HypoCol (red yeast rice) lowers plasma cholesterol – a randomized placebo controlled study

OBJECTIVE: The primary endpoint in our study was to investigate the effect of a red yeast rice (RYR) product on plasma lipids. DESIGN: A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study was performed. Patients were randomized to either RYR (HypoCol, 4 capsules/day) (n=22) or placebo (n=20) for 16 weeks. Inclusion criteria were male or female, 18-75 years, LDL-cholesterol between 3.0 and 6.0 mmol/L, fasting triglyceride level less than 4.5 mmol/L. RESULTS: Patients receiving RYR experienced a significant reduction in LDL-cholesterol (23.0%) and total cholesterol (15.5%) compared to placebo after 16 weeks of treatment (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The tested red yeast rice product demonstrated a significant cholesterol lowering effect compared to placebo, and was well tolerated in this Caucasian population.