Red Yeast Rice Extract Research Articles

Structural Elucidation and Complete NMR Spectral Assignments of Monascus Monacolin Analogs.

One new monacolin analog, monacolin V (1), together with two new monacolin-like natural products, 6-hydroxyl monacolin P (2) and 3-keto monacolin S (3), were isolated from the ethyl acetate portion of red yeast rice ethanol extract. Their structures were identified by HRESIMS and NMR experiments, and the complete assignments of 1H and 13C NMR data for three compounds were obtained by the aid of HSQC, HMBC, 1H-1H COSY, and NOESY data. This is the first time that the NMR data of compounds 2 and 3 have been fully assigned.

Bergamot extract and red yeast rice in reducing high cholesterol - what is known?

Obtaining optimal levels of lipoproteins and total cholesterol is one of the main goals for reducing cardiovascular risk. Many patients insist on changing their statin treatment to a nutraceutical such as Bergamot extract or red yeast rice extract, due to statin intolerance affecting some of them and increasing disinformation on statin side effects. This is why, interest in lipid-lowering ability of available nutraceuticals, is growing. In our work, we tried to summarise what is known about nutraceuticals such as red yeast rice and bergamot extract and how they can be used in clinical practise. We searched two databases such us Pubmed and Medline byusing the terms “bergamot”, ”red yeast rice”, “dyslipidaemia” and “hypercholesterolaemia” Products containing red yeast rice and bergamot extract are dietary supplements which are sold over the counter. There is possibility that they can be seen as natural substances which significantly reduce cholesterol levels, however, they have weaker effect than strong statins. They cannot be replacement for them. Red yeast rice is the leading substance. It can be used in patients with moderate hypercholesterolemia or can be combined with ezetimibe if statins are badly tolerated. There is no clear opinion of experts on bergamot due to lack of larger and longer studies. As our article show it is crucial to conduct more scientific research on nutraceuticals especially Bergamot extract.

Chronic Administration of Red Yeast Rice Mitigates Endothelial Dysfunction in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Uncoupling.

Hypertension is associated with endothelial dysfunction. An imbalance in the production of Nitric Oxide (NO) and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), leading to impaired NO-cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP) pathway, contributes to this disorder. Red Yeast Rice (RYR), produced from the fermentation of rice with Monascus purpureus, is a traditional functional food originating from China. Although recognized for its anti-dyslipidemia properties, there has been growing evidence regarding the anti-hypertensive effects of RYR. However, these studies only focused on its direct and short-term effects. This study aims to investigate the vasoprotective effects of chronic oral RYR administration using Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR). SHR were randomly divided into 3 groups: SHR - Control; SHR - RYR extract (100 mg/kg/day); SHR - lovastatin (10 mg/kg/day). Wistar-Kyoto Rats (WKY) were used as normotensive controls. All animals were treated for 12 weeks by oral gavage. Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) was measured weekly (tail-cuff method). Vascular reactivity was determined using isolated rat aortic rings in an organ bath. Aortic ROS, NO, tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), and cGMP levels were evaluated. Administration of RYR attenuated SBP elevation and enhanced endothelium-dependent vasodilation in aortic rings. In addition, RYR decreased ROS production and significantly improved the level of vascular NO, BH4, and cGMP. In an SHR model, treatment with RYR for 12 weeks exerts an SBP lowering effect that can be attributed to improved vascular function via reduction of oxidative stress, decreased endothelial NO Synthase (eNOS) uncoupling and enhanced NO-cGMP pathway.

Structural elucidation and complete NMR spectral assignments of Monascus monacolin analogues.

Three new monacolin analogues, 3,6-dihydroxy-monacolin P (1), 6-methoxy monacolin S (2), and 6-methoxy dehydromonacolin S (3), were isolated from a fraction that strongly inhibited 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase from the ethyl acetate portion of red yeast rice ethanol extract. Their structures were determined through a combination of 1D and 2D NMR experiments, mass spectrometry analysis, and known literature reports.

