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Dietary supplement

Red Yeast Rice Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Mason Natural

Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Red Yeast Rice is a dietary supplement by Mason Natural with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for high cholesterol, heart health, metabolic syndrome.Based on those ingredients, 1,060 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Red Yeast Rice Complex. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Red Yeast Rice by Mason Natural

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 2 active ingredients.
  • “Red Yeast Rice Complex” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (1,200 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This supplement contains 2 active ingredients: beet juice and red yeast rice. Beet juice is a concentrated form of the beet vegetable, used for its potential effects on athletic performance and muscle soreness.

Red yeast rice is a fermented product that contains the compound lovastatin—a statin drug. The product also includes inactive ingredients (gelatin, silica, and magnesium stearate) that serve as capsule material and binders.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not assessable

We hold no graded evidence for this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: May support general health.
  • Our graded evidence for these ingredients doesn't cover that particular purpose.

Beet juice is possibly effective for athletic performance and exercise-induced muscle soreness. The evidence for its effects on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is possibly ineffective, and there isn't enough reliable evidence to rate it for dyslipidemia (abnormal blood lipids) or cognitive function.

Red yeast rice is possibly effective for HIV/AIDS-related dyslipidemia and heart attack prevention. Keep in mind that red yeast rice acts like a prescription statin, so its benefits and risks should be weighed carefully with your doctor.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Red Yeast Rice Beet

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 2 of the 2 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 2 of 2.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 2 of 2.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Beet juice is widely eaten as food and is generally well tolerated by most adults. However, concentrated beet supplements lack robust safety data, so caution is warranted.

Common side effects include red or dark stools (harmless discoloration), and rarely, very large amounts may cause low blood calcium or kidney damage. Red yeast rice is generally well tolerated short-term but carries statin-like risks: common side effects include abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, dizziness, flatulence, headache, muscle weakness (myopathy), and nausea.

Rare serious effects include liver damage (hepatotoxicity) and muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), both linked to its lovastatin content. Red yeast rice is likely unsafe during pregnancy because of its statin-like activity; data on safety during breastfeeding is not on file.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Red Yeast Rice Beet

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 2 of the 2 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Beet, Red Yeast Rice.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: immunosuppressants / transplant drugs.
  • For scale: 1,061 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check before taking if you use statins (like atorvastatin, simvastatin, or rosuvastatin), CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as clarithromycin or ketoconazole), cyclosporine, gemfibrozil, or high-dose niacin—all carry Moderate severity interactions with red yeast rice. Also check if you take any hepatotoxic drugs (those that can damage the liver) or CYP3A4 substrates, and if you take certain medications metabolized by the CYP1A2 enzyme.

Run your full medication list through the checker on this page.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no assessable stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This product could be considered if you're looking for a natural approach to athletic performance or cholesterol support, but red yeast rice is essentially a statin supplement, so it carries real risks—especially if you're already on cholesterol medication or certain other drugs. If you have liver problems, muscle disease, or take any prescription medications, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

Even if you're healthy, confirm with your own healthcare provider that this product is right for you.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 2 of 2 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Apr 23, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Red Yeast Rice, straight from the product label.

Brand Mason Natural
Barcode (UPC) 311845146656
Net contents 60 Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Apr 23, 2020
DSLD ID 216925
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years)
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Red Yeast Rice by Mason Natural, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Capsule(s)
Servings per container
30
UPC/BARCODE
311845146656
IngredientAmount% DV
Beet Juice0 NP--
Red Yeast Rice0 NP--
Red Yeast Rice Complex1200 mg--

Other ingredients: Gelatin, Silica, Magnesium Stearate

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Seals/Symbols

Mason Guarantee Laboratory tested Certified Good cGMP Manufacturing Practice

General Statements

N

Est. 1967

Formulation

May support General health

Contains naturally harvested herbal products. Color variation is possible.

Guaranteed no added: Sodium, soy, corn, wheat, dairy, egg, fragrance, artificial flavors and preservatives.

