Thorne Research, Choleast (Red Yeast Rice) 120 capsules

After a check of their cholesterol levels and the subsequent prescription for a lipid-lowering “statin” drug, many patients express concern over potential adverse effects of drug therapy. Choleast is a natural alternative to the prescription drugs most often used in this case. Choleast is a
lipid-lowering supplement containing red yeast rice, Monascus purpureus, a red-pigmented yeast grown on rice. Red yeast rice has been found to significantly benefit blood lipid levels, including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.

Numerous scientific studies in China and the United States have proven red yeast rice preparations to be helpful in establishing normal blood lipid levels. This is important, as maintaining optimal cholesterol and triglyceride levels has been shown to reduce the incidence of myocardial infarction.

Red yeast rice appears to exert its influence on blood lipids by inhibiting the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase; the lipid-lowering “statin” drugs inhibit this enzyme as well. In contrast to drugs that contain one isolated synthetic HMG-CoA-reductase-inhibiting molecule, red yeast rice contains nine
naturally-occurring HMG-CoA reductase-inhibitor compounds, phytosterols (beta-sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol), isoflavones, and trace minerals. There is scientific evidence that inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, in addition to inhibiting cholesterol biosynthesis, can also inhibit production of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), the ubiquitous antioxidant and energy-producing nutrient vital to mitochondrial function. While it remains to be researched whether red yeast rice can cause this same deficiency in humans, one animal study suggests this is a possibility. To safeguard against CoQ10 depletion, Choleast contains 15 mg CoQ10 per capsule.