Health

What is Red Yeast Rice?

Red yeast rice is the product of fermenting rice with Monascus purpureus yeast. (1) It has been a very important part of traditional Chinese medicine and cooking for more than one thousand years. The Chinese people used red yeast rice to improve blood circulation, treat gastric problems (diarrhea, indigestion), and promote stomach and spleen health. (2) Food coloring for Peking duck is one of the many uses of red yeast rice in Chinese cooking. (1)

What are the Health Benefits of Red Yeast Rice?

Red yeast rice became very popular in the Western world when scientists discovered that it has blood cholesterol-lowering effect. It was found out that red yeast rice has the ability to lower the levels of bad cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Bad cholesterols are linked to atherosclerosis – a common arterial disease in which cholesterol deposit plaques form on the inner surfaces of the arteries obstructing blood flow. Cholesterol plaques do not only obstruct blood flow but also hardens the arteries. Atherosclerosis is the major culprit for cases of heart attack and stroke.
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What is the Active Ingredient in Red Yeast Rice?

Red yeast rice contains lovastatin – the active ingredient in prescription drugs for lowering blood cholesterol (e.g. Mevacor by Merck & Co., Inc.). Lovastatin inhibits the HMG-CoA reductase, liver enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis. (2) For its cholesterol-lowering effect, red yeast rice gained popularity in the United States. Red yeast rice supplements under the brand name “Cholestin” was introduced in the United States around the late 1990s by the drug company Pharmanex, Inc.. Sale of Cholestin and other red yeast rice- containing supplements was increasing until the FDA officials pulled them out from the market when they found out that the active ingredient of the supplements is similar to the active ingredient (lovastatin) in strictly controlled prescription drugs for lowering cholesterol like Mevacor. (3)

FDA’s action resulted to the disappearance of red yeast rice supplements in US retail stores and Cholestin has been reformulated without red yeast rice extract. Despite FDA’s order, red yeast rice products are still sold on the internet by various marketers. (3) There has been a legal and commercial dispute as to whether red yeast rice is a dietary supplement or a drug, involving Cholestrin manufacturer, FDA, and the drug industry. (2)

What are the Side Effects of Red Yeast Rice?

Red yeast rice may contain specific proteins that can trigger allergic reaction to some people. Symptoms include itching, rashes, hives, wheezing, breathing difficulty, swelling of tongue, throat, lips, or face, vomiting, and anaphylaxis. Other symptoms can occur. A person should stop taking red yeast rice if he experiences the mentioned allergy symptoms and he should immediately seek medical help to manage the symptoms. (4)

Red yeast rice side effects can be similar to the side effects of drug lovastatin (Mevacor) which include gas, bloating, heartburn, dizziness, asthma, muscle pain & damage, and liver & kidney damage. (2) Note that other side effects can show up. Seek medical attention when you are experiencing any of these red yeast rice side effects.

What Medications can interact with Red Yeast Rice?

Red yeast rice extract can interact with drugs which prescription drug lovastatin interacts to. Alcohol and other drugs (even herbal) that can be toxic to the liver should not be taken together with red yeast rice extract. Increased risk of muscle wasting or kidney damage can occur when red yeast rice extract is taken with cyclosporine, ranitidine, and certain antibiotics. (2)

Red yeast rice extract should not be taken with medications that increase the risk of bleeding. These medications include blood thinners (e.g. warfarin), aspirin, anti-platelet drugs (e.g. Paxil), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS, e.g. ibuprofen and naproxen). Even herbal medications that increase the risk of bleeding (like Ginkgo biloba) should be avoided. (2)

Red yeast rice extract can also interact with blood pressure-lowering drugs, thyroid medications, niacin, and digoxin. People with diabetes should be cautioned when taking red yeast rice because it may alter blood sugar levels.  (2)
Always consult your doctor before taking red yeast rice products especially if you are using other chemical and herbal medications in order to avoid drug interactions.

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References and Further Reading

1. Red Yeast Rice (Red Yeast): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, and Warnings. WebMD
2. Red Yeast Rice: MedlinePlus Supplements
3. Red Yeast Rice Side Effects – Red Yeast Dangers. Nutritional-Supplement-Educational-Centre
4. Red Yeast Rice Medical Facts from Drugs.com

Pomegranate juice is becoming a very popular fruit juice because of its many health benefits. It is extracted from the fruit pulp of pomegranate plant (Punica granatum) which is also called Granada or Chinese apple. Pomegranate plant has been widely cultivated in the Iranian Plateau since ancient times. It was introduced to other parts of the world by settlers. (Ref.) Today, pomegranate is cultivated in various countries for its delicious and nutritious pulp.

