*5.1. Rhodotorula* sp.

Rhodotorula a pigment-producing yeasts from division Basidiomycota are capable of synthesizing carotenoid pigments. Other species such as *R. gracilis*, *R. rubra* and *R. graminis* are also capable of producing pigments. The main compounds produced by *Rhodotorula glutinis* (red yeasts) are torulene and torularhodin, with a minute quantity of β-carotene [96,97].

A toxicological evaluation of *R. gracilis* CFR-1, using acute doses in freeze-dried form at 0.5–6.0 g/kg of body weight (*w*/*w*), did not show any toxic symptoms or mortality in adult rats. Dietary intake at low concentrations of 0.1–2.0% level (*w*/*w*) for 14 weeks did not induce any significant change in food intake and body weight gain in experimental rats compared to control animals [56,57].

Toxicity studies of β-carotene, torulene and torularhodin produced by *R. glutinis* conducted on rats demonstrated that they can be used as safe food additives. Dry powdered *R. glutinis* NCIM 3353 yeast biomass was added to the fodder of rats. The rats had protective effects against precancerous lesions of the liver induced by N-nitrosodimethylamine [98].
