What it is
Red Yeast Rice (Monacolin) is a supplement derived from rice fermented with Monascus purpureus yeast. It is used to manage cholesterol levels and support cardiovascular health.
Supplement · Cardiovascular
Red Yeast Rice (Monacolin)
500 mg · vegan · gluten-free · 90 caps
high cholesterolhigh-triglycerideshypertension liverblood vesselheart
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How it works
It contains monacolins, primarily monacolin K, which inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, a key enzyme in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This mechanism reduces LDL cholesterol and triglyceride production.
Who should take it
Adults looking to address high blood pressure, poor circulation, high cholesterol. Particularly relevant for people who prefer a targeted single ingredient and who have ruled out an underlying condition that needs medical care first.
Avoid / careful
Pregnant or nursing women without clinician oversight. People on prescription medication affecting the same pathway should consult a doctor before combining. Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses but mild GI upset can occur when starting.
When to take it
Morning
Noon
Evening
Night
How to take it
With food
Empty stomach
Before food
FAQs
Frequently asked
How long does it take to see results?
Measurable changes in cholesterol markers typically occur within 4 to 12 weeks of consistent daily use.
Can I take Red Yeast Rice with my blood pressure medication?
Consult your doctor before combining Red Yeast Rice with any prescription medication, especially those affecting cholesterol or blood pressure pathways, to avoid potential interactions.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects are uncommon at the recommended dose. Some individuals may experience mild gastrointestinal upset when first starting the supplement.
Research
6 studies · 2010–2024
Evidence grade
ABCD
C · C · emerging-to-moderate human evidence for cardiovascular and circulatory health
From the blog
Editorial notes
SacredBod's longer take on Red Yeast Rice (Monacolin) — context the structured blocks above don't capture.
About Red Yeast Rice (Monacolin)
Red Yeast Rice (Monacolin) is a cardiovascular supplement used to support cardiovascular and circulatory health. Fermented rice for cholesterol management. It is available in capsule form and dosed for adults in India and internationally. As a western-tradition entry in the SacredBod catalog, it is positioned as a single-ingredient option that can be used on its own or layered into a broader protocol. Red Yeast Rice (Monacolin) works through the mechanisms characteristic of its class — see the mechanism and research sections for detail. It primarily acts on the heart, blood vessels, and effects are dose-dependent, typically becoming measurable within 4-12 weeks for measurable cardiovascular markers. Consistency matters more than dose size for this category.
Evidence
Red Yeast Rice (Monacolin) carries an evidence grade of C in the SacredBod catalog, reflecting emerging human evidence for cardiovascular and circulatory health. Fermented rice for cholesterol management. Benefits are cumulative rather than immediate, typically becoming noticeable within 4-12 weeks for measurable cardiovascular markers, and individual response varies.
Dosing
A typical dose is 500 mg, taken with food, usually in the morning. Start at the lower end, assess tolerance, and stay consistent; more is not automatically better.
Cautions
Pregnant or nursing women without clinician oversight. People on prescription medication affecting the same pathway should consult a doctor before combining. Side effects are uncommon at recommended doses but mild GI upset can occur when starting.
Who it’s for
Adults looking to address high blood pressure, poor circulation, high cholesterol. Particularly relevant for people who prefer a targeted single ingredient and who have ruled out an underlying condition that needs medical care first.
As part of the Cardiovascular category, Red Yeast Rice (Monacolin) can be used on its own or layered into a broader protocol — see the Goes with panel for evidence-aligned pairings.
Added to your stack.