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Nutritional Value of Pomegranate Juice

According to the USDA Nutrient Database, pomegranate juice contains carbohydrates (sugars), dietary fibers, fats, proteins, thiamine (Vit. B1), riboflavin (Vit. B2), niacin (Vit. B3), pantothenic acid (Vit. B5), vitamin B6, folate, vitamin C, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. A 100 gram of pomegranate can give 285 kJ of energy.

Pomegranate juice is one of nature’s best sources of antioxidants. Antioxidants are substances that scavenge free radicals – unstable and highly reactive atom or group of atoms that can damage cells and speeds up the progression of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and age-related diseases (Ref). Antioxidants in pomegranate juice are in the form of polyphenols which include ellagitannins, punicalagins, catechins, gallocatechins, and anthocyanins. The amount of antioxidants in pomegranate juice is claimed to be three times higher than red wine or green tea (Ref.).

 

Health Benefits of Pomegranate Juice

There are published researches suggesting that pomegranate juice may be effective in fighting different types of cancer such as breast, skin, and prostate cancers. Pomegranate juice helps slow down the progression of cancer. It contains powerful antioxidants that neutralize cancer-causing free radicals. (Ref)

Drinking pomegranate juice help prevent heart attacks and strokes caused by atherosclerosis or the deposit of cholesterol in the inner linings of the arteries. The antioxidants found in pomegranate juice inhibits the formation of cholesterol plaques in the arteries. Without cholesterol plaques, blood circulation will surely improve. (Ref)

Pomegranate juice also contains compounds that act as blood thinners which enhance blood flow to all parts of the body.

Another health benefit of pomegranate juice is preventing the onset of osteoarthritis; although, more researches are needed to prove this. A group of scientists have found that pomegranate extract inhibits the production of a particular enzyme responsible in causing human cartilage damage in osteoarthritis. (Ref)

A group of Israeli researchers published an article in Clinical Nutrition (June 2004 issue) suggesting that drinking a glass of pomegranate juice a day for one year reduces systolic blood pressure and slows down the oxidation of bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol). (Ref)

The ascorbic acid or Vitamin C found in pomegranate juice acts as anti-inflammatory agent which reduces inflammation or swelling. (Ref.)

Drinking pomegranate juice might prevent and slow down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease according to studies.
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Good vs. Bad Bacteria

Our digestive tract is a jungle, as it houses more than 400 species of living bacteria. Other areas in the body like the mouth, urinary tract, ear canal, and vagina are home to a diverse population of bacteria.

The hundreds of species of bacteria are classified into two groups: friends and enemies. There is a balance between the two groups. Our bacterial friends suppress the growth of harmful bacteria to keep as healthy. Besides from controlling the number of harmful bacteria, good bacteria helps improve immune function, enhance protective barrier of digestive tract, and produce Vitamin K.

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Meet Lactobacillus acidophilus

Lactobacillus acidophilus is an example of friendly bacteria found in our digestive tract. The word “acidophilus” in its scientific name gives us an idea that it is an acid-producing bacterium. It specifically produces lactic acid in the process of fermentation. By contributing acidity to the intestinal environment, the growth of harmful bacteria is suppressed. To keep us healthy, L. acidophilus and its friends have a continuous civil war to harmful bacteria. In exchange to their service, we provide them nourishment.

Lactobacillus acidophilus Decline

Sometimes, we perform actions that cause population decline of friendly bacteria like L. acidophilus in our digestive tract. These actions include oral antibiotic therapy, inadequate dietary fiber, chemotherapy, and ingestion of environmental toxins. An inadequate number of bacteria and an overgrowth of harmful bacteria can result to diarrhea, infection, and abnormal digestion.

Lactobacillus acidophilus in Probiotics

To restore the balance of good and bad bacteria in our system, we need to take probiotics. Probiotics are substances that contain beneficial bacteria like L. acidophilus. L. acidophilus can be found in capsule, liquid, powder, tablets, and suppositories. It can also be found in cultured dairy products like yogurt or kefir. Once these probiotic products are consumed, L. acidophilus begins to colonize the digestive tract.

Lactobacillus acidophilus Side Effects

Lactobacillus acidophilus side effects are uncommon. Most people take L. acidophilus without any problem. However, some people experience side effects including gas, flatulence, bloating, stomach discomfort, dizziness, flu-like symptoms (nausea & fever), and diarrhea. These side effects usually occur at the 1^st or 2^nd day of use of L. acidophilus but they will disappear in following days. Women who use L. acidophilus vaginally may experience itching in their vaginal lining. If the these side effects persist, seek medical help.

L. acidophilus can also trigger allergic reactions. Symptoms include skin rashes, itching, swelling (edema), diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, breathing difficulty, and anaphylactic shock. Seek medical help if you experience these allergy symptoms.