Screening Antibacterial Photodynamic Effect of Monascus Red Yeast Rice (Hong-Qu) and Mycelium Extracts

The fungus Monascus is a well-known source of secondary metabolites with interesting pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. In particular, Monascus pigments possess a wide range of biological activities (e.g. antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory or antitumoral). To broaden the scope of their possible application, this study focused on testing Monascus pigment extracts as potential photosensitizing agents efficient in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) against bacteria. For this purpose, eight different extracts of secondary metabolites from the liquid- and solid-state fermentation of Monascus purpureus DBM 4360 and Monascus sp. DBM 4361 were tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative model bacteria, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli and further screened for ESKAPE pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. To the bacterial culture, increasing concentration of extracts was added and it was found that all extracts showed varying antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria in dark, which was further increased after irradiation. Gram-negative bacteria were tolerant to the extracts’ exposure in the dark but sensitivity to almost all extracts that occurred after irradiation. The Monascus sp. DBM 4361 extracts seemed to be the best potential candidate for aPDT against Gram-positive bacteria, being efficient at low doses, i.e. the lowest total concentration of Monascus pigments exhibiting aPDT effect was 3.92 ± 1.36 mg/L for E. coli. Our results indicate that Monascus spp., forming monascuspiloin as the major yellow pigment and not-forming mycotoxin citrinin, is a promising source of antimicrobials and photoantimicrobials.

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.

Previous studies have shown encouraging results regarding the efficacy and safety of nutraceuticals, such as "red yeast rice (RYR) extract", on reducing hypercholesterolemia in humans. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted from January 2012 to May 2022. The search was strictly focused on clinical trials that examined the association between RYR extract consumption and parameters of the lipid profile in humans. Fourteen double-blinded clinical trials were identified. The interventions lasted 4-24 weeks. In most studies, there was one intervention group and one control group. 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. As regards the safety, RYR extract was considered a safe choice with neither threatening nor frequent side effects. The consumption of RYR extract by people with hypercholesterolemia was associated with statistically significant reduction in total cholesterol and LDL-C, whereas it was not associated with an increase in life-threatening side effects. Further research on specific subpopulations and outcomes could establish a consensus on determining the clinical benefits and potential risks, if any, of this nutraceutical.

Rhabdomyolysis or Severe Acute Hepatitis Associated with the Use of Red Yeast Rice Extracts: an Update from the Adverse Event Reporting Systems.

Elevated plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) are a major risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and lowering LDL-C reduces the risk of cardiovascular adverse events. Among natural approaches known for their lipid-lowering properties, red yeast rice (RYR) has a cholesterol-lowering effect due to the presence of bioactive components (monacolins) that act by inhibiting the activity of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase. In August 2018, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded in its assessment of the use of RYR (further amended in June 2022) that monacolins from RYR raise significant safety concerns when used as a food supplement at a dose of 10 mg/day. In particular, individual cases of serious adverse effects of monacolins from RYR have been reported at intakes as low as 3 mg/day. The EFSA Panel pointed out several uncertainties regarding the available data. We conducted an in-depth and updated analysis of the serious adverse events, with a focus on rhabdomyolysis and acute hepatitis, associated with the consumption of RYR. An analysis of the Food and Drug Administration reporting systems revealed a very small number of cases of rhabdomyolysis or severe acute hepatitis associated with RYR use. In addition, only a few case reports of these serious adverse events associated with RYR use have been published. Based on data from adverse event reporting systems and available case reports, the occurrence of rhabdomyolysis or severe acute hepatitis that could be associated with the use of RYR appears to be extremely rare compared to the occurrence with statins, which is rare to common.

Effect of dietary supplementation with a new nutraceutical formulation on cardiometabolic risk factors: a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical study

