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Chinese red rice-induced myopathy
Dena James Smith1, Kenneth E Olive
1Department of Internal Medicine, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA.
Southern Medical Journal
|December 31, 2003
Summary
Chinese red rice, an herbal supplement, can cause myopathy (muscle damage) due to its natural lovastatin content. Discontinuation resolves symptoms, while re-exposure causes recurrence, indicating a direct link.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Herbal Medicine
Background:
- Herbal preparations are increasingly used for health benefits.
- Potential adverse effects of traditional remedies require thorough investigation.
- Chinese red rice is a popular dietary supplement derived from fermented rice.
Observation:
- A middle-aged male experienced joint pain and muscle weakness.
- Symptoms began after initiating Chinese red rice supplementation.
- Elevated creatine phosphokinase (CPK) levels indicated muscle damage.
Findings:
- The patient's myopathy and elevated CPK resolved upon discontinuing Chinese red rice.
- Upon re-exposure to the herbal product, CPK levels increased again.
- Lovastatin, a naturally occurring component of Chinese red rice, was identified as the likely cause of the myopathy.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for drug-induced myopathy from herbal supplements.
- Healthcare providers should inquire about herbal product use in patients with unexplained myopathy.
- Standardized testing and quality control for herbal supplements are crucial to ensure patient safety.