Take note that side effects can also be caused by other ingredients/contaminants of probiotics beside from live microorganisms. Always purchase probiotics from trusted and reliable producers.

Precautions on Using Lactobacillus acidophilus

L. acidophilus medications haven’t yet received FDA approval so ask your doctor first before using them.

People who have suppressed immune system due to disease or chemotherapy may not take L. acidophilus medications because they may not tolerate the bacteria leading to serious infection.

People with artificial heart valves are prevented in using L. acidophilus medications.

The safety of L. acidophilus supplements in pregnant women is not yet known. Thus, pregnant women should avoid L. acidophilus supplements.[ad#afterpost]

Although Ginkgo biloba offers a lot of health benefits, there are also possible side effects. There are reports of Ginkgo biloba side effects but their number is small to cause alarm. To prevent possible side effects, the usage of Ginkgo biloba products should be under the guidance and supervision of a qualified physician. Even if Ginkgo is a herbal medicine, it should be treated like any other drug because it contains bioactive compounds that can cause harm to the body.

Common Side Effects

The common side effects of ginkgo include dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, headache, gastrointestinal upset, palpitations, restlessness, and allergic reactions. If you experience these symptoms, stop using any ginkgo product and visit your doctor for medical advice. The doctor will tell you whether you need to stop using ginkgo or you need to lower the dosage.
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Allergic Reactions Symptoms

Many organic compounds have been isolated in ginkgo. Some of these compounds can trigger allergic reactions. Symptoms of ginkgo allergy include skin rashes, hives, swelling, itching, breathing difficulty, sneezing, breathing difficulty, and anaphylactic shock. Seek medical help if you experience these allergic reactions after using any ginkgo product. Special medical attention should be given to people with anaphylactic shock because of the fatality of this condition.

Allergens found in ginkgo are long-chain alkyphenols and urushiols. Urushiol, a potent allergen, is an oily poisonous irritant found in the resin and on the leaves and stems of poison ivy, lacquer tree, mango, and related plants. If you have a history of allergy to any of the mentioned plants, you are likely to experience adverse reactions when taking ginkgo products. In ginkgo seed, urushiol is found in the outer fleshy coating. When the coating is removed, the seed is safe to handle.

Sadly, the only solution for ginkgo allergy is avoidance of ginkgo products.

Ginkgo Toxicity

Eating raw seed of ginkgo in large quantities (over 5 seeds a day) can cause poisoning due to the presence of 4-methoxypyridoxine (MPN) in the seed’s gametophyte (meat). MPN, also called ginkgotoxin, can cause seizure and convulsion. Ginkgo leaf and leaf extract contain little MPN.

Ginkgo for Children and Pregnant Women

Ginkgo products should not be taken by children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers.

Interaction with Other Medications

Ginkgo can interact with other prescriptions and non-prescription medications by altering their effectiveness and metabolism within the body. Medications known to interact with ginkgo include anticonvulsants, antidepressants (SSRIs and MAOIs), antihypertensive medications, blood-thinning medications, cyclosporine, blood sugar-lowering medications, trazodone, and thiazide diuretics.

The effectiveness of anticonvulsant medications such as carbamazepine and valproic acid can be lessen when taken with ginkgo.

Ginkgo should not be taken with serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Celexa, Lexapro, Zoloft, Paxil, Luvox, and Prozac. Interaction of ginkgo and SSRIs can lead to potentially fatal serotonin syndrome.

Ginkgo can improve both the good and bad effects of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like Nardil. Hence, the two medications should not be taken together.

If you are taking antihypertensive medications, consult your doctor before using ginkgo. Ginkgo can lower blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels and physical characteristics of blood. It may reinforce the effects of antihypertensive medications resulting to dangerous drop in blood pressure. Ginkgo has been reported to interact with Procardia (nifedipine), a calcium blocker used for arrhythmias and high blood pressure.

Ginkgo reinforces the effects of anticoagulants or blood-thinners such as aspirin, clopidogrel, heparin, and warfarin. This can result to internal bleeding. People with bleeding disorder like hemophilia should not take ginkgo. You should discontinue taking ginkgo at least 36 hours before your scheduled surgery (including dental) to prevent bleeding complications.

Ginkgo can affect insulin secretion in people with diabetes. If you have diabetes, don’t take ginkgo without first consulting your doctor.

Ginkgo can interact with cyclosporine, thiazide, and trazodone medications. Talk to your doctor before using ginkgo with any of the three medications mentioned.

Additional Note

You may experience other ginkgo side effects other than those mentioned here. If it happens, discontinue using ginkgo and visit your doctor for advice.[ad#afterpost]

References and Further Reading

• Ginkgo biloba. University of Maryland Medical Center.
• Ginkgo. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.