IntroductionThe scientific community and consumers are increasingly interested in the potential cholesterol-lowering effect of various nutraceuticals and their combinations. The aim of our study was to test the short-term effect of a new lipid-lowering nutraceutical formulation in mildly hypercholesterolemic patients.Material and methodsWe consecutively enrolled 80 mildly hypercholesterolemic patients with low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) between 130 and 190 mg/dl with a low-estimated cardiovascular disease risk. After a 8 week-stabilization diet, the enrolled subjects were randomized to take 1 pill/evening of Zeta Colest (including: 400 mg of Berberis aristata dry extract with 340 mg of berberine, 98 mg of red yeast rice extract with 2.9 mg of total monacolins, 87.5 mg of milk thistle dry extract with 70 mg of silymarin, 50 mg of guggul dry extract with 1.3 mg of guggulsterones) or placebo for 8 weeks. Patients were followed up for metabolic and haemodynamic parameters.ResultsAfter 8 week-supplementation with the tested combined nutraceuticals, we observed a significant reduction in total cholesterol (–16.7 ±1.5%), LDL-C (–18.1 ±1.9%), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (–19.2 ±2.1%), apoB (–20.7 ±2.3%) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (–3.0 ±0.6%), versus both baseline (p < 0.05) and the control group (p < 0.05). No other metabolic or liver parameters significantly changed during the observation period. Endothelial reactivity also mildly but significantly improved by 2.96 ±0.23% with the tested product.ConclusionsIn the short term, the tested combined nutraceutical improved lipid metabolism, systemic inflammation and vascular function in mildly hypercholesterolemic overweight subjects.

Three arms, double-blind, non-inferiority, randomized clinical study testing the lipid-lowering effect of a novel dietary supplement containing red yeast rice and artichoke extracts compared to Armolipid Plus® and placebo.

There is growing interest in head-to-head comparison between different lipid-lowering nutraceuticals. The aim of our study was to test the lipid-lowering effect of dietary supplementation with low-dose monacolins from red yeast rice (2.8 mg per daily dose) combined with berberine (Armolipid Plus®) or highly standardized artichoke extract versus placebo. 60 overall healthy adult volunteers with polygenic hypercholesterolemia (baseline low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) = 160.2 ±9.2 mg/dl) were enrolled in a 3-arm, double-blind, non-inferiority, randomized, parallel-group clinical trial. After 4-week diet standardization, enrolled individuals were randomized to be treated for 8 weeks with red yeast rice and highly standardized artichoke extracts (ATC group), Armolipid Plus®, or placebo. At the enrolment visit, LDL-C values were similar in the compared groups. After 8 weeks, all actively treated subjects experienced significant improvements in baseline total cholesterol (TC), LDL-C and apolipoprotein B (Apo-B) (all p < 0.01) (ATC group: TC = -18.9%, LDL-C = -26.7% (placebo-corrected: -12.4%), Apo-B = -19.6%; Armolipid Plus®: TC = -18.4%, LDL-C = -25.8% (placebo-corrected: -12.1%), Apo-B = -23.2%; placebo: TC = -6.2%, LDL-C = -8%, Apo-B = -8.4%). Participants in the ATC group attained significantly lower body mass index (BMI) values (-2.1%), while individuals treated with Armolipid Plus® showed improvements in baseline high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (+8.7%) and triglyceride (TG) (+17.5%) levels. Finally, baseline hepatic steatosis index (HSI) values significantly decreased in both actively treated groups (by -2.4% and -2.4% in ATC and in Armolipid Plus®, respectively). Patients with polygenic hypercholesterolemia experienced a significant improvement in several cardiovascular risk factors in both ATC and Armolipid Plus® groups.

GLUCOMANNAN AND RED RICE EXTRACT REDUCE BLOOD LIPID LEVELS IN OVERWEIGHT PATIENTS

Objective: This study aims to explore the changes in blood lipid levels, body composition, and blood pressure in healthy middle-aged overweight people with mild hypercholesterolemia following the 45-day intake of a dietary supplement containing both glucomannan and red rice extract. Design and method: The survey was designed as a single-arm non-randomized, non-blind intervention study. 31 study participants consumed a dietary supplement containing dietary fibers (Konjak glucomannan, E425ii) and red rice extract (Monascus purpureus) for 45 days. Participants were asked not to change their current diet. Their body weight, body composition, and blood pressure were measured every two weeks. Blood lipids were tested at the beginning and at the end of the intervention. Results: After 45 days, there was a significant decrease in total cholesterol (by 16-18%), LDL cholesterol (by 20-24%), and triglyceride levels (by 11-23%) in both genders. In addition, women lost on average about 1 kilogram of body weight, 1.5 kilograms in body fat, and decreased their body mass index by 0.5 kg/m2. No changes in body composition were observed among men, but their systolic pressure decreased by six mmHg on average. Conclusions: Concurrent use of glucomannan and red yeast rice extract resulted in a significant reduction in blood lipid levels in both genders. It could be a safe and effective treatment option for the population of healthy middle-aged overweight people with mild hypercholesterolemia.