Soy free

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Directions: Adults - Take 2 capsules one to two times daily, preferably with food, as a dietary supplement.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Precautions

Warning: If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or planning any medical procedure, consult your physician before use.

Discontinue use and consult your physician if any adverse reactions occur.

Keep out of reach of children.

Tamper-evident seal: Do not use product if seal appears tampered.

Storage

Store in a dry place under controlled room temperature: 20 degrees - 25 degrees C (68 degrees - 77 degrees F).

Brand IP Statement(s)

Mason Natural is a registered trademark and does not refer to any product or ingredient claim.

Formula

Whole herb

See for yourself

Red Yeast Rice by Mason Natural label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in Red Yeast Rice by Mason Natural

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container30 Amounts shown are per serving.

Red Yeast Rice Complex

Interacts with
477 drugs
1200 mg per serving

Red yeast rice contains monacolin K, which is chemically identical to the prescription statin lovastatin, and it can lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol. Be...

Red Yeast Rice Complex monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Gelatin, Silica, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Red Yeast Rice by Mason Natural Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Red Yeast Rice?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
1,060Drugs
890 Moderate 170 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Red Yeast Rice with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Red Yeast Rice Complex6 drug types · 477 drugs

Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, taking red yeast rice in combination with cyclosporine might increase the risk of myopathy.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the statin drug lovastatin. Cyclosporine has been reported to increase plasma levels of lovastatin by 5- to 20-fold, resulting in reports of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Inhibitors

Theoretically, drugs that inhibit the CYP3A4 enzymes might increase levels of lovastatin from red yeast rice.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the statin drug lovastatin, which is metabolized by CYP3A4. Combining red yeast rice with CYP3A4 inhibitors might increase serum levels of lovastatin from red yeast rice.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Gemfibrozil (Lopid)

Theoretically, taking red yeast rice in combination with gemfibrozil might increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the statin drug lovastatin. Gemfibrozil has been reported to increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis when used in combination with lovastatin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Hepatotoxic Drugs

Theoretically, concomitant use might increase the risk of liver damage.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the drug lovastatin. Lovastatin can cause liver damage in some people. Some clinical research suggests that supplements containing red yeast rice might increase liver enzyme levels in some, but not all, participants. Cases of acute hepatitis have been associated with red yeast rice. Combining it with hepatotoxic drugs might further increase this risk.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Hmg-Coa Reductase Inhibitors ("Statins")

Theoretically, taking red yeast rice with other statins might increase the risk of potential adverse effects.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the statin drug lovastatin and might result in supratherapeutic levels when used with other statins. Based on evaluation of data from the US Food and Drug Administration's adverse event reporting system (FAERS), it is recommended that red yeast rice products be avoided in people taking prescription statins.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Niacin

Theoretically, taking red yeast rice in combination with high-dose niacin might increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis.
Red yeast rice contains varying levels of the statin drug lovastatin and has been linked to reports of myopathy. Niacin has been reported to increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis when used in combination with lovastatin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Red Yeast Rice, from the product label.

Mason Natural

See all Mason Natural products
Name
Mason Vitamins, Inc.
City
Miami Lakes
State
FL
ZipCode
33014
Phone Number
1-888-860-5376
Web Address
www.MasonVitamins.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Red Yeast Rice by Mason Natural: Common Questions

