Monascus purpureus mold

Monascus purpureus is a species of mold that is purplish-red in color used to make red yeast rice and certain fermented foods in China and Japan.

Red yeast rice, a fermented product of rice on which red yeast Monascus purpureus has been grown. In Asian countries, red yeast rice is a dietary staple and is used to make rice wine, as a flavoring agent, and to preserve the flavor and color of fish and meat.

Composition of red yeast rice
Red-Yeast-Rice contains several compounds collectively known as monacolins which block the formation of cholesterol. One of these compounds is called monacolin K. It inhibits HMG-CoA reductase and is also known as mevinolin or lovastatin. The product name for lovastatin is Mevacor, a prescription drug manufactured by Merck and Co..

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