*4.6. Talaromyces purpureogenus*

*Talaromyces purpureogenus* (basionym: *Penicillium purpureogenum*), is capable of producing yellow and red pigments under submerged fermentation. Pigments from *T. purpureogenus* CFRM02 are non toxic to *Artemia franciscana* (brine shrimp). In a single-dose acute toxicity study, (50, 300, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg body weight) conducted on female Wistar rats, there was no evidence of adverse effects on body weight and mortality after 14 days. Subacute studies (250–1000 mg/kg body weight) showed no significant changes in food intake, body weight gain and relative weight of vital organs after 28 days. Furthermore, a histopathological examination of the liver and kidney was normal. There were no significant changes in serum enzyme activities in the treated and control groups (acute and subacute). Safety efficacy of the pigment from *T. purpureogenus* CFRM02 is suggested for application in food and nutraceuticals [53]. This potential strain has resulted in in-depth studies of some strains of Talaromyces species, viz., *Talaromyces aculeatus*, *T. funiculosum*, *T. pinophilus* and *T. purpurogenum*. They are capable of producing *Monascus*-like polyketide azaphilone pigments, with or without coproducing citrinin or any other known mycotoxins [83].
