Hong Qu: An Alternative to Statins?

Hong Qu (HQ) is non-glutinous rice fermented with Monascus purpureus, a fungus which produces a red colour. In far eastern countries Monascus species has been used for centuries as a flavouring, colourant and preservative. It is known as red koji, ang-kak and red yeast rice (RYR) amongst other names. It has also a long history of use in Chinese medicine, to strengthen the Spleen and Stomach and promote digestion, and to invigorate Blood. (Chen and Chen, 2004). It has been used more recently as an alternative to statins in the fight against hypercholesterolemia.