Red yeast rice is derived from the fermentation of rice with the yeast Monascus purpureus, yielding a series of cholesterol-lowering monacolins. The monacolin in highest concentration in red yeast rice is monacolin K, also known as lovastatin, the first FDA-approved HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor. Red yeast that is not fermented correctly may contain the nephrotoxin, citrinin.
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- Scientific Name: Monascus purpureus
- Indications: Hypercholesterolemia, indigestion, diarrhea, improved circulation. In foodstuff.
- Synonym: Monascaceae
- Class: HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor / statin
- Half-life: N/A
- Clinically important, potentially hazardous interactions with:
Atorvastatin, Cerivastatin, Fluvastatin, Grapefruit Juice, Levothyroxine, Lovastatin, Pravastatin, Simvastatin, St John's Wort
- See adverse reactions attributed to class:
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Page last updated 08/20/2025
