What are some benefits of taking red yeast rice and coenzyme Q10?

The benefits of taking red yeast rice include lowering cholesterol and protecting the heart, while coenzyme Q10 works as an antioxidant and digestive aid, explains WebMD. Both supplements are used for other purposes, but scientific evidence does not support their use as a cure or treatment for serious conditions.

People who use CoQ10 believe it helps improve muscle function during exercise and improves the immune system, and it is used as a secondary cancer treatment and to relieve heart failure symptoms, according to WebMD. Research shows that red yeast rice may combat liver disease, diabetes and high blood pressure, although the evidence is not conclusive. However, CoQ10 potentially keeps a cancer medication called doxorubicin from damaging the heart. Further research, as of 2015, is needed to substantiate these claims.

Studies concerning CoQ10 and cancer research show that cancer patients sometimes lack CoQ10, and women who take CoQ10 while undergoing treatment for breast cancer show improvement, states WebMD. People who take red yeast rice for approximately four years have decreased levels of low-density lipoprotein or LDL, total cholesterol and triglycerides. HIV patients with high triglyceride levels caused by the disease also seem to have reduced cholesterol and triglyceride levels when the supplement is taken by mouth. There is insufficient evidence that red yeast rice helps prevent heart attacks.