Does Red Yeast Rice by Mason Natural interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Red Yeast Rice has a known interaction with 1,060 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Red Yeast Rice contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Is this safe if I'm already taking a statin?
No. Red yeast rice contains lovastatin, so combining it with prescription statins can dangerously raise lovastatin levels and increase the risk of muscle damage and liver problems. Do not take this product if you're on a statin without explicit approval from your doctor.
Can I take this while pregnant?
Red yeast rice is likely unsafe during pregnancy because of its statin-like effects. There isn't enough safety data on beet juice in pregnancy either. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before considering this product if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
What are the most common side effects?
From beet juice, you may see red or dark-colored stools, which is harmless. From red yeast rice, the most common side effects are stomach discomfort, diarrhea, dizziness, gas, headache, muscle weakness, and nausea.
Does red yeast rice actually lower cholesterol?
Yes—red yeast rice is possibly effective for HIV/AIDS-related high cholesterol and may help prevent heart attacks, likely because it contains lovastatin, a real statin drug. However, the lovastatin content varies from batch to batch, and the risks are the same as prescription statins.
Will the red color in my urine or stool harm me?
No. Red or dark stools are a harmless side effect from beet juice and are not a sign of bleeding or other problems.
Is this product safe to take long-term?
Beet juice appears well tolerated short-term, but long-term safety of concentrated supplements is not established. Red yeast rice carries statin-like risks (liver and muscle damage), and product quality varies widely. This is a conversation to have with your doctor or pharmacist.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Red Yeast Rice label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Red Yeast Rice's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 64 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Beet 14 references
  1. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  2. Clifford T, Berntzen B, Davison GW, et al. Effects of beetroot juice on recovery of muscle function and performance between bouts of repeated sprint exercise. Nutrients 2016;8. pii: E506. PubMed
  3. Siervo M, Lara J, Ogbonmwan I, Mathers JC. Inorganic nitrate and beetroot juice supplementation reduces blood pressure in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Nutr 2013;143:818-26. PubMed
  4. Clifford T, Howatson G, West DJ, Stevenson EJ. Beetroot juice is more beneficial than sodium nitrate for attenuating muscle pain after strenuous eccentric-bias exercise. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2017;42(11):1185-1191. PubMed
  5. Clifford T, Bell O, West DJ, Howatson G, Stevenson EJ. The effects of beetroot juice supplementation on indices of muscle damage following eccentric exercise. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2016;116(2):353-62. PubMed
  6. Wylie LJ, Kelly J, Bailey SJ, et al. Beetroot juice and exercise: pharmacodynamic and dose-response relationships. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2013;115(3):325-36. PubMed
  7. Garnacho-Castaño MV, Palau-Salvà G, Cuenca E, et al. Effects of a single dose of beetroot juice on cycling time trial performance at ventilatory thresholds intensity in male triathletes. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2018;15(1):49. PubMed
  8. Rasica L, Porcelli S, Marzorati M, et al. Ergogenic effects of beetroot juice supplementation during severe-intensity exercise in obese adolescents. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2018;315(3):R453-R460. PubMed
  9. Henrohn D, Björkstrand K, Lundberg JO, et al. Effects of oral supplementation with nitrate-rich beetroot juice in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension-results from BEET-PAH, an exploratory randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crosso
  10. Serra-Payá N, Garnacho-Castaño MV, Sánchez-Nuño S, et al. The relationship between resistance exercise performance and ventilatory efficiency after beetroot juice intake in well-trained athletes. Nutrients 2021;13(4):1094. PubMed
  11. Haron MH, Dale O, Martin K, et al. Evaluation of the Herb-Drug Interaction Potential of Commonly Used Botanicals on the US Market with Regard to PXR- and AhR-Mediated Influences on CYP3A4 and CYP1A2. J Diet Suppl 2022. PubMed
  12. Hemmatinafar M, Zaremoayedi L, Koushkie Jahromi M, et al. Effect of Beetroot Juice Supplementation on Muscle Soreness and Performance Recovery after Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage in Female Volleyball Players. Nutrients 2023;15(17):3763. PubMed
  13. Lim SH, Bae S, Lee HS, Han HK, Choi CI. Effect of Betanin, the Major Pigment of Red Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.), on the Activity of Recombinant Human Cytochrome P450 Enzymes. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023;16(9):1224. PubMed
  14. Oscherwitz M, Tamayo RM, Heudebert A, Centor R. A Case of Pseudo-Hematochezia from Beet Supplement Ingestion. Am J Med 2023;136(9):e177-e178. PubMed

