Lack of Carcinogenicity of Monascus Colour in Fischer 344 Rats

Abstract

Monascus colour (MC) was administered to groups of 50 male and 50 female F344/DuCrj rats at levels of 2.5 and 1.25% in diets for 108 weeks. The results of urine and serum analysis, hematological determinations, and histological studies show that there was no significant difference between test and control rats. The incidence of spontaneous tumour was similar between test and control group. It was concluded that MC does not induce tumours when given orally to F334/DuCrj rats for 108 weeks.