Active compound
Monacolin K
statin (naturally occurring)
The active compound in red yeast rice — chemically identical to the drug lovastatin.
Mechanism
Inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, the rate-limiting enzyme of cholesterol synthesis.
HMG-CoA reductase
Found in
Remedies that contain Monacolin K.
- Red yeast rice supplement B Moderate
Because monacolin K is lovastatin, red yeast rice carries the same risks as a statin, with the added problem of unregulated, variable dose and possible citrinin contamination.