Beneficial effects of Monascus purpureus NTU 568-fermented products on cholesterol in vivo and clinical trial: A review

Abstract

Red yeast rice (RYR) is prepared by fermenting rice with Monascus. RYR contains the compound monacolin K-the same active ingredient found in prescription cholesterol-lowering medications like lovastatin. Hypercholesterolemia is a dangerous form of cardiovascular disease, for which statins are generally prescribed as the main therapeutic drug. One of the most common complaints of people taking statins is muscle pain as a soreness, tiredness, weakness or induced rhabdomyolysis. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings that memory loss, mental confusion, neuropathy, high blood sugar, and type 2 diabetes are possible side effects. Monascus purpureus NTU 568-fermented product (Ankascin 568-R) contains monascin and ankaflavin as major active compounds, which was different from Monascus species fermented major compound monacolin K. Due to the high levels of Monascus metabolites and other ingredients, minimal amounts of Ankascin 568R can be completely assimilated into the digestive system. Clinical results have showed statistically significant decreases of 11.9% and 19.0% were observed in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, respectively. This systematic review describes the applications, side effects, and health benefits of monacolin K, monascin, and ankaflavin in Monascus-fermented products based on animal studies and clinical trial. Empirical studies suggest that a potentially useful agent for the regulation of blood lipids and the treatment of coronary artery diseases. *Correspondence to: Tzu-Ming Pan, Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Sec. 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei 10617, Taiwan, Tel: +886-2-33664519 (Extn. 10); Fax: +886-2-33663838; E-mail: tmpan@ntu.edu.tw