Red Yeast Rice is a natural product that has been used by Asian traditional herbalists since approximately 800 A.D. Produced by fermenting Red Yeast (Monascus purpureus) with white rice, Red Yeast Rice is commonly used in cooking applications to enhance the color and flavor of foods. Protocol For Life Balance� Red Yeast Rice Extract is carefully produced to avoid the presence of citrinin, an unwanted by-product of the fermentation process.