and medicine in East Asia. It naturally contains monacolin K, which is chemically identical to the prescription statin lovastatin, along with plant sterols and isoflavones. Clinical meta-analyses show it can significantly reduce LDL cholesterol and, to a lesser extent, total cholesterol and blood pressure in adults with hyperlipidemia or metabolic syndrome. It may also modestly lower inflammatory markers and fasting glucose. Those most likely to benefit are adults with elevated LDL who are statin-intolerant

Potential benefits

01
Lowers LDL cholesterol
02
May lower blood pressure
03
May reduce hs-CRP
04
May improve fasting glucose
05
May improve endothelial function
06
May support weight management

Protocol

Amount
1200-2400 mg
Frequency
Twice daily, with meals
When
With the evening meal and one other meal — cholesterol synthesis peaks overnight and HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors are traditionally dosed in the evening.

Onset Time

4-8 weeks for LDL reduction; 8-12 weeks for blood pressure or metabolic effects.

Who Should Consider

Adults with LDL > 130 mg/dL
Statin-intolerant patients (under physician care)
People with metabolic syndrome
Adults seeking non-pharmaceutical lipid management

How It Works

Monacolin K inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme in hepatic cholesterol synthesis, reducing LDL production. Additional compounds like monascin and ankaflavin may contribute to anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects, though monacolin K is considered the primary active agent.

Updated 5/19/2026

Put Red yeast rice in context.

Compare the closest evidence-ranked options, or see how this supplement fits your goals and what you already take.

Is Red yeast rice right for your goals?

Answer four quick questions for recommendations that already account for the supplement you just reviewed.

Get recommendations