Most of the body's supply of cholesterol is made in the liver and controlled by the HMG-CoA reductase, the enzyme responsible for the synthesis of cholesterol. Red yeast rice obtained by fermentation of red yeast (Monascus purpureus) on white rice has gained recognition as an effective, natural cholesterol - lowering substance. Red yeast rice regulates the activity of HMG-CoA reductase to maintain normal cholesterol levels.

Product Info:

Product ID: AT665, Net Content: 60 Vegetarian capsules x 500mg, Price at US$19.90, Free Shipping Charges!

The recent major study [1] was conducted at the UCLA School of Medicine, USA. This was a 12 weeks double blind controlled trial involving 83 participants with high cholesterol levels. One group was given the recommended dose of red yeast rice, while the other group received a placebo (something harmless but with no medicinal value.) Both groups were put on a low-fat diet similar to the American Heart Association Step 1 diet*.

After only 8 weeks, the research and clinical trials recognized Red Yeast Rice to be one of the best ways to achieve lower levels of total cholesterol. It was confirmed that red yeast rice significantly:

• lowered total cholesterol level by 18%
• lowered LDL (low-density lipoproteins or "bad cholesterol") by 22%
• increased HDL (high-density lipoproteins or "good cholesterol") levels
• reduced triglycerides by 11%, in the treated group.

In order to better understand the effectiveness of red yeast rice, another study (2) placed 187 subjects with mild to moderate elevated total cholesterol levels under the American Heart Association Step 1 diet* for 4 weeks and after that red yeast rice was given for 8 weeks. The diet alone for one month had no effect on cholesterol level. However, the 8-week treatment with red yeast rice reduced total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, trigylcerides and increased HDL-cholesterol.

A study (3) by Chinese researchers of elderly patients, found even greater improvements in cholesterol levels. It examined the effects of a more concentrated from of red yeast rice on elderly patients. 70 patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups: the red yeast rice preparation group and a placebo control group. When the overall effect was assessed, 91.2% of patients in the red yeast rice group showed significant improvement in their lipid profile. The researchers concluded that red yeast rice is safe for the elderly and may represent an effective new way to manage elevated cholesterol levels that influence the health of the heart and blood vessels.

The active ingredient in the yeast produces 'metabolites' that inhibit the production of an enzyme known as HMG-CoA reductase. This is the enzyme responsible for cholesterol synthesis in the body. By suppressing this enzyme, less cholesterol is made. Total cholesterol level is lowered.

Since no one can predict with certainty who with high cholesterol will develop heart diseases, play it safe and keep your cholesterol in check, exercise regularly and practise a healthy diet. Beside lowering cholesterol levels, these fundamental lifestyle changes produce many other benefits. However, if your cholesterol remains high despite your best efforts, you may need specific cholesterol-lowering treatment. Red Yeast Rice may just be the answer to your heart's health.

"Red Yeast Rice has an extraordinary safety record," stated Varro Tyler, one of United States' foremost herb expert and author of the Honest Herbal, in his article Natural Remedies That Really Work. Reader's Digest, March 1998

"Used for thousand of years of flavour spare ribs and Peking Duck, studies of Red Yeast Rice show it's a safe, effective cholesterol buster that could save thousands of lives." Woman's World, December 1997

"If your cholesterol level is over the recommended 200 mark, but not high enough for drug therapy, a new natural dietary supplement, the Red Yeast Rice, may be helpful." First For Woman - Medical Update 18, August 1997

1 to 2 capsules 2 to 3 times daily on an empty stomach.

Each capsule contains pure Monascus purpureus - 500mg

1 "Cholesterol-lowering effects of a proprietary red yeast rice dietary supplement" was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 69 (2), 1999 and was conducted by Dr. David Heber and friends at the Centre for Human Nutrition and Division of Clinical Nutrition.

2 "A multi-center, self-controlled study of red yeast rice in subjects with elevated cholesterol" was published in the Current Therapeutic Research, Volume 58 (12), 1997 and directed by Dr. James Rippe, a director of the Center for Clinical and Lifestyle Research.

3 "Elderly patients with primary hyperlipidemia (high blood cholesterol levels) benefited from treatment with Monascus purpureus rice preparation" Shucun Qin et al.

* Step 1 Diet: 30% or less energy from fat, 8-10% from saturated fat, 10% from polyunsaturated fats, 15% from monounsaturated fats and less than 300 mg of cholesterol per day.