A recent study published in the June 16, 2009 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine shows the efficacy of Red Yeast Rice in lowering cholesterol. 62 patients with elevated cholesterol levels and the side effect of myalgias while on statin therapy were randomized to 1800mg twice daily of red yeast rice or placebo. Patients were followed for 24 weeks. Red yeast rice significantly decreased LDL and total cholesterol compared to placebo and did not increase the incidence of myalgias over a 24 week period.