Mechanism

• Monocolins, the active compounds in natural red yeast rice, convert into a specialized enzyme during digestion. This enzyme inhibits the production of cholesterol.
  
  

Cholesterol Effects

• Lovastatin is the primary active monocolin in red yeast rice, and it has been repeatedly proven to reduce total cholesterol. Isolated lovastatin is now used as an FDA-approved prescription drug.
  
  

Diabetes

• Some human studies have shown that red yeast rice may offer some benefits for people with diabetes and hypoglycemia.
  
  

Coronary Heart Disease

• Early clinical trials have indicated that red yeast rice may help to reduce the risk and severity of coronary heart disease.
  
  

FDA Regulation

• Due to FDA regulation, the medicinally active compounds in red yeast rice have been banned for over-the-counter use, but some unprocessed supplements still contain lovastain and other monocolins.