Monascin is a kind of azaphilonoid pigments extracted from Monascus pilosus-fermented rice (red-mold rice). Monascin also exhibits anti-tumor-initiating activity and anti-inflammatory activity with oral administration. Monascin inhibits the activation of NOR 1 (an NO donor)[1][2].
Monascin (0.0025% in drinking water; mice) appears effective for the inhibition of UVB-initiated carcinogenesis on mouse skin[1]. Animal Model: SENCAR mouse using a UVB irradiation as an initiator and TPA as a promoter[1].
[1]. Akihisa T, et al. Anti-tumor-initiating effects of monascin, an azaphilonoid pigment from the extract of Monascus pilosus fermented rice (red-mold rice). Chem Biodivers. 2005 Oct;2(10):1305-9. [2]. Lee CL, et al. Monascus fermentation of dioscorea for increasing the production of cholesterol-lowering agent--monacolin K and antiinflammation agent--monascin. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2006 Oct;72(6):1254-62.