Evidence supporting the use of: Red yeast rice
For the health condition: Angina

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Red yeast rice has a long history of use in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it has been employed for centuries to promote cardiovascular health and to "invigorate the blood," a concept roughly analogous to improving circulation and heart function. In TCM theory, it is sometimes recommended for chest discomfort or symptoms that may correspond to angina, although the traditional understanding and terminology differ from Western medical definitions.

Modern scientific studies have primarily focused on red yeast rice’s ability to lower cholesterol levels due to its content of monacolin K, a compound chemically identical to the statin drug lovastatin. While lowering cholesterol is a key strategy in reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, which can lead to angina, there are very few direct clinical studies evaluating red yeast rice specifically for angina treatment or symptom relief. Most scientific work supports its use for hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol), which is a risk factor for angina, but not for acute or chronic angina itself.

In summary, while there is some historical precedent for using red yeast rice in the context of symptoms that may overlap with angina, and while its lipid-lowering effects are scientifically validated, there is limited direct evidence supporting its use specifically for angina. As such, its use for angina is primarily justified by tradition rather than robust scientific validation.

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