Red mold dioscorea: A potentially safe traditional function food for the treatment of hyperlipidemia

► We examine the red mold dioscorea (RMD) on increased risk of rhabdomyolysis. ► RMD was efficient in lowered total cholesterol and triglyceride. ► RMD did not result in any renal function and electrolyte balance abnormalities. ► RMD or RMD/lovastatin did not cause significant liver toxicity and rhabdomyolysis. ► RMD enriched with HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors may help prevent atherosclerosis.