See these in context on the Beet monograph →

Red Yeast Rice 50 references
  1. Hebel SK, ed. Drug Facts and Comparisons. 52nd ed. St. Louis: Facts and Comparisons, 1998.
  2. Heber D, Yip I, Ashley JM, et al. Cholesterol-lowering effects of a proprietary Chinese red-yeast-rice dietary supplement. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;69:231-6. PubMed
  3. Wang J, Lu A, Chi J. Multicenter clinical trial of the serum lipid-lowering effects of a monascus purpureus (red yeast) rice preparation from traditional Chinese medicine. Cur Ther Res 1997;58:964-78. DOI
  4. Wigger-Alberti W, Bauer A, Hipler UC, Elsner P. Anaphylaxis due to Monascus purpureus-fermented rice (red yeast rice). Allergy 1999;54:1330-1.
  5. Prasad GV, Wong T, Meliton G, Bhaloo S. Rhabdomyolysis due to red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus) in a renal transplant recipient. Transplantation 2002;74:1200-1. PubMed
  6. Heber D, Lembertas A, Lu QY, et al. An analysis of nine proprietary Chinese red yeast rice dietary supplements: implications of variability in chemical profile and contents. J Altern Complement Med 2001;7:133-9. PubMed
  7. Mueller PS. Symptomatic myopathy due to red yeast rice. Ann Intern Med 2006;145:474-5. PubMed
  8. Roselle H, Ekatan A, Tzeng J, et al. Symptomatic hepatitis associated with the use of herbal red yeast rice. Ann Intern Med 2008;149:516-7. PubMed
  9. Lapi F, Gallo E, Bernasconi S, et al. Myopathies associated with red yeast rice and liquorice: spontaneous reports from the Italian Surveillance System of Natural Health Products. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2008;66:572-74. PubMed
  10. Becker DJ, Gordon RY, Halbert SC, et al. Red yeast rice for dyslipidemia in statin-intolerant patients: A randomized trial. Ann Intern Med 2009;150:830-9. PubMed
  11. Halbert SC, French B, Gordon RY, et al. Tolerability of red yeast rice (2,400 mg twice daily) versus pravastatin (20 mg twice daily) in patients with previous statin intolerance. Am J Cardiol 2010;105:198-204. PubMed
  12. Gordon RY, Cooperman T, Obermeyer W, Becker DJ. Marked variability of monacolin levels in commercial red yeast rice products: buyer beware! Arch Intern Med 2010;170:1722-7. PubMed
  13. Karl M, Rubenstein M, Rudnick C, Brejda J. A multicenter study of nutraceutical drinks for cholesterol (evaluating effectiveness and tolerability). J Clin Lipidology 2012;6:150-158. PubMed
  14. Huang, J., Frohlich, J., and Ignaszewski, A. P. The impact of dietary changes and dietary supplements on lipid profile. Can J Cardiol 2011;27(4):488-505. PubMed
  15. Grieco, A., Miele, L., Pompili, M., Biolato, M., Vecchio, F. M., Grattagliano, I., and Gasbarrini, G. Acute hepatitis caused by a natural lipid-lowering product: when "alternative" medicine is no "alternative" at all. J Hepatol 2009;50(6):1273-1277. PubMed
  16. Smith, D. J. and Olive, K. E. Chinese red rice-induced myopathy. South.Med J 2003;96(12):1265-1267. PubMed
  17. Liu, B. H., Wu, T. S., Su, M. C., Chung, C. P., and Yu, F. Y. Evaluation of citrinin occurrence and cytotoxicity in Monascus fermentation products. J Agric.Food Chem. 1-12-2005;53(1):170-175.
  18. Lin, C. C., Li, T. C., and Lai, M. M. Efficacy and safety of Monascus purpureus Went rice in subjects with hyperlipidemia. Eur J Endocrinol 2005;153(5):679-686. PubMed
  19. Zhao, S. P., Lu, Z. L., Du, B. M., Chen, Z., Wu, Y. F., Yu, X. H., Zhao, Y. C., Liu, L., Ye, H. J., and Wu, Z. H. Xuezhikang, an extract of cholestin, reduces cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetes patients with coronary heart disease: subgroup analysis
