Zeta Colest by Erbozeta is a dietary supplement that combines four herbal extracts with a long history of use in nutrition and traditional practice: extract of Berberis bark (titled in berberine), fermented red rice (Red Yeast Rice), milk thistle extract (titled in silymarin) and Guggul extract, in capsule form. It is aimed at adults who monitor their lipid levels (cholesterol, triglycerides) as part of a broader effort for a balanced diet and lifestyle.
Cholesterol is a lipid substance essential for the functioning of the organism, but when its levels (especially LDL, the so-called 'bad' cholesterol) exceed normal limits, it is considered one of the factors associated with cardiovascular health in the long term. For this reason, many adults with mildly elevated cholesterol levels or triglycerides—as determined by a blood test—seek, in consultation with their doctor, ways to monitor and support them alongside diet and exercise.
Extract of Berberis bark 400mg (of which 340mg berberine), extract of Red Yeast Rice 98mg (of which 2.9mg total monacolins), extract of milk thistle 87.5mg (of which 70mg silymarin), extract of Guggul 50mg (of which 1.3mg guggulsterones). Gluten-free, lactose-free, without coumarin.
Fermented red rice (Red Yeast Rice) is obtained from rice fermented with the fungus Monascus purpureus, a process that produces, among other substances, Monacolin K. Berberine is an alkaloid found in various plants, including Berberis, and is the subject of extensive scientific research regarding lipid metabolism. Milk thistle is a plant known mainly for its content of silymarin, a complex of flavonolignans traditionally associated with liver support—the organ that plays a central role in cholesterol metabolism. Guggul is a resin from the Commiphora wightii tree, with a long tradition of use in Ayurvedic practice.
Monacolin K is chemically identical to the active substance lovastatin, a drug in the statin category—it is not a non-pharmacological alternative, but a substance with pharmacological action similar to prescription drugs, through inhibition of the same enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) that statins target. The EFSA recognizes a health claim for Monacolin K from red rice only at a daily intake of at least 3mg, as a contribution to maintaining normal cholesterol levels. The composition of this product provides 2.9mg total monacolins per capsule, marginally below this threshold.
Berberine and Guggul do not currently have an approved health claim by the EFSA under Regulation (EC) 1924/2006—statements about possible mechanisms of action (e.g., in the liver or on LDL receptors) come from scientific studies and do not constitute an EFSA opinion, nor a guarantee of effect for every user. Milk thistle (silymarin) is registered as a traditional herbal medicinal product of plant origin by the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA)—this is a different legal status from EFSA's food health claims and does not mean that this specific product has received medicinal approval.
High cholesterol always requires diagnosis with a blood test and monitoring by a doctor. The product is not a substitute for drug therapy (such as statins) where this is necessary, nor a substitute for a balanced diet, exercise, or other lifestyle changes recommended by your doctor. Do not interrupt or modify medication without a doctor's instruction.
Should not be taken in case of hypersensitivity to any component. Not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Should not be taken by individuals under 18 or over 70 years old. Should not be taken concurrently with other products containing fermented red rice or statin drugs, due to the risk of cumulative effect. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
1 capsule per day, preferably in the late afternoon.
Store in a dry, cool environment up to 25°C, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.
For adults who, in consultation with their doctor, monitor mildly elevated cholesterol levels or triglycerides and seek complementary support along with diet and exercise.
No. Monacolin K has a similar action and risks as statins. High cholesterol always requires diagnosis and treatment by a doctor.
Not exactly—it provides 2.9mg per capsule, marginally below the limit.
Individuals under 18 or over 70 years old, pregnant, breastfeeding, and those already taking other products with fermented red rice or statins without medical advice.
Reg. No. EOP: 50819/12-5-2020. The registration number with EOP does not constitute a marketing authorization. * Health claim for Monacolin K approved by EFSA at a dose of 3mg/day. The other ingredients do not have an approved health claim by EFSA under Regulation (EC) 1924/2006.
Berberis bark from branches ext. tit. 85% in berberine, food gelatin, red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus) ext. tit. 3% in total monacolins, milk thistle fruit ext. tit. in 80% silymarin, Guggul oil-mastich resin ext. tit. 2.5% in guggulsterones, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium salts of fatty acids, silicon dioxide, colorants: E172, E133.
