Abstract: AIM: To investigate the effect of monascus purpureus fermented rice ( MR) on alcohol-fatty liver model in quails. METHODS: A fatty liver model was established in quails, then the lipid levels of the models were tested in both plasma and liver, and the examination in the pathological-histology of liver was conducted. RESULTS: 1. 6 g·kg^-1·d^-1 of MR given orally for 20 d significantly decreased TC, TG and LDL ( P < 0. 01) in serum, and TC, TG in liver of quails. 0. 8 g· kg^-1·d^-1 of MPFR also decreased TC and LDL in serum ( P <0. 05) and TC in liver ( P <0. 01). MR lowered the rate of liver fatty degeneration with a dose-dependent manner and reduced the degree of liver fatty degeneration. CONCLUTION: MR shows a therapeutic efficacy on alcoholic fatty liver model in quails, suggesting that it may be used as a kind drug or a kind of health food in prevention or treatment of patients with fatty liver.

Key words: monascus rice, blood lipid, fatty liver