  20. Lu, Z., Kou, W., Du, B., Wu, Y., Zhao, S., Brusco, O. A., Morgan, J. M., Capuzzi, D. M., and Li, S. Effect of Xuezhikang, an extract from red yeast Chinese rice, on coronary events in a Chinese population with previous myocardial infarction. Am J Cardiol PubMed
  21. Li, J. J., Lu, Z. L., Kou, W. R., Chen, Z., Wu, Y. F., Yu, X. H., and Zhao, Y. C. Beneficial impact of Xuezhikang on cardiovascular events and mortality in elderly hypertensive patients with previous myocardial infarction from the China Coronary Secondary
  22. Li, J. J., Lu, Z. L., Kou, W. R., Chen, Z., Wu, Y. F., Yu, X. H., and Zhao, Y. C. Impact of Xuezhikang on coronary events in hypertensive patients with previous myocardial infarction from the China Coronary Secondary Prevention Study (CCSPS). Ann Med 2010 PubMed
  23. Li, J. J., Lu, Z. L., Kou, W. R., Chen, Z., Wu, Y. F., Yu, X. H., and Zhao, Y. C. Long-term effects of Xuezhikang on blood pressure in hypertensive patients with previous myocardial infarction: data from the Chinese Coronary Secondary Prevention Study (CC
  24. Liu, Z. L., Liu, J. P., Zhang, A. L., Wu, Q., Ruan, Y., Lewith, G., and Visconte, D. Chinese herbal medicines for hypercholesterolemia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2011;(7):CD008305. PubMed
  25. Chagas, G. M., Kluppel, M. L., Campello, Ade P., Buchi, Dde F., and de Oliveira, M. B. Alterations induced by citrinin in cultured kidney cells. Cell Struct.Funct. 1994;19(2):103-108. PubMed
  26. Krejci, M. E., Bretz, N. S., and Koechel, D. A. Citrinin produces acute adverse changes in renal function and ultrastructure in pentobarbital-anesthetized dogs without concomitant reductions in [potassium] plasma. Toxicology 1-8-1996;106(1-3):167-177. PubMed
  27. Blanc PJ, Laussac JP, Le Bars J, et al. Characterization of monascidin A from Monascus as citrinin. Int J Food Microbiol. 1995;27(2-3):201-213. PubMed
  28. Lu, Z. L., Xu, S., and Kou, W. R. The clinical observation of treatment of hyperlipidemia with different dose of Xuezhikang. National Symposium of Clinical Therapies for Cardiovascular Diseases 1995;1997:53-57.
  29. Bonovich, K., Colfer, H., Petoskey, M. I., and et al. A multi-center, self-controlled study of cholestin in subjects with elevated cholesterol. Journal of Investigative Medicine 1999;47(2):54A.
  30. Pisciotta, L., Boscarini, M., and Corio, R. Studi clinici su Normolip5, integratore alimentare per il controllo del colesterolo. Medicina Naturale 2004;68-70.
  31. Barrat E, Zaïr Y, Sirvent P, et al. Effect on LDL-cholesterol of a large dose of a dietary supplement with plant extracts in subjects with untreated moderate hypercholesterolaemia: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Eur J Nutr. 2013;52( PubMed
  32. Kumari S, Sherriff JM, Spooner D, Beckett R. Peripheral neuropathy induced by red yeast rice in a patient with a known small bowel gastrointestinal tumour. BMJ Case Rep. 2013;2013. PubMed
  33. Mazzanti G, Moro PA, Raschi E, Da Cas R, Menniti-Ippolito F. Adverse reactions to dietary supplements containing red yeast rice: assessment of cases from the Italian surveillance system. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2017;83(4):894-908. PubMed
  34. Gerards MC, Terlou RJ, Yu H, Koks CH, Gerdes VE. Traditional Chinese lipid-lowering agent red yeast rice results in significant LDL reduction but safety is uncertain - a systematic review and meta-analysis. Atherosclerosis. 2015;240(2):415-23. doi: 10.101 PubMed
