Juniperus oxycedrus (Juniperus oxycedrus)

Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)

The red juniper, also known as Red yeast rice, Red kojic rice, Red koji, Hong Qu Juin, Monascus albidus, Monascus anka, Monascus araneosus, Monascus major, Monascus rubiginosus and Monascus vini, is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the cypress family. It is native to southern Europe, northern Africa and the Asian continent. Its main characteristic is its light to dark red fruit, where the name 'red-fruited' is noticeable.

The uses of the red juniper are very diverse, but its wood is most often used for furniture and stoneware. Its fruits are used in the food industry, specifically as a spice, where it is more commonly known by the English name red koji. However, as the fruits of the red koji can be highly toxic, they should be consumed with caution. Another use is in traditional folk medicine, mainly in the Middle East and North Africa, where its antiseptic and antimicrobial properties are exploited. Beware, however, that consuming large doses can be harmful.

The broad spectrum of medicinal benefits of the redbud are also used in the pharmaceutical industry. It is from the juniper that a natural substance called monacolin K is obtained. It is attributed with positive effects on lowering blood cholesterol levels. This substance has thus become part of a number of commercially produced food supplements and medicines.