Marilou L. Vicente-tablizo | Gerallene Mae F. Alcarde | Alejli Anne C. Sinoy
Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of mortality. The study aims to determine the lipid profile lowering activity of the formulated capsule from locally cultivated Red Yeast (Monascus purpureus) Rice (RYR) containing monacolin K, a potential inhibitor of HMG-CoA reductase. The parameters include the triglycerides, High Density Lipoprotein and Low Density Lipoprotein. There were 12 hyperlipidemic rabbits used and divided into placebo, simvastatin (10 mg) and RYR groups. Baseline data was recorded prior to cholesterol induction after 7 days followed by administration of the drugs. Blood extraction for post treatment analysis was performed after 14 days from the first day of cholesterol induction. The findings revealed that the formulated capsule of RYR, with the dose of 0.8 g/kg/day, showed decreased levels of triglyceride and LDL. Dependent t-test analysis at 0.05 level of significance revealed no significant increase in the HDL levels while a significant decrease in triglyceride and LDL levels. This means it has a potential activity as antihyperlipidemic agent.