Effect of red yeast rice/policosanol on low density lipoprotein cholesterol reduction in hypercholesterolemic outpatients

Abstract

Background : Red yeast rice/policosanol supplements have been studied by many countries that showed cholesterol lowering effect, especially LDL-C, however there has not been any study done on this topic in Thailand.

Objective : To compare the cholesterol lowering effects of red yeast rice/policosanol with placebo in hypercholesterolemic outpatients.

Research design : Human experimental study (prospective, randomized, double-blind, two-way crossover study). Setting General internal medicine clinic, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.

Method : After informed consent and 4 week washout period, fourteen hypercholesterolemic outpatients were randomly assigned with concealed allocation to receive either red yeast rice/policosanol (each capsule contained 100/5 mg) 2 capsules or 2 capsules of placebo daily for 4 weeks. Then there was a 4-week washout period followed by a crossover to the other treatment for another 4 weeks. Cholesterol lowering effects (total cholesterol, LDL-C, triglyceride and HDL-C), liver and muscle enzymes were assessed at the end of each 4-week treatment period.

Results : Baseline patients characteristics were similar between the two groups. (p >0.05) Red yeast rice/policosanol significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL-C from baseline. Total cholesterol significantly reduced from 235.14 ± 37.77 to 213.64 ± 30.98 mg/dL (p = 0.007) and LDL-C significantly reduced from 162.09 ± 25.97 to 139.84 ± 22 mg/dL. (p = 0.001) Triglyceride and HDL-C did not change significantly. Serial monitoring of serum hepatic transaminase and creatine kinase level revealed no significant increased in the value after 4 weeks. There was also an insignificant changed in blood pressure, fasting blood sugar or serum creatinine throughout the study period.

Conclusion : Four-week dietary supplement with red yeast rice/policosanol at a fixed dose 200/10 mg per day significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL-C from baseline. There was no significant difference in triglyceride and HDL-C levels compared with baseline. The dose and duration of the nutritional supplement of red yeast rice/ policosanol used in this study appeared to be safe.