Nutraceutical alternatives to red yeast rice extract/monacolin K for moderate hypercholesterolaemia: Current evidence and knowledge gaps: Nutraceuticals and hypercholesterolaemia

The nutraceutical approach to moderate hypercholesterolaemia is an interesting option in the context of appropriate conditions associated with low cardiovascular risk, and red yeast rice (RYR) extract is one of the most utilized products in this field. Monacolin k, its main active component, reduces serum LDL-C levels via inhibition of β-Hydroxy β-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase, similarly to statins. In 2011, EFSA approved the claim regarding monacolin k from RYR extract and maintenance of normal cholesterol levels. However, in 2018, EFSA issued a warning about potential adverse effects of this nutraceutical and, in 2022, the European Commission published a Regulation with several limitations of its use. Therefore, current research and development efforts are aiming at assessing efficacy and safety of other known and novel nutraceutical products which may benefit patients with moderate hypercholesterolaemia. These active agents range from phytosterols, probiotics and berberine to bergamot, cabbage and artichoke extracts and soy protein. Moreover, plant extracts from traditional medicine, for example from African countries, are also a subject of study in this direction. The full clinical exploitation of many of them, however, still requires robust clinical evidence, which should be the objective of future research.

The effect of red yeast rice on delayed union fracture in animal model: a molecular study of IL-6, BMP-2, VEGF, BALP, and N-Mid-OC in fracture healing

Background As serious fracture complications, delayed union and non-union are parts of complications from fracture healing. Growth factors such as BMP-2, VEGF, proinflammatory cytokines including IL-6 and bone formation BALP, N-Mid-OC are important regulators of the fracture healing process. Red yeast rice (RYR), produced by fermenting Monascus purpureus rice, monacolin K, which is the main ingredient in RYR, was found to play a major role in the anti-inflammatory process and increasing the proliferation of osteoblast in osteoporosis cases. This study aims to examine the effect of RYR in the fracture healing process in delayed union rats through molecular studies of levels of IL-6, BMP- 2, VEGF, BALP, and N-Mid-OC. Methods This study was experimental research that used male rats (Rattus novergicus) which were divided into a control and 3 treatment groups using a random sampling method. Group 1 was given orally 25 mg/kg, Group 2 was 50 mg/kg, Group 3 was 100 mg/kg, and the control group was given a placebo. The rats were then subjected to a delayed union fracture model. Observations were made for two periods on the 14th and 28th days. Results There were no significant differences in serology examination between days 0 and 14 between groups. However, there were significant differences between groups on day 28. IL-6, BMP-2, VEGF, BALP, and N-Mid-OC on day 28 between groups (p&lt;0.001). The group with 100 mg/kg RYR extract was found to be the most influencing serology marker level. RYR 100 mg/kg significantly decreased IL-6, and increased BMP-2, VEGF, BALP, and N-Mid-Osteocalcin, thus enhancing the fracture healing process in the delayed union rats model. Conclusion A red yeast rice dose of 100 mg/KgBW significantly reduced IL-6, increased BMP-2, VEGF, BALP, N-Mid-OC, and RUST Score so as to improve the fracture healing process in delayed union rats.

The effect of Xuezhikang capsule on gene expression profile in brown adipose tissue of obese spontaneously hypertensive rats

