Ingredients In Preparations Research Articles

Method for determination of cytisine in post-mortem biological matrices and its application to two forensic cases.

Cytisine is the active ingredient in preparations used for smoking cessation. Its popularity is attributed to its low cost, efficacy, and low incidence of adverse effects. Additionally, its easy over-the-counter availability is also significant. This accessibility makes it a potential substance for use in suicidal attempts. The aim of this study was to develop a method for the determination of cytisine in biological material for use in clinical and forensic toxicology, and to apply this method in authentic cases. Biological samples were subjected to liquid-liquid extraction using cytisine-d4 as an internal standard. Analyses were performed using a Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography (HILIC) column with the technique of ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry. For both matrices (blood and urine), the linear concentration range was 5-1000ng/mL. The method met all validation requirements. The concentration of cytisine in a man taking it for smoking cessation in post-mortem materials was 21.4ng/mL in blood, 958.9ng/mL in urine, ca. 30ng/mL in vitreous humor, and ca. 40ng/mL in bile. In contrast, for a man with cytisine intoxication, the concentration was 174.6ng/mL in blood and > 10,000ng/mL in urine. In both cases, no N-methylcytisine was detected. The developed method can be used for the determination of cytisine in post-mortem biological matrices as well as for clinical purpose. We presented the concentrations of cytisine in the post-mortem biological samples of a man taking cytisine for smoking cessation and of a man with suicidal cytisine poisoning.

Smoked meat and tradition: Popularity, notoriety, and quality perception

Debate about artisanal products has been on the rise, stemming from initiatives that seek to preserve local food traditions, while dealing with health concerns. In Brazil, smoked meat (Portuguese: carne de fumeiro) is a kind of smoked pork, typical in the town of Maragogipe, in the Northeastern state of Bahia, also popular in other regions. The objective of this study was to understand the popularity and notoriety of smoked meat, as well as the perception of sanitary quality, from the consumers’ perspective and practices. A descriptive study was carried out, which involved consumers residing in municipalities in Bahia, with data collection through an online questionnaire and data treatment by descriptive statistics and association tests. 378 consumers participated in the study, of which 48% purchased the product in supermarkets, highlighting flavor/aroma (25.7%) as the factor that most influenced the choice. As for consumption practices, participants reported consuming this meat at home or in bars and restaurants, the main ways of preparing it being fried (36.9%), roasted (22.5%) or as an ingredient in preparations (22.4%) such as farofa, feijoada and puree. Despite its popularity, 40.2% indicated that the product could pose some risk to health, with an association with the need for labeling (p < 0.027), as a way of guaranteeing the identification of origin, shelf life and inspection of the product. Participants also mentioned the possibility of risks present in meat, such as bacteria (30%) and chemical substances (20.1%). The findings show the popularity of smoked meat, expressing its potential as a geographical indication, while pointing out to the perception of sanitary risks, signaling the need for regulation and quality control, aiming to promote its notoriety and market expansion.

Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Geraniol and Selected Geraniol Transformation Products against Gram-Positive Bacteria.

Both geraniol and the products of its transformation, thanks to their beneficial properties, find a variety of applications in cosmetics. Due to their antioxidant and moisturizing properties, these compounds can be added to skin care products such as face creams, lotions, oils, and masks. In addition, these compounds show some antibacterial and antifungal properties, making them suitable for application in skin care products to help fight against bacteria or fungi. This study determined the antimicrobial activity of geraniol and the compounds which were formed during its transformation in relation to selected Gram-positive bacteria, and the preliminary assessment was made whether these compounds can act as ingredients of preparations with potential antimicrobial activity in the treatment of various human diseases (for example diseases of the skin, digestive system, or urinary tract). In addition, this work presents studies on the microbiological purity of cream samples obtained with different contents of geraniol and its transformation products (contents of the tested compounds: 0.5%, 1.5%, 2.5%, 4%, 8%, and 12%). Antibacterial activity tests were performed using the disc diffusion method against Gram-positive cocci, including the reference strains Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 and Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, and against the clinical strains Staphylococcus aureus MRSA, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis VRE VanB, Enterococcus faecium VRE VanA, and Enterococcus faecium VRE VanB. The most active ingredient against bacteria of the Staphylococcus genus was citral, followed by linalool and then geraniol. During our tests, in the case of bacteria of the Enterococcus genus, citral also showed the highest activity, but linalool, ocimenes, and geraniol showed a slightly lower activity. Moreover, this study examined the microbiological purity of cream samples obtained with various contents of geraniol and its transformation products. In the tests of the microbiological purity of cream samples, no growth of aerobic bacteria and fungi was found, which proves the lack of microbiological contamination of the obtained cosmetic preparations. On this basis, it was assessed that these compounds have preservative properties in the prepared creams. The addition of the analyzed compounds also had influence on the durability of the creams and had no effect on the change in their consistency, did not negatively affect the separation of phases during storage, and even had a positive effect on organoleptic sensations by enriching the smell of the tested samples.

