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

Feng Yanli; Yu Xiang

doi:10.3389/fmicb.2020.606959

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

Front Microbiol. 2020 Nov 25:11:606959. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.606959. eCollection 2020.

Authors

Feng Yanli^{1

2

3

4}, Yu Xiang^{1

2

3

4}

Affiliations

¹ Hubei Key Laboratory of Edible Wild Plants Conservation and Utilization, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi, China.
² Hubei Engineering Research Center of Typical Wild Vegetables Breeding and Comprehensive Utilization Technology, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi, China.
³ National Demonstration Center for Experimental Biology Education, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi, China.
⁴ College of Life Sciences, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi, China.

Abstract

Monacolin K (MK) is a secondary metabolite of the Monascus species that can inhibit cholesterol synthesis. Functional red mold rice (FRMR) is the fermentation product of Monascus 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.

Keywords: Monascus spp.; application; functional ingredients; functional red mold rice; monacolins; production.