Monascus pigments (MPs) have been increasingly popular due to their natural color and bioactive properties, including anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. In this study, the antioxidant capacities of the four MPs monomers -ankaflavin (AK), monacorubrin (MB), monacin (MS), and rubropunctamine (RP) - were systematically evaluated using chemical assays. MB exhibited the most potent antioxidant activity. At a concentration of 0.50 mg/mL, MB demonstrated a DPPH radical scavenging rate of 56.14 ± 0.90% and a total antioxidant capacity of 2.16 ±...