Enhancement of nutritional, antioxidant and potential antidiabetic properties of fermented maize flour by partial substitution with Curculigo pilosa and sensory attributes of its gruel

AbstractBackgroundCurculigo pilosa (CP) is an important component of traditional medicine where it is used to treat diabetes mellitus and its associated complications. Despite this, its use as functional ingredient in foods has not been fully explored. Therefore, this study was designed to determine the effects of substituting fermented maize flour with CP on the potential antidiabetic, antioxidant and nutritional properties of fermented maize flour.ResultsFermented maize flour was substituted with Curculigo pilosa flour at different percentage (2.5%, 5% and 10%) and it effects was evaluated on the potential antidiabetic, antioxidant and nutritional properties of the composite flours. Thereafter, the sensory attributes of its gruel were determined. The results showed that bioactive compounds, antioxidant and inhibitory abilities against α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase enzymes were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) increased. Also, there was significantly reduction in the estimated glycemic index and in vitro starch digestibility of the composite flours. Protein, fibre, ash and fat contents were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) enhanced while carbohydrate content was decreased in the flour blends. The mineral contents of the fermented maize flour was significantly (p &lt; 0.05) increased upon substitution with CP. The sensory attribute scores of gruel (Ogi) made from different flour blends showed they were accepted although they were significantly (p &lt; 0.05) lower when compared with the fermented maize flour without CP.ConclusionThe results show that Curculigo pilosa could serve as functional ingredient in preparation of fermented maize flour.

The UHPLC-MS/MS determination of ostarine in food supplements for athletes

Ostarine, also called enobosarm or MK-2866, is one of the Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs). A number of preclinical data suggest the beneficial use of these substances to increase muscle mass growth and bone density. Unlike anabolic steroids, they have suppressed androgenic side effects and are therefore thought to be useful in the treatment of health conditions associated with insufficient muscle growth. For the same reason, substances from the SARMs group are abused in sports and bodybuilding. They have been added on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) list in 2008 and their use in sports is prohibited. In many countries, products containing these substances are available through a number of e-shops offering supplements for athletes. The positive effects on muscle growth and body fat loss and the absence of side effects are emphasized. Because SARMs are banned in sports and are not approved for any therapeutic use, they are marketed as “Research Only”. However, the products are sill quite popular among athletes. As with anabolic steroids, there are a variety of dosing regimens for both beginners and advanced athletes, which end up recommending a combination of three to four SARMs over several weeks. Although more extensive clinical data are lacking, case studies are beginning to appear describing liver damage or heart attack in people taking ostarine or other SARMs products. However, due to the lack of clinical data, no positive or negative effect on the organism is objectively confirmed. For these reasons, it is very appropriate to have an analytical method available that allows the rapid and correct determination of the ingredients in preparations that have ostarine declared in the list of ingredients. Equally important is the possibility of identifying this substance in preparations that should not contain any active substance and appear as purely natural products. For the ostarine determination a simple and fast UHPLC-MS/MS method was developed. For extraction of ostarine the content of the studied capsule was weighted and transferred to a volumetric flask, which was then made up with methanol to 100 mL. The mixture was shaken for one hour. After filtration 10 μL of extract was transferred to a new flask and made up to 5 mL with 10% methanol with 0,1% acetic acid and 10 mM ammonium acetate. This solution was used for UHPLC-MS/MS analysis. An UHPLC system Infinity 1290 and chromatographic column Eclipse Plus C18 (50 × 2.1 mm; 1.8 μm) (both Agilent Technologies, USA) were used for the separation. 0.1% acetic acid and 10 mM ammonium acetate in water and methanol were chosen as mobile phases for gradient elution. For the MS/MS detection 6460 Triple Quadrupole mass spectrometer (Agilent Technologies, USA) with negative ESI ionization were used. For dynamic MRM mode two transitions of m/z were chosen for the detection: 388.1 → 117.9 and 269.0. Limit of detection was 0.2 ng/mL and limit of quantification 0.5 ng/mL. The method was used for quantitation of ostarine in dietary supplements for athletes. The content of ostarine in one capsule ranged from 10 to 15 mg and did not differ from the quantity indicated on the label. The described method is suitable for the determination of ostarine and can be used in toxicological and forensic practice.

MONOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF TILANALA KSHARA (STEM OF SESAMUM INDICUM LINN)

Background: Tilanala Kshara is an alkali extracted from the ash of Tilanala (Sesamum Indicum Linn.) Tilanala (Stem) is used as one of the major ingredient in preparation of tilanalakshara, which is mainly used for treating Arshas and Bhagandara also has wide therapeutic uses in Udara shoola, Shwitra, Ashmari, etc. In the present study preparation of tilanalakshara was performed as per the classical methods and analytical study was carried out in ACRL. Materials and Methods: This study aimed to asses monographic analysis of Tilanala kshara. Analytical standardization employing tests like organoleptic, physicochemical, inorganic analysis and Na, K, Ca elemental analysis by flame photometer. Study Setting: ACRL SJGAMC&amp;H Koppal Results: Tilanala Kshara fulfills the standard criteria of all analytical parameters. Conclusion: As the findings are encouraging, similar experiments can be extended to all other Kshara preparations

Solid state fermentation of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum): implications on bioactive compounds, mineral content and in vitro bioavailability.

In the present study, solid-state fermentation (SSF) of four fenugreek cultivars viz. HM-57, AFG-2, RMT-1 and RMT-303 were carried out using Aspergillus awamori and its effect on antioxidant properties, phenolic content and bioactive compounds were studied. Macro (Ca, K, and Na) as well as micro (Fe, Zn, and Cu) elements and in vitro bioavailability of the unfermented fenugreek (UFF) and Aspergillus-fermented fenugreek (AFF) samples were assessed with standard methods. On 5th day, total phenolic and condensed tannin contents showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) increase for all cultivars. Further, HPLC analysis confirmed formation of some new bioactive (vanillin, benzoic acid and catechin) compounds. Similarly, extracts from all AFF also showed an increase in the antioxidant potential such as inhibition of DPPH, hydroxyl free radical scavenging, reducing power, and total antioxidant capacity up to 5th day of SSF. Mineral in AFF were found with enhanced values when compared with respective UFF. In vitro bioavailability of Fe, Zn and Ca was also improved during SSF. Results from the present study may be helpful to food industry in developing new health foods and may provide a rational for development of functional ingredient in preparation of novel nutraceuticals.

Developed methods for the preparation of electrospun nanofibers containing plant-derived oil or essential oil: a systematic review

Recently, natural health products as alternatives for synthetic/chemical substances have become a growing area of interest. Plant-derived essential oils or oils (E/Os) with a wide range of bioactivities such as anticancer, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities are widely used among natural materials. Furthermore, nanofibers (NFs) with distinct properties, including large surface area, many available ingredients for preparation, and various preparation methods have attracted much attention. The present systematic review is an attempt to collect and document the recent studies from 01.01.2013 to 31.12.2018, indicating the loading of E/O in electrospun NFs. First, a summary of the electrospinning process and applications of electrospun NFs in medicine were given. Then, the three manners, which have been introduced for preparing E/O-loaded NFs so far, were described. Moreover, the main techniques for characterization of such NFs, e.g., evaluation of size and morphology, determination of the loaded amount of E/O in NFs, and investigating their release behavior, were explained.

Evaluation of Post-Harvest Practices on Turmeric (Curcuma Longa Linn) In Relation to Quality among Selected Four Barangays of MarantaoLanao Del Sur

Growing turmeric is ideal since this crop has wider adaptability in terms of climate and soil condition. This crop can provide more benefits because of its medical and nutritional value. It adds palatability to dishes, and can be considered as income alternative crop during period of cash scarcity. Most housewives living in the local areas are motivated to grow turmeric because of its advantages. The demand of turmeric rhizomes is high and the crop was marked as high-valued crops. Since it is an ingredient in the preparation of the dishes by most people not only in Lanaodel Sur but throughout the country, the availability of this crop should always be within reach. Part of the turmeric that is used in the rhizome which is processed into powder form before it is used as ingredient in food preparation, and sometimes a cash earning endeavor. Turmeric powder processing can be considered as an old practice in household since it has many uses. The objective of this research was to obtain information about post-harvest practices among turmeric growers and powder processors in four selected barangays of Marantao, Lanaodel Sur. To this aim, participant were distributed a survey questionnaire made simple to provide the respondents an easy way in answering. It was found outthat turmeric growing is highly profitable because of its market potential, and it can be a source of additional income to housewives because backyard growing is feasible, even if the area is partly shaded provided that the4 area is reach in organic matter, the growing of this crop is feasible. The culture is simple because it does not require any chemical fertilizer. In powder processing, the method is easy because simple grinder or pestle with mortar can be used.

