Monascus Pigment: A Versatile Fungal Pigment
Introduction
Pigments is defined as a organic compounds that give a characteristic color to plant or animal tissues and is involved in critical processes. Chlorophyll in plant (photosynthesis) and hemoglobin present in Red blood cells (oxygen transportation) are examples of pigment. Variety of color pigments produced by organisms is also known as biological pigment or bichromes. Pigments from plants and animals have been obtaining since long time ago, and used as natural colorants in many industries including food, pharmaceutical, medicine, and textile. In addition, many microbial pigments used as folk medicine in china and Japan (Lin, T.F et al 1992). Van Tieghem in 1884 first reported the
Introduction
Pigments is defined as a organic compounds that give a characteristic color to plant or animal tissues and is involved in critical processes. Chlorophyll in plant (photosynthesis) and hemoglobin present in Red blood cells (oxygen transportation) are examples of pigment. Variety of color pigments produced by organisms is also known as biological pigment or bichromes. Pigments from plants and animals have been obtaining since long time ago, and used as natural colorants in many industries including food, pharmaceutical, medicine, and textile. In addition, many microbial pigments used as folk medicine in china and Japan (Lin, T.F et al 1992). Van Tieghem in 1884 first reported the