Red yeast rice is a bright reddish fermented rice, a product of yeast (Monascus purpureus) grown on rice. It was a commonly used as red food coloring in Chinese cuisine, and also served as a dietary staple in some Asian countries. The medical use of red yeast rice in China was documented around 800 AD during the Tang Dynasty. Ancient Chinese medicine books described its applications in treating mild gastric problems, blood circulation, and spleen and stomach health.

Red yeast rice contains substances known as monacolins that are known to inhibit cholesterol synthesis according to some recent studies. Red yeast rice extract has been sold as a natural cholesterol lowering supplement over the counter in the US and worldwide, such as Cholestin by Pharmanex, Inc. “However, there has been legal and industrial dispute as to whether red yeast rice is a drug or a dietary supplement, involving the manufacturer, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the pharmaceutical industry (particularly producers of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor prescription drugs or "Statins").” – from Mayo Clinic.

To learn more about Red Yeast Rice, please visit the Mayo Clinic website.

Some important information you should know about red yeast rice:

• Red yeast rice should be taken with food to reduce stomach upset.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while using red yeast rice. Alcohol may increase risk of liver damage.
• Do not take red yeast rice if you are allergic to it, or if you have a history of liver disease.
• Do not take red yeast rice without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. Red yeast rice may be harmful to unborn baby.
• Do not take red yeast rice without the advice of a doctor if you are currently using any prescription or non-prescription medications, such as antibiotics, HIV medication, other cholesterol-lowering medications (statins), etc.
• Using red yeast rice may lower your levels of Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ₁₀), and increasing the need for CoQ₁₀ supplements.
• Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have taken too much of red yeast rice product.