There have been more than 34 clinical studies assessing the effects of Monascus purpureus went yeast. In one major, randomized clinical trial, 446 hyperlipidemic patients with baseline total serum levels of >230 mg/dl were given two capsules of red yeast rice extract (1.2g/day) orally for eight weeks. Hyperlipidemia is a metabolic disorder characterized by high levels of lipids (or cholesterol) in the blood. All patients maintained their normal lifestyle and diet throughout the trial period. At the end of the treatment period, it was found that serum total cholesterol levels were reduced by an average of 23%, trigylcerides by 36.5%, LDL cholesterol by 28.5%, and HDL cholesterol levels increased by 19.6%. Major clinical tests prove it works. For people whose cholesterol levels are slightly elevated (between 200 and 240 mg/dl) red yeast rice is effective at regulating elevated serum cholesterol and triglycerides.
In another study, cited by Elkins, J. Wang and his staff performed a randomized, single-blind trial in 502 patients who were diagnosed with high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These test subjects had a serum total cholesterol greater than or equal to 230, or triglycerides values ranging from 200 to 400. They also had HDL counts that were less than or equal to 40 for men and 45 for women. The patients were divided into four groups, three of which were designated for treatment (600 mg of red yeast rice twice a day) and one was set up as a control (this group received a Chinese herb, Jiaogulan, which is reputed to have cholesterol-lowering properties).
At the end of four weeks, total cholesterol levels in the treatment groups decreased by 17.1%, against a drop of just 4.8% in the control group. LDL counts were down an average of 24.6%, versus an average of 6.3% among the controls. Also, red yeast rice treatment appeared to have effected a 19.8% decrease in serum triglycerides (9.2% for the control group) and a 12.8% rise in HDL levels (4.9% for the controls).
At the end of eight weeks, treated patients showed the following numbers: total cholesterol (down 22.7%); LDL (down 30.9%); and total blood triglycerides (down 34.1%). All these figures were considerably better than the corresponding results seen in the control group.
adopting a healthy lifestyle
Of course, any prudent person would recognize that, along with taking a supplement like Cholestene, one must make a commitment to staying healthy. By exercising regularly, eating a well-balanced diet, not smoking, maintaining an ideal weight and reducing stress, you and your customers can be on the way to a healthier life.
- Material provided by HPF, L.L.C.
- Chinese Red Yeast Rice by Rita Elkins