In vitro and In vivo Antioxidant assessment and Hepatoprotective activity of Aponogeton natans (Linn.) Engl. and Krause on Diclofenac sodium induced Liver Toxicity

The present investigation objectives were to conduct antioxidant assessment and hepatoprotective activity of Aponogeton natans (Linn.) Engl. and Krause used by tribals. Aponogeton natans is important ingredient in preparation of Ayurvedic preparation, Useerasava. The screening for hepatoprotective activity against diclofenac sodium induced hepatotoxicity was followed as per standard procedure. Animals received 15mg/kg diclofenac to induce hepatotoxicity. Vehicle is administred to Group I, Group II served as toxic control. 200 mg/kg of petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform, methanol extracts and silymarin 10 mg/kg were administered to Group III, IV, V, VI and VII respectively. The groups, which received methanol and chloroform extracts significantly, controlled the biochemical parameters. The methanol extract and chloroform extract, increased the serum total protein level as compared to toxic control group. The methanol extract showed better free radical scavenging activity among the four extracts. The antioxidants activity increased by methanol, chloroform extracts and standard drug silymarin. Methanol extract increased the level of biochemical parameters when compared to toxic control. The methanol extract found to significantly increase the level of antioxidants levels. The results further supported by histopathological evidences. From the results revealed and concluded that methanol extract of Aponogeton natans has the highest antioxidant and hepatoproptective activity.

Financial burden of allergen free food preparation in the catering business

This study aimed to quantify costs and benefits of allergen free food (food not containing ingredients that fall under the European labelling regime) production at a catering business under two scenarios. In scenario 1 the caterer provides information to the consumer regarding the presence of allergens in the meals served, uses allergen free ingredients in preparation of allergen free meals, but does not avoid cross contamination during food preparation. Scenario 2 expands upon scenario 1 as to also include the prevention of cross contamination during preparation of allergen free foods. A stochastic partial budgeting analysis was performed to simulate the costs and benefits in both scenarios, relative to the current situation of providing neither information regarding the presence of allergens nor serving allergen free meals. Costs values were based upon the adaptations necessary to comply with the two scenarios for an on premise catering location. Fixed and variable cost items were identified via literature review, critical inspection of the catering establishment, and expert opinion. Benefit items were identified and quantified via a questionnaire about willingness to pay and willingness to buy at a catering location, according to each scenario. Given the price increase of meals in accordance to the estimated willingness to pay, and using mean values of the distributions of the costs and benefit items, an investment payback time of 8.1 and 7.7 months was estimated for scenarios 1 and 2, respectively. However, with median values of the distributions, both scenarios were not profitable, since monthly net profits were estimated at € -413 and € -636 for scenarios 1 and 2, respectively. If additional costs are not passed on to the consumer, no scenario is profitable. Catering companies can use the methodology and results in their decision making process on serving allergen free foods.

Phenylephrine induced fixed drug eruption: a rare case of cross sensitivity

Fixed drug eruption (FDE) is a type of dermatosis characterized by recurrent lesions at exactly the same sites with each administration of the causative agents. FDEs are common types of drug eruptions amongst all cutaneous drug-induced side effects, mostly by intermittent exposure. Multiple drugs with common chemical structure can cause same type of lesions at same site called as cross sensitivity. There are many causative agents and the incidence of FDEs for a particular drug depends on the frequency of its use. Though usually not severe or fatal, cosmetic embarrassment is main problem, especially when they recur on the previously affected sites leaving behind residual hyperpigmentation. Phenylephrine is a sympathomimetic agent, given orally for the symptomatic relief of nasal congestion. It is also commonly combined with other ingredients in preparations intended for the relief of cough and cold symptoms. Considering the frequent use of Phenylephrine, associated drug eruptions generally appear to be rare, cross sensitivity with pseudoephedrine is even rarer. In our case phenylepherine was self-administered to control cold induced congestion and patient developed FDE on vermillion of upper lip, which healed after 2 weeks leaving hyperpigmentation and reappear on same site after re-challenge also. She has history of FDEs due to pseudoephedrine on same site on lips. This is a rare case of sympathomimetics induced FDE with cross sensitivity between phenylepherine and pseudoephedrine; hence we are reporting it here.

