Monascin is a kind of azaphilonoid pigments extracted from Monascus pilosus-fermented rice (red-mold rice). Monascin also exhibits anti-tumor-initiating activity and anti-inflammatory activity with oral administration. Monascin inhibits the activation of NOR 1 (an NO donor)^[1][2]. In Vivo: Monascin (0.0025% in drinking water; mice) appears effective for the inhibition of UVB-initiated carcinogenesis on mouse skin^[1].