By the Zespo team · Updated 26 October 2026
Red yeast rice, known in China as hong qu, is ordinary rice that has been fermented with a red mould called Monascus purpureus. It has been used for more than a thousand years to colour and flavour foods such as Peking duck, rice wine and fermented tofu.
What is in red yeast rice?
The fermentation produces natural compounds called monacolins, along with the red pigments that give the rice its colour. Monacolin content varies widely with the strain and the fermentation process.
Quality matters
Poorly controlled fermentation can produce citrinin, an unwanted by-product. Reputable manufacturers test for it. Some formulas also add CoQ10; check the amount of each ingredient on the label.
Red yeast rice is not suitable for everyone. Speak to a doctor before use if you take any regular medication, are pregnant or nursing.
What to check before you buy
- The amount of each ingredient per serving, not just per capsule
- How many capsules make one serving and how many servings are in the pack
- Whether any ingredient sits inside an undisclosed "proprietary blend"
- An FSSAI licence number and the veg/non-veg mark on the pack
Label facts: Zespo Red Yeast Rice Extract with CoQ10 650 mg - 60 Capsules
- A two-ingredient formula providing 650 mg per capsule from 600 mg Red Yeast Rice Extract and 50 mg Coenzyme Q10
- Contains 60 capsules providing a 60-day supply
- Made in India in a GMP-certified facility, FSSAI-licensed
See Zespo Red Yeast Rice Extract with CoQ10 650 mg - 60 Capsules on zespo.in · Also on Amazon.in (search "Zespo").
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Zespo products are food supplements, not medicines. This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Take supplements as directed on the label and speak to a qualified healthcare professional if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition.
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