AUTHOR=Yanli Feng , Xiang Yu 

TITLE=Perspectives on Functional Red Mold Rice: Functional Ingredients, Production, and Application

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Microbiology

VOLUME=11

YEAR=2020

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2020.606959

DOI=10.3389/fmicb.2020.606959

ISSN=1664-302X

ABSTRACT=<p>Monacolin K (MK) is a secondary metabolite of the <italic>Monascus</italic> species that can inhibit cholesterol synthesis. Functional red mold rice (FRMR) is the fermentation product of <italic>Monascus</italic> spp., which is rich in MK. FRMR is usually employed to regulate serum cholesterol, especially for hypercholesterolemic patients who refuse statins or face statin intolerance. The present perspective summarized the bioactive components of FRMR and their functions. Subsequently, efficient strategies for FRMR production, future challenges of FRMR application, and possible directions were proposed. This perspective helps to understand the present situation and developmental prospects of FRMR.</p>