Bioactive activity and safety analysis of Monascus red biopigment

This study focuses on the identification and characterization of bioactive components and mycotoxins in Monascus red biopigment in order to prove its health beneficial attributes and safety as a biocolorant. The total phenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannin contents were observed within the range of 3.25–62.70 μgGAE/g, 2.20–52.04 μgQUE/g, and 2.59–30.18 μgCE/g of a sample in 1 μg/mL to 640 μg/mL concentrations of red biopigment, respectively. The iron-chelating activity of red biopigment was additionally observed to vary from 2.44-67.15 μg, which was equivalent to the EDTA with an increasing biopigment concentration from 1μg/mL to 640μg/mL. The extracted biopigment was found to be citrinin-free via the HPLC analysis. Moreover, the aflatoxin content in the biopigment was recorded within permissible limits. The Monascus red biopigment has a significant number of bioactive properties, such as antioxidants and ion scavenging components. The present investigation would significantly boost the use of Monascus natural biopigment as potential bio-colorants in the production of natural, healthy, and non-toxic foods.