Red Yeast Rice Stimulates Bone Growth

KYUNGBOOK, KoreaBased on earlier work showing a possible benefits from red yeast rice statins on bone formation, scientists from Andong National University investigated the effect of red yeast (Monascus purpureus) rice powdered methanol extract on osteogenic function through osteoblast cell proliferation and differentiation. The study details were published in a recent issue of Nutrition Research journal (2010;30(7):501-10).

Their in vitro study measured mitochondrial enzyme activity to gauge osteoblact proliferation, and bone marker alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity to assess differentiation. Osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured in various concentrations of RYRP methanol extract (0.001-1 mg/mL) during the osteoblast differentiation period (1, 5, 10, and 15 days). The red yeast extract stimulated cell proliferation during a 24-hour period, compared to cooked white rice powder extract, with the most pronounced effect observed at the concentration range between 0.075 and 0.1 mg/mL. Researchers noted the effects were seen during the entire osteogenic period.

Similarly, cellular (synthesized) ALP activity was increased at an extract concentration of 0.075 mg/mL during 15 days of culture, but the medium (secreted) ALP activity did not show any significant change. Researchers confirmed this cellular ALP activity stimulation using staining of ALP activity on cell matrix layers for matrix calcification.

They concluded the data suggests red yeast rice powdered extract may increase bone formation by stimulating cell proliferation and ALP activity in osteoblastic cells.