Other Names: Arroz de Levadura Roja, Cholestin, Hong Qu, Koji Rouge, Levure de Riz Rouge, Monascus, Monascus purpureus, Monascus Purpureus Went, Red Rice, Red Rice Yeast, Red Yeast Rice, Red Yeast Rice Extract, Rode rijstgist, Riz Rouge, Xue Zhi Kang, XueZhiKang, XZK, Zhibituo, Zhi Tai.<br>Red yeast is the product of rice fermented with Monascus purpureus yeast. Red yeast supplements are different from red yeast rice sold in Chinese grocery stores. People use red yeast as medicine.<br> See also : [[Fermented food]]
==Special Precautions of Red Yeast==
* Red yeast is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth for up to 3 months. There isn't enough information to know if taking it for longer periods is safe. It can cause stomach discomfort, heartburn, intestinal gas, and dizziness.
*Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Red yeast is LIKELY UNSAFE during pregnancy. It has caused birth defects in animals. Not enough is known about the safety of using red yeast during breast-feeding. Don’t use during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
*Liver disease: Red yeast contains chemicals that are the same as the statin drug lovastatin. Like statin drugs, red yeast should be avoided in people with liver problems.
* Alcohol interacts with RED YEASTRed Yeast.
*Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune) interacts with Red Yeast.
*Gemfibrozil (Lopid) interacts with Red Yeast.
*Medications that can harm the liver (Hepatotoxic drugs) interacts with Red Yeast.
*Medications that decrease the break down of other medications in the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitors) interacts with Red Yeast.
*Medications used for lowering cholesterol (Statins) interacts with Red Yeast.Red yeast can help lower cholesterol. Taking red yeast along with other medications used to lower cholesterol might increase the risk of adverse effects. Do not take red yeast if you are already taking medications used for lowering cholesterol.
*Niacin interacts with Red Yeast.
*Improving blood circulation.
*Spleen and stomach problems.
==Main Combinations==
Cholesterol : [[Gymnema Sylvestre]] + Red Yeast
[[Category:Treatments]]
[[Category:herbal medicine]]
[[Category:Probiotics]]