Red Yeast Rice Powder / Red Yeast Rice Extract

Red yeast rice is a brown to purplish-red rice mold produced by fermenting indica, japonica, or glutinous rice with Monascus yeast. Its use dates back to the Han Dynasty, and its preparation techniques are detailed in 《Compendium of Materia Medica》. Traditional applications include brewing, food coloring, and antibacterial preservation. Modern classifications divide it into three types: brewing red yeast, pigment red yeast, and functional red yeast.  

This medicinal material has a sweet-warm nature and functions to strengthen the spleen, aid digestion, promote blood circulation, and resolve blood stasis. It is primarily used to treat food stagnation, abdominal distension, postpartum lochia, and injuries from falls or blows. It can be taken internally as decoctions or in pill and powder forms, or applied externally by crushing and applying as a poultice.  In the 1970s, Japanese researchers discovered its content of monacolin K, a compound that inhibits cholesterol synthesis, forming the basis for the development of lovastatin, the first statin drug. Modern studies have confirmed that red yeast contains 13 types of monacolin compounds, which exhibit effects such as lipid regulation, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. 

Red yeast rice extract is a traditional medicinal and edible raw materia. Its main components are red yeast pigment, Monacolin K, ergosterol and other active substances. Its application can be traced back to the Eastern Han Dynasty. Modern research has shown that it contains high concentrations of lovastatin, making it a raw material for modern lipid-lowering drugs. In 1987, the lovastatin drug developed based on the ingredients of Monascus was launched. Subsequently, drugs and health foods such as Zhibituo and Xuezhikang were developed, but the daily dosage limit was ≤ 2g. Modern research has confirmed that it has multiple pharmacological effects such as regulating blood lipids, blood sugar, and blood pressure.

Bioactive Compounds and Recognized Functions

The main functional components of Red yeast rice include Monascus pigments, Monacolin K, ergosterol, enzyme active substances, gamma aminobutyric acid compounds, flavonoids, and unsaturated fatty acids.

The main function are as follows

1. Reduce blood lipids

Red yeast rice contains a natural statin substance, such as lovastatin and atorvastatin, which can lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, thereby playing a role in lowering blood lipids.

2. Lower blood pressure

The components in red yeast rice can dilate blood vessels, increase vascular elasticity, and thus have the effect of lowering blood pressure.

3. Antioxidant

Red yeast rice contains abundant antioxidant substances such as flavonoids, anthocyanins, etc. These substances can clear free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and thus play an antioxidant role.

4. Anti tumor

The components in red yeast rice can inhibit the growth and proliferation of tumor cells, induce tumor cell apoptosis, and thus have anti-tumor effects.

5. Regulate blood sugar levels

The components in red yeast rice can promote insulin secretion, increase insulin sensitivity, and thus regulate blood sugar.

6. Strengthen the spleen and digest food

Containing dietary fiber promotes gastrointestinal peristalsis, improves spleen deficiency and indigestion.

7. Promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis

Promote blood circulation, alleviate symptoms of falls, injuries, and dysmenorrhea.

8. Assist in sugar control

It can improve insulin sensitivity, help maintain blood sugar stability, and assist diabetes management.

Specification

 • Red Yeast Rice Powder

 • Red Yeast Rice Extract 0.8%-10% Monacolin K 

Shelf Life  2 years

Storage

 • Protected from light.

 • Keep in cool and dry place with good air circulation.

Package  25kg/drum