Ethnopharmacological relevanceObesity is a critical threat to global health, and brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a potential target for the treatment of obesity and comorbidities. Xuezhikang Capsule (XZK), an extract of red yeast rice, has remarkable clinical efficacy and is widely used for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and coronary heart disease. However, its modulatory effect on BAT remains unknown. Aim of this studyThe aim of this study was to investigate the protective mechanism of XZK in the obese spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR) model by evaluating the regulatory effect of XZK on the BAT gene profile through transcriptome sequencing. Materials and methodsThe SHRs were randomly divided into four groups: the standard chow diet (STD) group, the STD supplemented with 126 mg/kg of XZK group, the high-fat diet (HFD) group, and the HFD supplemented with 126 mg/kg of XZK group. All SHRs were fed for 18 weeks. The metabolic phenotypes, including body weight, fat mass, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and serum glucose and lipid levels, was evaluated, and hematoxylin and eosin staining (H&E) staining was performed to evaluate the adipose tissue histopathological phenotype. Transcriptome sequencing was performed to determine the mechanism by which XZK improves the metabolic phenotype and the expression of key differential expression genes was verified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). ResultsXZK inhibited HFD-induced weight gain and adipose tissue remodeling in SHRs and prevented hypertrophy of epididymal adipocytes and maintained the brown fat phenotype. XZK intervention also improved glucose and lipid metabolism in SHRs, as suggested by a reduction in serum triglyceride (TG), low-density cholesterol (LDL-C), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels as well as increasing in serum high-density cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Transcriptome sequencing analysis confirmed the regulatory effect of XZK on the gene expression profile of BAT, and the expression patterns of 45 genes were reversed by the XZK intervention. Additionally, the results of the transcriptome analysis of 10 genes that are important for brown fat function were in line with the results of qRT-PCR. ConclusionsXZK protected SHRs from HFD-induced obesity, inhibited fat accumulation and improved glucolipid metabolism. Additionally, the protective effect of XZK on the overall metabolism of obese SHRs might partly be related to its regulatory effect on the BAT gene expression profile. These findings might provide novel therapeutic strategies for obesity-related metabolic diseases in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Comparative Effect of Bergamot Polyphenolic Fraction and Red Yeast Rice Extract in Rats Fed a Hyperlipidemic Diet: Role of Antioxidant Properties and PCSK9 Expression.

Elevated serum cholesterol levels, either associated or not with increased triglycerides, represent a risk of developing vascular injury, mostly leading to atherothrombosis-related diseases including myocardial infarction and stroke. Natural products have been investigated in the last few decades as they are seen to offer an alternative solution to counteract cardiometabolic risk, due to the occurrence of side effects with the use of statins, the leading drugs for treating hyperlipidemias. Red yeast rice (RYR), a monacolin K-rich natural extract, has been found to be effective in counteracting high cholesterol, being its use accompanied by consistent warnings by regulatory authorities based on the potential detrimental responses accompanying its statin-like chemical charcateristics. Here we compared the effects of RYR with those produced by bergamot polyphenolic fraction (BPF), a well-known natural extract proven to be effective in lowering both serum cholesterol and triglycerides in animals fed a hyperlipidemic diet. In particular, BPF at doses of 10 mg/Kg given orally for 30 consecutive days, counteracted the elevation of both serum LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglycerides induced by the hyperlipidemic diet, an effect which was accompanied by significant reductions of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase serum levels, two biomarkers of oxidative stress. Furthermore, the activity of BPF was associated to increased HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) levels and to strong reduction of Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) levels which were found increased in hyperlipidemic rats. In contrast, RYR at doses of 1 and 3 mg/Kg, produced only significant reduction of LDL-C with very poor effects on triglycerides, HDL-C, glutathione peroxidase, MDA and PCSK9 expression. This indicates that while BPF and RYR both produce serum cholesterol-lowering benefits, BPF produces additional effects on triglycerides and HDL cholesterol compared to RYR at the doses used throughout the study. These additional effects of BPF appear to be related to the reduction of PCSK9 expression and to the antioxidant properties of this extract compared to RYR, thereby suggesting a more complete protection from cardiometabolic risk.

