Heart Health
Red Yeast Rice
Also known as: RYR, Monascus purpureus
Contains natural statins (monacolin K). Effective but needs same precautions as Rx statins.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Red Yeast Rice product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thorne Red Yeast Rice | 92 A | $0.47 |
| 2 | Jarrow Formulas Red Yeast Rice | 92 A | $0.50 |
| 3 | Thorne Red Yeast Rice + CoQ10 | 86 A- | $0.38 |
| 4 | NOW Foods Red Omega | 80 A- | $0.41 |
| 5 | NOW Foods Red Yeast Rice with CoQ10 | 77 B+ | $0.54 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Red Yeast Rice should I take?
The typical range is 1200-2400mg with 10mg monacolin K. Ongoing for lipid management
When should I take Red Yeast Rice?
Evening (like statins). Yes.
Which form of Red Yeast Rice is best?
Standardized extract — Monacolin K content specified. Other forms in the catalog: Unstandardized.
Is Red Yeast Rice safe?
Commonly reported: Muscle pain, GI upset, Headache. Serious warnings: Same as prescription statins (muscle damage, liver), Contamination risk. Monitor liver like statins
Which Red Yeast Rice supplement scores highest?
Thorne Red Yeast Rice, at 92/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Cholesterol
- LDL reduction
- Lipid support
What systematic reviews concluded
Outcomes that systematic reviews of Red Yeast Rice reached a verdict on: 3 with a benefit, 1 with no effect, 3 unclear. Each is quoted from a review and linked to it on PubMed. How these were read.
Reviews found a benefit (3)
“RYR extract consumption statistically significantly reduced total cholesterol (mean absolute reduction: 37.43 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -47.08, -27.79) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C; mean absolute reduction: 35.82 mg/dL; 95% CI: -43.36, -28.29), but not high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and apolipoproteins A-I and B.” PMID 38794691 · 8 reviews
“RYR exerts a clinically and statistically significant reduction of 1.02 mmol/L LDL cholesterol.” PMID 25897793 · 8 reviews
“"RYR plus conventional therapy" exhibited significant lowering effects on serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and CRP but exhibited no significant effect on systolic BP, diastolic BP, triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) compared with "placebo plus conventional therapy."” PMID 26167669
Reviews found no effect (1)
“but not high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and apolipoproteins A-I and B.” PMID 38794691
Not enough to say: hdl cholesterol; triglycerides; blood pressure.
How it works
- Contains monacolin K (lovastatin)
- HMG-CoA reductase inhibition
- LDL reduction
Dosage
- Typical range
- 1200-2400mg with 10mg monacolin K
- Timing
- Evening (like statins)
- With food
- Yes
- Duration
- Ongoing for lipid management
- Special populations
- High cholesterol, statin-intolerant
Forms
- Standardized extract
- Unstandardized
Safety
Common side effects
- Muscle pain
- GI upset
- Headache
Contraindications
- Liver disease
- Pregnancy
- Concurrent statin use
Products containing Red Yeast Rice
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Red Yeast Rice on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Contains natural statin compounds
Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.
Related in Heart Health
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.