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Does EFSA statement on Monacolin content of nutraceutical combinations impair their lipid lowering effect? The

Alessia Izzo1, Rosa Costanzo2, Lucia De Martino2

  • 1Federico II University, Naples, Italy.

Clinical Diabetes and Endocrinology
|November 29, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Red yeast rice (RYR) contains Monacolin-K, a cholesterol-lowering compound. LopiGLIK® effectively lowers LDL cholesterol, even with reduced Monacolin-K, suggesting other ingredients contribute to its efficacy.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Nutraceuticals
  • Cholesterol Management

Background:

  • Monacolin-K, from red yeast rice (RYR), inhibits HMG-CoA reductase for cholesterol reduction.
  • European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) advises Monacolin-K intake < 3 mg/day due to adverse effects.
  • RYR supplements are widely used for managing hypercholesterolemia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the efficacy of LopiGLIK® and Armolipid Plus® in lowering LDL cholesterol.
  • To investigate the role of Monacolin-K dosage versus other ingredients in LopiGLIK®'s effectiveness.
  • To assess LopiGLIK®'s cholesterol-lowering capacity following adherence to EFSA guidelines.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative study of two cholesterol-lowering supplements: LopiGLIK® and Armolipid Plus®.
  • Analysis of LDL cholesterol levels in participants using the supplements.
  • Monitoring of Monacolin-K and Berberine content in the supplements.

Main Results:

  • LopiGLIK® demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing LDL cholesterol compared to Armolipid Plus®.
  • LopiGLIK® maintained its cholesterol-lowering effect even after reducing Monacolin-K content to 2.99 mg.
  • Slightly higher dosages of Berberine and Monacolin-K in LopiGLIK® were initially noted.

Conclusions:

  • The enhanced cholesterol-lowering effect of LopiGLIK® may be attributed to ingredients beyond Monacolin-K, such as Morus alba.
  • This challenges the assumption that minor variations in Monacolin-K dosage are the sole driver of efficacy.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the synergistic effects of RYR components in nutraceuticals.
Keywords:
LDL cholesterolMonacolin-KMorus albaNuraceuticalsRed Yeast Rice (RYR)

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