  35. Venhuis BJ, van Hunsel F, van de Koppel S, Keizers PH, Jeurissen SM, De Kaste D. Pharmacologically effective red yeast rice preparations marketed as dietary supplements illustrated by a case report. Drug Test Anal. 2016;8(3-4):315-8. doi: 10.1002/dta.1929 PubMed
  36. Raschi E, Girardi A, Poluzzi E, et al. Adverse events to food supplements containing red yeast rice: comparative analysis of FAERS and CAERS reporting systems. Drug Saf 2018;41(8):745-52. doi: 10.1007/s40264-018-0661-3. PubMed
  37. Mercurio V, Pucci G, Bosso G, et al. A nutraceutical combination reduces left ventricular mass in subjects with metabolic syndrome and left ventricular hypertrophy: A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Clin Nutr. 2020;39(5):1 PubMed
  38. Prescribing Information. Mevacor (lovastatin). Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck & Co., Inc., February 2012.
  39. Cicero AFG, Kennedy C, Knezevic T, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Armolipid Plus(®): An Updated PRISMA Compliant Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials. Nutrients 2021;13(2):638. PubMed
  40. Cicero AFG, Bove M, Cincione RI, Fogacci F, Veronesi M. Effect of combined lipid-lowering and antioxidant nutraceutical on plasma lipids, endothelial function, and estimated cardiovascular disease risk in moderately hypercholesterolemic patients: a double
  41. 7-20-21 FDA Drug Safety Communication. FDA requests removal of strongest warning against using cholesterol-lowering statins during pregnancy; still advises most pregnant patients should stop taking statins. Available at: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-s
  42. García-García MD, Bellido Muñoz F, Cordero Ruiz P, Caunedo Álvarez Á. Drug-induced liver injury associated to red yeast rice. Rev Esp Enferm Dig 2023. PubMed
  43. Santos S, Gomes S, Carvalho I, Bonito I, Carmo C. Rhabdomyolysis Related to Red Yeast Rice Ingestion. Cureus 2023;15(1):e33532. PubMed
  44. Banach M, Norata GD. Rhabdomyolysis or severe acute hepatitis associated with the use of red yeast rice extracts: an update from the adverse event reporting systems. Curr Atheroscler Rep 2023;25(11):879-888. PubMed
  45. Wang YH, Zhang SS, Li HT, Zhi HW, Wu HY. Rhabdomyolysis-induced acute kidney injury after administration of a red yeast rice supplement: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2023;11(23):5547-5553. PubMed
  46. Norata GD, Banach M. The Impact of Red Yeast Rice Extract Use on the Occurrence of Muscle Symptoms and Liver Dysfunction: An Update from the Adverse Event Reporting Systems and Available Meta-Analyses. Nutrients 2024;16(3):444. PubMed
  47. Trogkanis E, Karalexi MA, Sergentanis TN, Kornarou E, Vassilakou T. Safety and Efficacy of the Consumption of the Nutraceutical "Red Yeast Rice Extract" for the Reduction of Hypercholesterolemia in Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients PubMed
  48. Maiguma M, Kihara M, Hamaguchi M, et al. Successful treatment of acute tubulointerstitial nephritis probably due to Benikoji CholesteHelp(®), a supplement containing red yeast rice. CEN Case Rep 2024. PubMed
  49. Oda K, Murata T, Tanaka F, et al. A case of acute kidney injury and Fanconi syndrome while taking multiple supplements, including Red Yeast Rice Cholesterol Help(®). CEN Case Rep 2024. PubMed
  50. Miyazaki R, Takahashi Y, Kawamura T, Ueda H, Tsuboi N, Yokoo T. Acute kidney tubular injury after ingestion of red yeast rice supplement. Clin Kidney J 2024;17(6):sfae151. PubMed

See these in context on the Red Yeast Rice monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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