Xuezhikang alleviates lipid accumulation via AMPK activation in hepatocellular steatosis model

Xuezhikang (XZK) is an extract of Chinese red yeast rice. It has multiple protective effects in cardiovascular systems. However, the underlying mechanism by which XZK affects free fatty acid (FFA)-induced lipogenesis in hepatocellular steatosis model is still unknown. Herein, we investigated this mechanism in HepG2 cells. The HepG2 cells were treated with palmitate acid (PA) to induce lipogenesis. Then the PA-induced HepG2 cells were subsequently treated with XZK. After 24 h of treatment, we determined the intracellular triglyceride (TG) contents and average areas of lipid droplets. To study the involvement of AMPK signaling pathway, we pre-treated the PA-induced HepG2 cells with Compound C, an AMPK inhibitor, before XZK treatment. Expressions of p-AMPK and AMPK were determined by Western blot. The results showed that XZK decreased TG content and lipid accumulation in hepatocellular steatosis model. Compound C abolished the effects of XZK. These results demonstrated for the first time that XZK protects hepatocytes against lipid accumulation induced by free fatty acids. Its effects may be mediated by the activation of AMPK pathway.

Promene serumskih lipida i telesne mase nakon primene dijetetskog suplementa sa glukomananom i ekstraktom crvenog pirinča u maloj interventnoj studiji

Glucomannan and red rice extract combined in a dietary supplement could exhibit a synergistic effect in lowering blood lipid levels. We aim to explore the changes in blood lipid levels, and body composition in healthy middle-aged overweight people with mild hypercholesterolemia following the 45-day intake of a dietary supplement containing glucomannan and red rice extract. We present a single-arm non-randomized, non-blind intervention study. In total, 31 participants consumed a dietary supplement containing glucomannan dietary fibers (Konjak glucomannan, E425ii, 4 grams) and red rice extract (Monascus purpureus, 1 gram) for 45 days, without changes in their current diet. Body weight and composition were measured every two weeks. Blood lipids were tested at the beginning and the end of the intervention. After 45 days, there was a significant decrease in total cholesterol (by 16-18%), LDL cholesterol (by 20-24%), and triglyceride levels (by 11-23%) in both genders. In addition, women lost on average about 1 kilogram of body weight, 1.5 kilograms in body fat, and decreased their body mass index by 0.5 kg/m2. In men, body composition did not change. Concurrent use of glucomannan and red yeast rice extract resulted in a significant reduction in blood lipid levels in both genders. It could be a safe and effective treatment option for the population of healthy middle-aged overweight people with mild hypercholesterolemia. Trial registry information. Study protocol was registered under ChiCTR1800016300.

Acute and Long Term Effects of a Nutraceutical Combination on Lipid Profile, Glucose Metabolism and Vascular Function in Patients with Dyslipidaemia with and Without Cigarette Smoking.

IntroductionLifestyle changes present a fundamental role in cardiovascular prevention. Nutraceuticals also supplementing diet could help in controlling the cardiometabolic risk.Aim(1) to evaluate acute effects of a combination of nutraceuticals (cNUT) on vascular function, BP, metabolism in dyslipidaemic patients before and after smoking; (2) to evaluate 12 weeks effects of the cNUT on lipid profile, insulin resistance and vascular function in patients with hypercholesterolemia not on statins.MethodsAfter 14 d run-in period, 33 patients assumed a cNUT [patented formula containing: berberine (531.25 mg), red yeast rice powder (220 mg, 3.3 mg monacolin K) and leaf extract of Morus alba (200 mg) (LopiGLIK®, Akademy Pharma)]. To evaluate acute effects, cNUT or cNUT + smoking (in smoking subjects) on the morning of the first day of the study and then 26 patients prolonged 12 weeks effects.ResultsIn non smokers, cNUT improved FMD (p = 0.041 for treatment). In smokers, FMD decreased after smoking, this was counteracted by intake of cNUT. In smokers, DBP increased after smoking a cigarette (p = 0.042 for treatment), counteracted by the cNUT intake. In non smokers, thermogenesis was increased after cNUT administration (p < 0.0001 for treatment). After 12 weeks of cNUT, FMD significantly increased (p < 0.05) and SBP (p = 0.04), total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.03) decreased.ConclusionsOur study suggests benefits of cNUT on cardiovascular prevention in hypercolesterolemic patients, non statin treated, that goes beyond the cholesterol and insulin resistance reduction protecting the subject from negative effects induced by smoking too.

