Selective production, relationship and controversy between Monascus pigments and citrinin

Monascus pigments (MPs) are a series of high-quality natural edible pigments produced by Monascus spp. , which possess a variety of biological functions such as antioxidation, antibacterial, regulating cholesterol, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and antitumor. MPs have been widely used in food, medicine, cosmetics, chemical and dyes industries as functionally active ingredients. However, a mycotoxin named citrinin produced by some strains of Monascus restricts the application of MPs. It is proposed that there was a confusing relationship between the biosynthesis of MPs and citrinin. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the relationship can be used to develop strategies aimed at a selective production of MPs. In the present review, the discovery of MPs and citrinin, and common-used strategies for regulating their production are sorted. The possible links and controversies on synthetic pathways and productions between MPs and citrinin are also proposed and discussed. We hope this review contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between the biosynthesis of MPs and citrinin.