monascin monascin: a pigment isolated from Monascus pilosus fermented rice; has antineoplastic activity; structure in first source. monascin : An organic heterotricyclic compound that is 3a,4,8,9a-tetrahydro-2H-furo[3,2-g][2]benzopyran-2,9(3H)-dione that is substituted at positions 3, 6, and 9a by hexanoyl, (1E)-prop-1-en-1-yl and methyl groups, respectively (the 3S,3aR,9aR diastereoisomer). One of the azaphilonoid pigments in extracts of Monascus pilosus-fermented rice (red-mould rice), it is a potent inhibitor of carcinogenesis measured against chemical- or UV-initiated, phorbol-promoted mouse skin tumours. | 2.13 | 1 | 0 | alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone; gamma-lactone; organic heterotricyclic compound; polyketide | antilipemic drug; antineoplastic agent; fungal metabolite; PPARgamma agonist |