Investigation Finds Puberulic Acid Derived from Blue Mold Caused Kidney Damage

According to reports by The Asahi Shimbun and other local media outlets, an investigation found that the substance causing the damage in the health supplement “Hong-guk” (red yeast) made by Japan’s Kobayashi Pharmaceutical was puberulic acid derived from blue mold.

The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare announced that puberulic acid derived from blue mold appears to have caused kidney damage in victims who consumed the product. In addition to puberulic acid, two other compounds were found in the product in question, but no kidney toxicity was confirmed in these individuals.

Manufacturer Criticized for Delayed Recall and Lack of Transparency

Kobayashi Pharmaceutical was aware of the damage caused by the health supplement containing red yeast in January. However, the recall was belatedly implemented in March, and the manufacturer was criticized for not providing the exact names of the companies that supplied the problematic red yeast ingredient as a raw material to 52 food and pharmaceutical manufacturers.

As of the 15th of this month, 120 people have died after consuming the company’s products. A female victim in her 40s living in Osaka expressed her anxiety, saying, “My kidney function test results are lower than those of my 70-year-old mother. I may need dialysis in the future.”

What is Hong-gyu?

Hong-gyu is made by fermenting rice and other ingredients with red yeast mold, turning them red, and is known to have cholesterol-decomposing effects. Kobayashi Pharmaceutical launched a health supplement called ‘Hong-gyu Cholesterol Help’ using Hong-gyu in 2021, and about 1.1 million units have been sold to date.