NComb-induced amelioration of lipid profile was not affected by duration of supplementation nor by baseline lipid levels ; conversely , a greater glucose-lowering effect of NComb was found with higher baseline glucose levels and longer duration s of supplementation .
In conclusion , the present results suggest that NComb supplementation is associated with improvement of lipid and glucose profile .
Short-term beneficial effects of NComb supplementation appear to be maintained in the long term
Dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia are associated with an increased risk of  ischemic cardiovascular disease .
Positive effects of a nutraceutical combination comprising red yeast rice , berberine , policosanol , astaxanthin , coenzyme Q10 and folic acid ( NComb ) on plasma lipid and glucose levels have been reported in some but not all clinical trials .
To address this inconsistency , we tried to estimate the size of lipid- and glucose-lowering effects of NComb through a systematic review and meta- analysis of r and omized controlled trials .
Efficacy and Tolerability of a Nutraceutical Combination (Red Yeast Rice, Policosanols, and Berberine) in Patients with Low-Moderate Risk Hypercholesterolemia: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Background Statins are at the forefront of strategies to manage hypercholesterolemia . However 10 % to 15 % of patients are intolerant to any statin drugs , even at low daily doses and almost one-third of statin users discontinue therapy within 1 year . Some nutraceuticals are prescribed as lipid-lowering substances , but doubts remain about their efficacy and tolerability . Objectives We aim ed to investigate the efficacy and the safety of a nutraceutical combination consisting mainly of 200 mg red yeast rice extract ( equivalent to 3 mg monacolins ) , 500 mg berberine , and 10 mg policosanols ( MBP-NC ) in patients with low-moderate risk hypercholesterolemia . Methods In this single centre , r and omized , double-blind , placebo-controlled study 60 consecutive out patients ( 29 men and 31 women ; age range = 18–60 years ) , with newly diagnosed primary hypercholesterolemia not previously treated , after a run-in period of 3 weeks on a stable hypolipidic diet , were r and omized to receive a pill of MBP-NC ( n = 30 ) or placebo ( n = 30 ) once a day after dinner , in addition to the hypolipidic diet . The efficacy and the tolerability of the proposed nutraceutical treatment were fully assessed after 4 , 12 , and 24 weeks of treatment . Results In the MBP-NC group both total cholesterol and LDL-C already showed a significant reduction at Week 4 ( –30.3 % ± 33.9 % and –29.4 % ± 35.3 % , respectively ) that remained substantially unchanged at Week 12 ( –26.7 % ± 33.1 % and –25.6 % ± 31.5 % , respectively ) and at Week 24 ( –24.6 % ± 32.1 % and –23.7 % ± 32.6 % , respectively ) . The between-groups differences were significant at all time points for both total cholesterol and LDL-C. There were no significant changes in HDL-C , fasting glucose , and triglyceride serum levels in either group . MBP-NC  was also safe and well tolerated . Conclusions In patients with low- to moderate-risk hypercholesterolemia  a nutraceutical combination in association with a hypolipidic diet  significantly reduced total cholesterol and LDL-C levels and may favor the reaching the recommended cholesterol targets . Clinical Trials.gov identifier : NCT02078167
NComb-induced amelioration of lipid profile was not affected by duration of supplementation nor by baseline lipid levels ; conversely , a greater glucose-lowering effect of NComb was found with higher baseline glucose levels and longer duration s of supplementation .
In conclusion , the present results suggest that NComb supplementation is associated with improvement of lipid and glucose profile .
Short-term beneficial effects of NComb supplementation appear to be maintained in the long term
Dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia are associated with an increased risk of  ischemic cardiovascular disease .
Positive effects of a nutraceutical combination comprising red yeast rice , berberine , policosanol , astaxanthin , coenzyme Q10 and folic acid ( NComb ) on plasma lipid and glucose levels have been reported in some but not all clinical trials .
To address this inconsistency , we tried to estimate the size of lipid- and glucose-lowering effects of NComb through a systematic review and meta- analysis of r and omized controlled trials .