Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Red yeast rice is a fermented product of rice on which the yeast Monascus purpureus has grown. It contains several compounds collectively known as monacolins, the most important of which is monacolin K—chemically identical to the prescription drug lovastatin. While red yeast rice is most notably used and studied for lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, some studies have also evaluated its impact on triglycerides.

Clinical trials and meta-analyses suggest that red yeast rice supplementation can modestly reduce triglyceride levels. For example, a meta-analysis published in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine in 2019 reviewed 20 randomized controlled trials and found that red yeast rice reduced triglyceride levels by an average of about 0.26 mmol/L compared to placebo. The triglyceride-lowering effect is generally smaller than the reduction in cholesterol, but it is still clinically relevant, especially in patients with mixed dyslipidemia.

The mechanism by which red yeast rice lowers triglycerides is believed to be related to its inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, the same enzyme targeted by statins. This reduces cholesterol synthesis in the liver, which can also indirectly lower triglyceride production and secretion. However, as with statins, the primary benefit is on cholesterol, with triglyceride effects being secondary and less pronounced.

Overall, there is moderate scientific evidence to support the use of red yeast rice for reducing high triglycerides, but its effect is less robust than for LDL cholesterol. Nonetheless, it is used in clinical practice and is supported by research for patients with elevated triglycerides, particularly when combined with elevated cholesterol.

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Nature's Sunshine Red Yeast Rice