| Ivy Zhang 2006-09-29, 4:13 am |
| During the last several years, red yeast rice, an Asian dietary
staple made by fermenting red yeast (Monascus purpureus) on rice,
gained rapid recognition in the United States as a
cholesterol-lowering agent. This was because a careful fermentation
process yielded specific amounts of statins--the compounds largely
held responsible for reducing cholesterol levels. In 2001, however,
red yeast rice extract, a "natural" unregulated nutritional
supplement, was withdrawn by the FDA. This decision followed the
agency's determination that it was chemically too similar to the
prescription statin medication Mevacor, and thus should be classified
as a "drug," which by law is strictly controlled by the federal
government.
As a result, supplements containing red yeast rice have basically
disappeared from retail stores. And the original product, Cholestin,
has been reformulated without red yeast rice. It's likely, however,
that sources of red yeast rice may still remain available on the
Internet. If the product does return to health-food stores in the
future, it will probably be available only by a doctor's
prescription.
As a substance, red yeast rice extract has a number of heart-healthy
benefits: It seems to help reduce total cholesterol levels, lower
levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol, increase levels of HDL ("good")
cholesterol, and lower levels of unhealthy fats called triglycerides.
It appears to accomplish this by restricting the liver's production
of cholesterol. The compound responsible for this
effect--mevinolin--is chemically identical to the
cholesterol-lowering compound lovastatin, which is sold as the
prescription drug Mevacor. Hence the action by the FDA. Mevinolin is
also similar to the active ingredients in other cholesterol
medications such as Zocor (simvastatin) and Lipitor (atorvastatin).
Unsaturated fatty acids in red yeast rice extract are also believed
to be beneficial, possibly by lowering triglycerides.
By lowering cholesterol concentrations, red yeast rice extract may
help to prevent heart disease and some of its complications.
Individuals with moderately elevated cholesterol levels (200 to 239
mg/dL) may benefit from a dietary supplement such as red yeast rice
extract. However, those with very high cholesterol levels (240 mg/dL
or above) are at considerable risk for heart disease and should stick
to prescription drugs with a proven ability to rapidly and
effectively reduce cholesterol levels.
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Your early reply will be appreciated and wish you all of the best and
regards!
Sincerely yours,
Sales Manager:Ivy Zhang
Bring nature to better life!
Organic Herb Inc.
Address:N0. 1038shanshuirenjia3Rd,kaiyuanRoad,xingsh
a,changsha,China
Phone: +86 731 4060868
Fax: +86 731 4023669
Mobile: +86 135 48950635
Email:ivy@organic-herb.com
MSN messenger:zhmx_11510@yahoo.com.cn
Website: <http://www.organic-herb.com>
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