Posted by Dr. Magnus on June 16, 2003 at 01:17:40:


Red rice yeast extract is one of the ingredients in TF Cardio. It is extracted from yeast grown on red rice. This is a naturaceutical used in China for over two thousand years to treat indigestion, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

EFFICACY AS A FOOD SUPPLEMENT:
Red rice yeast extract has been proven to have a significant action in lowering blood cholesterol levels by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver which regulates the body’s production of cholesterol. It is also reported to promote cardiovascular health.

More than 2 dozen clinical studies, two of them done in the US, the rest in China, reported that red rice yeast extract can lower blood cholesterol levels by 16 to 20 percent; as well as lower triglyceride levels; and raise the levels of beneficial HCD cholesterol.

The most commonly seen brand of red rice yeast extract in the USA is called Cholestin. It is available in capsule form, sold in pharmacies and health food stores. Standard dose is two 600mg capsules twice daily.

REPORTED SIDE EFFECTS:
Serious---None reported; and no known reported drug interactions.
Minor---heartburn, bloating and dizziness.

WARNINGS and POTENTIAL PROBLEMS:
Because red rice yeast extract has similar actions as the statin drugs, such as Lovastatin, it should not be taken concomitantly with niacin, erythromycin, cyclosporine and other statins (warnings given for statin drugs).
Potential side effects include the same as for the statin drugs, viz: elevated lever enzymes, skeletal muscle problems; etc. It is recommended that the product should be avoided by pregnant and nursing women, and those with severe liver or kidney disease.

Irrespective of what medications you are taking, I hope this information is helpful to you.

Dr. Magnus

NB As you can see from the above information, the inclusion of red rice yeast extract in TF Cardio is of great benefit. Remember, although the amount of each ingredient of any product may be very small, it is the synergy among the ingredients that accounts for the product’s effectiveness.

Sources of Information include “NUTRACEUTICALS. The Complete Encyclopedia of Supplements, Herbs, Vitamins, and Healing Foods”, A Perigee Book. First Edit. Jan 2001; Editors Arthur J. Roberts, MD., et al.

TF Cardio | Red Rice Yeast | Special Report (Explore issue) | Root Cause of Heart Disease | On Blood thinners