Red Yeast Rice (Monascus Purpureus) Publisher



Bule M¹ ; Khan F^{2, 3} ; Niaz K^{2, 3} Show Affiliations
Source: Nonvitamin and Nonmineral Nutritional Supplements Published:2018

Abstract

Red yeast rice (RYR) also known as Monascus purpureus has been used in China and neighboring Asian countries as food and medicine. RYR is widely known for its antihyperlipidemic effect via inhibiting 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase and thus the catalytic conversion of HMG-CoA to mevalonate, which is a precursor of cholesterol. Monacolins, especially monacolin K, are the secondary metabolites responsible for the lipid lowering activity of RYR extract. Nonetheless, the RYR products are not free of adverse effects. As HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors the RYR extract interferes with the biosynthesis of CoQ10 and causes myocardial infarction. On the other hand, the statins are metabolized by CYP450 enzymes and so do RYR products, hence taking these products with CYP450 enzyme inhibitors worsen the risk of adverse effects. In this book chapter, we highlighted the sources, bioavailability, health effects and possible interaction with drugs, foods and other supplements of Monascus purpureus. © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.