Italian researchers conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial on volunteers with mildly elevated cholesterol levels. The supplemented group received Red Yeast Rice along with 10 mg of coenzyme Q10. Compared to the placebo group, the supplemented group had reductions in total cholesterol of 12.5%, LDL cholesterol of 22% and a reduction of hs-CRP of 24% on average. Interestingly, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9, increases of which have been linked to heart attack and those having unstable angina, were decreased by 28 and 27% respectively, after four weeks of supplementation.
Cicero, AFG et al. Red yeast rice improves lipid pattern, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and vascular remodeling parameters in moderately hypercholesterolemic Italian subjects. Nutrition Research. Vol. 33 Aug 1, 2013