MONASCIN

Uses

Monascin is an azaphilonoid pigment extracted from Monascus pilosus-fermented rice (red-mold rice). Monascin also exhibits anti-tumor-initiating activity and anti-inflammatory activity with oral administration.

Definition

ChEBI: An organic heterotricyclic compound that is 3a,4,8,9a-tetrahydro-2H-furo[3,2-g][2]benzopyran-2,9(3H)-dione that is substituted at positions 3, 6, and 9a by hexanoyl, (1E)-prop-1-en-1-yl an methyl groups, respectively (the 3S,3aR,9aR diastereoisomer). One of the azaphilonoid pigments in extracts of Monascus pilosus-fermented rice (red-mould rice), it is a potent inhibitor of car inogenesis measured against chemical- or UV-initiated, phorbol-promoted mouse skin tumours.

Biochem/physiol Actions

Monascin is one of the azaphilonoid pigments in extracts of Monascus pilosus-fermented rice (red-mold rice). It is a potent inhibitor of carcinogenesis measured against chemical or UV initiated, phorbol-promoted mouse skin tumors.