Selection of optimum levels of ingredients for preparation of breakfast smoothie

Formulation options for four variants of breakfast smoothie were developed by combining different proportions of milk, mango pulp and four types of flour (green gram, finger millet, chickpea and sorghum), along with pectin and sugar. The raw materials optimized on the basis of sensory evaluation (colour and appearance, flavour, consistency, sweetness and overall acceptability) were mango pulp (10, 15 and 20%), flour (range: 2-6%), sugar (range: 9-11%) and pectin (0.2-0.4%). Milk beyond 30% resulted in separation of water layer. Below and above 15% level of mango pulp led respectively, to thin and thick consistency in the smoothie.

An Experimental Investigation on Strength Properties of Metakaolin Based Light Weight Aggregate Concrete Reinforced With Steel Fibers

At present all the constructions are executed with conventional granite aggregate concrete. If the granite aggregate is reduced by replacing it partially and fully by Metakaolin pellets as aggregate, the behavior and strength properties are interesting to be investigated. In this study an attempt has been made to use the Metakaolin as the basic ingredient in preparation of artificial pelletized metakaol in aggregate using lime and cement as binders. In the present experimentation, addition of Metakaolin pellets replacing the conventional granite aggregate in percentages of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% by volume of concrete and also adding the crimped steel fibre in percentages of 0.50, 1.00, 1.50 and 2.00% by weight. The properties such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, modulus of elasticity and flexural strength are studied by casting and testing around 240 samples consisting of 60 numbers of plain cube specimens of size 150x150x150 mm, 120 numbers of cylinders of size 150mm diameter and 300mm height and 60 numbers of plain beams of size 500x100x100 mm for testing after 28 days of curing.

Daily energy intake seen in obese Kashmiri population and compare the same with Recommended dietary allowances as per ICMR guidelines

AIM: Daily energy intake seen in obese Kashmiris aged 18-45 years and compare the same for Recommended dietary allowances of Indians as per ICMR guidelines Materials and Methods: Multistage and multiphasic sampling technique was utilized in this study based on WHO classification of obesity according to BMI of 18-45 years of age. Each household was visited and only the subjects having age of 18-45 years were included in this study and this comprised of 5107 subjects, then identified obese cases with the help of height and weight techniques.Only those people who had simple obesity were included in the study. All the obese respondents were asked to report all foods and beverages consumed over the previous 24 hour time period (midnight to midnight). For accuracy, respondents were first asked to recall all food items in an uninterrupted manner, and then specific probes for the types of foods, preparation ingredients, and the amount were verified for the food items mentioned.The portion sizes were converted into grams before the data entry, and the energy intake was compared with the recommended dietary allowances for Indians by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 2009 .An unquantified food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was developed to assess the usual dietary intake over a week period to minimize the effect of day- to-day variation in dietary intake . The data was collected and analyzed statistically.RESULTS: Among obese males,if life style is sedentary the requirement was 2320 kcal/day & deviation seen is+ 207kcal/day.For moderate work ,requirement is 2730kcal/day & deviation was + 243kcal/day & for heavy work, requirement is 3490 kcal/day and the deviation seen was + 282 kcal/day.Among obese females, if life style is sedentary the requirement was 1900 kcal/day & deviation seen is+ 337kcal/day.For moderate work ,requirement is 2230kcal/day & deviation was + 171kcal/day & for heavy work, requirement is 2850 kcal/day and the deviation seen was + 249 kcal/day.CONCLUSION: As populations become more urban and incomes rise, diets high in sugar, fat and animal products replace more traditional diets that were high in complex carbohydrates and fibre. Unique traditional food habits are being replaced by westernized fast foods, soft drinks and increased meat consumption. Homogenizations and westernization of the global diet has increased the energy density.

