Can You Take Kava and Red Yeast Rice Together?

Use extra care with this pair

The short answer

Both Kava and Red Yeast Rice have hepatotoxic potential. Kava causes hepatocellular damage via kavalactones, while Red Yeast Rice contains monacolin K (lovastatin) with statin-class liver toxicity risk.

How to arrange timing

Avoid combining these supplements. If using Red Yeast Rice for cholesterol management, do not add Kava. Monitor liver function if using either one.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Teschke R., Ann Intern Med 2010; Björnsson ES, Clin Liver Dis 2017; LiverTox (NIH/NLM)

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.