Study of the effects of Monacolin K on hyperlipidemic patients

Abstract

Background: Monocolina K is a fermented product of rice and red yeast (RYR) (Monascus purpureus) and has been used by the Chinese for many centuries as a food preservative and for its medicinal properties. It is a potent inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase and is known as substance, which lower serum cholesterol levels. Aim: To investigate the hipolipimiant effect of Monocolina K in patient with hipercolesterolemia with moderate cardiovascular SCORE risk. Methods: A total of 30 patients (mean age: 47,8 ± 1,8 years, 52 % males) who had a total cholesterol level of > 5,2 mmol/L were included in the study and allocated to receive a “No – Colest” which contain 10 mg of Monocolina K for 6 weeks. The 10-years risk of cardiovascular events was calculated according to cardiovascular risk SCORE before and after the treatment. As a primary outcome measure, we compared the before-after difference in lipid levels for patients included in the study. Results: LDL (low density lipoprotein) cholesterol was lowered from 4,19± 0,22 to 3,51± 0,14 mmol/L. (-16,2%) (p<0,001), total cholesterol from 6,46± 0,27 to 5,28± 0,16 mmol/L (-18,3%) (p<0,001), the TG (triglycerides) was reduced from 1,89± 0,27 to 1,61± 0,14 mmol/L (-14,8%) (p<0,05), and HDL (high density lipoprotein) have also been lowered from 1,35± 0,05 to 1,26± 0,02 mmol/L (-6,7%) (p>0,05) in the intervention group. Any side effects haven’t been noticed. The lipid lowering effect resulted in reducing of cardiovascular risk as measured with SCORE chart, that changed from 3,85% to 2,5%. Conclusions: The RYR formulation under study was well tolerated and effective in lowering LDL, total cholesterol and TG as well as the cardiovascular risk in this study population.