Dried egg powder utilization, a new frontier in bakery products

Eggs are very nutritious and healthy, both egg white and egg yolk have high biological value. Egg albumen, also called egg white contains a viscous 10 % solution which consists of minerals, peptides and proteins in water. These proteins have high nutritional value for humans due to their specific amino acids composition. In addition, the egg white has specific functional properties in food processing like foaming and stability properties. Major functional properties of whole egg are stability, emulsification, foaming and gelling ability. Whole egg is also applied as colorants. These nutritional properties of egg are applicable in bakery foods, mayonnaise products, salad dressings, confections, ice cream, pastas and many convenience foods. Powdered egg can be used in several preparations during processing of food in place of using liquid egg. Egg powder from spray drying has a better structure as compared to the powder from foam mat drying. Hence, powder from spray drying process can be utilized as an essential ingredient in preparations of cakes, custards, noodles and some of the confectionery products.

First report of powdery mildew caused by Podosphaera sp. on Hibiscus sabdariffa in India

Powdery mildew was observed on Hibiscus sabdariffa during October 2009. Calyces and leaves of this plant are used as an ingredient in preparation of non-vegetarian food in the north-eastern hills region of India. Light and scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of the anamorph of Podosphaera. This is the first report of powdery mildew on H. sabdariffa caused by Podosphaera sp. in India.

First report of powdery mildew caused byPodosphaerasp. onHibiscus sabdariffain India

Powdery mildew was observed on Hibiscus sabdariffa during October 2009. Calyces and leaves of this plant are used as an ingredient in preparation of non-vegetarian food in the north-eastern hills region of India. Light and scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of the anamorph of Podosphaera. This is the first report of powdery mildew on H. sabdariffa caused by Podosphaera sp. in India.

Facilitating Transition

The increased life expectancy of people with intellectual disability raises the dual issues of supporting aging parental carers to continue in their role and ensuring a smooth transition for middle-aged adults with intellectual disability to non-parental care. However, few services are specifically designed to respond to these issues and older carers are not generally dissagregated from other groups. Two pilot programs, “Options for Older Families,” were funded by the Victorian Department of Human Services in 1995 to work with older carers on immediate needs and planning for the future. The pilots utilised intensive case management with access to discretionary funds. This paper reports on an evaluation that examined the characteristics of these families, the outcomes for carers and adults, and the strategies adopted to achieve these. The elements of successful case management practice with older carers demonstrated in the programs were proactivity and prevention with a dual emphasis on maintenance and change for both the carer and their adult child with intellectual disability. Demands on carers were reduced by the introduction of formal services such as “recreation as respite” whilst the environmental demands for adults were increased, thus effecting change and providing vital ingredients for preparation for the future. The pilots did not duplicate the type of support offered or the clients targeted by more traditional generic case management programs operating in Victoria.

An analysis of nine proprietary Chinese red yeast rice dietary supplements: implications of variability in chemical profile and contents.

Some strains of Chinese red yeast rice, when prepared by solid fermentation, produce compounds called monacolins that inhibit cholesterol production. When used as a dietary supplement to achieve and maintain healthy cholesterol levels, Chinese red yeast rice has significant potential to reduce health care costs and contribute to public health by reducing heart disease risk in individuals with moderate elevations of circulating cholesterol levels. Whereas one proprietary strain of Chinese red yeast rice has been demonstrated to lower cholesterol levels significantly in clinical trials, other strains being sold as Chinese red yeast rice dietary supplements have not undergone similar evaluation. In order to determine whether the results of a clinical trial conducted with one strain of Chinese red yeast rice could be generalized to other preparations of Chinese red yeast rice, nine different commercially available dietary supplements were purchased tested for chemical constituents. Monacolins were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) that separates the various monacolins in Chinese red yeast rice. Citrinin concentration, a toxic fermentation byproduct, was measured by radioimmunoassay. Total monacolin content varied from 0% to 0.58% w/w and only 1 of 9 preparations had the full complement of 10 monacolin compounds. Citrinin was found at measurable concentrations in 7 of the 9 preparations. The findings from clinical trials demonstrating significant and clinically relevant cholesterol reduction using a defined Chinese red yeast rice preparation containing 10 different monacolins cannot be generalized to preparations that do not contain the same levels and profile of monacolins. Standardized manufacturing practices should be established for Chinese red yeast rice sold as a dietary supplement in order ensure equivalence of content of active ingredients in preparations being sold to the public and to limit the production of unwanted byproducts of fermentation such as citrinin. In common with other botanical dietary supplements, the full potential of this product will not be realized until standards for production and labeling of Chinese red yeast rice are further developed.