Antibacterial Activity of Red yeast rice Extract against Propionibacterium acnes ATCC 11827 and Methicilin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ATCC BAA-1683

Propionibacterium acnes ATCC 11827 and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ATCC BAA-1683 are bacteria that cause skin infections, namely acne vulgaris and skin and soft tissue infection/SSTI. The increase in the number of resistant bacterial strains, such as MRSA, requires the search for alternative antibiotics, including using natural ingredients. Red yeast rice is a product of rice fermentation by Monascus purpureus, which is known to have antibacterial, antifungal, antitumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cholesterol and immunomodulator. This study aims to determine the antibacterial activity of several red yeast rice extracts against these bacteria that cause skin infections. The research was carried out through the stages of collecting materials and identifying the yeast isolates, extracting of red yeast rice, phytochemical screening of red yeast rice extract, confirmation of bacterial test, preparation of bacterial test suspension, testing for bacterial resistance, testing for antibacterial activity of red yeast rice extract and determining the value of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of the most active extract. The results showed that the ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts had antibacterial activity against P. acnes ATCC 11827 and MRSA ATCC BAA-1683. Both extracts contain compounds from the polyphenols, flavonoids, quinones and saponins group. Ethyl acetate extract was the most active extract with MIC values against P. acnes ATCC 1182 and MRSA ATCC BAA-1683 of 50 mg/mL and 12.5 mg/mL. The MBC values of ethyl acetate extract against these bacterial tests were 100 mg/mL and 25 mg/mL. The ethyl acetate extract is more active against MRSA ATCC BAA-1683 than against P. acnes ATCC 11827. From the results of this study it is known that red yeast rice has activity against bacteria that cause skin infections, especially against MRSA

Comparison of the Reductions in LDL-C and Non-HDL-C Induced by the Red Yeast Rice Extract Xuezhikang Between Fasting and Non-fasting States in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease.

Background: Xuezhikang, an extract of red yeast rice, effectively lowers fasting blood lipid levels. However, the influence of Xuezhikang on the non-fasting levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) has not been explored in Chinese patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).Methods: Fifty CHD patients were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups (n = 25 each) to receive 1,200 mg/d of Xuezhikang or a placebo for 6 weeks as routine therapy. Blood lipids were repeatedly measured before and after 6 weeks of treatment at 0, 2, 4, and 6 h after a standard breakfast containing 800 kcal and 50 g of fat.Results: The serum LDL-C levels significantly decreased, from a fasting level of 3.88 mmol/L to non-fasting levels of 2.99, 2.83, and 3.23 mmol/L at 2, 4, and 6 h, respectively, after breakfast (P < 0.05). The serum non-HDL-C level mildly increased from a fasting level of 4.29 mmol/L to non-fasting levels of 4.32, 4.38, and 4.34 mmol/L at 2, 4, and 6 h post-prandially, respectively, and the difference reached statistical significance only at 4 and 6 h after breakfast (P < 0.05). After 6 weeks of Xuezhikang treatment, the patients had significantly lower fasting and non-fasting serum levels of LDL-C and non-HDL-C (P < 0.05) than at pretreatment. The LDL-C levels were reduced by 27.8, 28.1, 26.2, and 25.3% at 0, 2, 4, and 6 h, respectively, and the non-HDL-C levels were reduced by 27.6, 28.7, 29.0, and 28.0% at 0, 2, 4, and 6 h, respectively, after breakfast. No significant difference was found in the percent reductions in the LDL-C and non-HDL-C levels among the four different time-points.Conclusions: Six weeks of Xuezhikang treatment significantly decreased LDL-C and non-HDL-C levels, with similar percent reductions in fasting and non-fasting states in CHD patients, indicating that the percent change in non-fasting LDL-C or non-HDL-C could replace that in the fasting state for evaluation the efficacy of cholesterol control in CHD patients who are unwilling or unable to fast.

The Combination of Red Yeast Rice Extract, Oatmeal and Olive Oil Reduces Serum Cholesterol

Elevated serum cholesterol is a significant risk factor for morbidity and mortality. The main approach to reduce cholesterol is the use of statin drugs. The current study tested the use of a novel food-based technique to reduce cholesterol - the combination of red yeast rice extract (RYRE), extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and oatmeal. The study was a non-randomized prospective intervention that enrolled 86 patients with elevated total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).