Ankaflavin

PhytochemicalMonascus pigment

What is it

Ankaflavin is a yellow pigment of the monascin (azaphilone) family produced by the mold Monascus purpureus, the same organism used to make red yeast rice. It is one of the secondary metabolites contributing to the color of red yeast rice products.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Lipid / metabolic effects

Mixed Evidence

Animal data suggest mild lipid and glucose modulation. No isolated-ankaflavin human trials support clinical use.

How it works

Ankaflavin has shown anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and modest lipid-lowering activity in cell and animal studies. It does not significantly inhibit HMG-CoA reductase the way the monacolin K (lovastatin-like) component of red yeast rice does. In animal models it has shown some glucose-lowering and weight-modulating effects, but human clinical data for isolated ankaflavin is essentially absent. Most red yeast rice clinical evidence relates to its monacolin K content rather than ankaflavin specifically.

Dosage

There is no established dose. DSLD label data does not provide a usable median. Isolated ankaflavin is rare on commercial supplement labels.

When and how to take it

No evidence-based timing guidance.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Red yeast rice (contains ankaflavin among other pigments)

Practical source of ankaflavin exposure in supplements.

Embedded in a complex fermentation matrix.

Safety

Safety data on isolated ankaflavin in humans is limited. Red yeast rice products as a whole can be contaminated with the nephrotoxic mycotoxin citrinin, and may cause statin-like side effects via monacolin K, but these are distinct from ankaflavin itself.

Who should be cautious

Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety unknown. Anyone considering red yeast rice products should review them as statin-containing rather than as ankaflavin sources.

Interactions

No clinically established interactions for isolated ankaflavin. Red yeast rice products containing monacolin K interact with statins, fibrates, grapefruit juice, and CYP3A4 substrates.

Food sources

Red yeast rice (Monascus-fermented)

Amount
Variable
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is ankaflavin the same as the statin in red yeast rice?⌄

No. Ankaflavin is a yellow pigment. The statin-like cholesterol-lowering activity of red yeast rice comes from monacolin K (lovastatin).

References

Ankaflavin on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Ankaflavin (PubChem CID 15294091) — PubChem link

Ankaflavin on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Ankaflavin (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Ankaflavin with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store
Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.